From the Post Commander

  It seems amazing that the holiday season is just about on us.  It’s cooling off, we’re digging out jackets and I just ordered my holiday fruitcake!  I know that all of you are making preparations for the cold weather and the holiday.

   Our Veterans Day Ribeye Steak Fry is November 9^th this year and it will also feature the Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony, which is one of my favorites, of course.  Our special guest will be Department Chaplain Jennifer Smith, former Army Chaplain. Tickets are available at the bar so get yours soon.

  We need to be moving forward more on our membership.  I’ve said it before—you probably all know a Veteran who qualifies for membership.  Just imagine what would happen if every member was to sign up a new member.  On that note, December 14^th we will have a Membership and Benefits table at the Holland Civic Center for the huge craft show.  We hope to meet some new members that day.

   The building project is in full swing.  It looks like it is going to turn out great.  When it is finished, we will step back and admire it then decide what do we do next. All ideas are welcome and will be considered so make sure you come to a meeting and bring them up.

   Be sure to sign up your favorite child under 12 years of age for our Annual Kid’s Christmas Party.  It will be at 12 Noon on December 21^stwhile our Ugly Sweater party will be that evening at 7pm.  Then on December 31^st we will have our New Year’s Eve party.  More information and tickets will be available soon.

   At Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is important that we remember those who are less fortunate.  If you know of a family that would benefit from a Thanksgiving or Christmas basket, please let me know so we can make plans to help.

  It’s been a great year, but we still have much to do.  Membership, building improvements, community service, these things and more are what makes us one of the best VFW Posts in Michigan and we must continue to improve on these things constantly.  Come to the meetings, volunteer to help wherever you can, reach out to members who you know need help, and come in and enjoy YOUR Post.  Thanks to all the volunteers who make us who we are every day!

Mike Martin

Post Commander

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From the Auxiliary President

   Hello Auxiliary Brothers and Sisters!  Hope everyone had a great summer!  Welcome to all our new and transfer members.  Hope to see you at our next meeting.  Our meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7pm.  I know everyone has a busy schedule but please try to attend the meetings.  We would like to hear from you.

   Thank you to Maria and Timmie Cantu for your help with the National President’s Luncheon.

   We need help with Bingo night.  Monday and Wednesday 6-9pm.  If you want to help give us a call or stop by.

   Don’t forget to pay your dues if you haven’t already.

Elisa Blauwkamp

                                                                                                                                           

Veterans and Family Support

   Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the friends and family of Glenna Fogg who passed away July 29^th.

   Get well wishes to Sylvia Tanis who had surgery mid-October.  The best to her and a special prayer for our military personnel who are in harms way.  Keep them in your prayers.

Membership

   Let’s welcome our newest members:  Tara Kudsin, Timotea Cantu, Russ Hopkins, Vicky Trumble, Beverly Hollis, Connie Hulst and Tonya Dietz.

Ellen Robinson

Veterans and Family Support/Membership

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Dad’s Post 132

   Our next Post meeting is Saturday November 2^ndat 10am at the VFW Post.   We’ll get information from the Dad’s National Meeting in Ohio.  Hope to have a good turnout.

Chaplain

   Sent sympathy cards to Thomas Fierro—his wife passed away.  Also, to Carlos Fierro—his mother passed away.  Russ Hambley passed, and I gave his wife and family a Bible at their church. 

  Called Al Vande Vusse—still in pain, please keep him in your prayers.

   Sent Speedy Recovery cards to George Santigo (knee replacement).  Also, to Bob Elliott, Larry Lee and Dave Kiebel.

   Sent thinking of you cards to Artie Orozco and All Vande Vusse.

   Sent a birthday card to Tony Speed on his 100^th Birthday.

Hondo Robinson

Meeting Reminders

   Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 73 meets the 2^nd Tuesday of every month at 7pm.  All Vietnam Veterans are welcome.

   Vet to Vet support group meets every Wednesday from 630 to 730pm.  Veterans of every era are welcome to attend.

                                                                                                                                           

Club Manager

   First, we would like to thank Jim Wilson for serving as our Club Manager for the last 8 months.  Thank you for your organizational skills and new ideas to our Post.  And thank you to Maria and Timmie Cantu for stepping up in the club and kitchen.  They have been doing a great job.

   We have been busy!  The 2 bathrooms in the big bar have been stripped out and by the time you get this the Men’s restroom will be tiled and the we will finish the Lady’s in another week or so.  908 square feet of tile is a lot of tiles!  A huge thank you to Habitat for Humanity for stripping the 2 rooms of all tiles.  Also, to Richard Meckley, Denny Brown, and Mark Weatherwax for putting the new tiles up. They are going to look fantastic.

   The Canteen and Kitchen are doing great.  October will be our best month of the year after Tulip Time. Food sales continue to grow and now make up about 40% or our sales.  Timmie, Lisa, Maria, Jerry, Lupe, Vicky, Francisco, Marine Corps League, Lawrence, Veronica and Kathy C have all been creating lots of great food.  We can always use some more volunteers to help in the kitchen.

  We have approximately 345 Post members and 326 Auxiliary members. It would be so great to see more of you come in and enjoy your Post.  We are working hard to make your Post a great place to relax and enjoy and inexpensive meal.

Vern Blauwkamp

 

 

Officers and Contact Info

Post: (616)392-2144

Commander:   Mike Martin (616)594-9151

Senior Vice:   Jenna Schaub (231)649-1745

Junior Vice:   Adam Cameron (309)212-1148

Quartermaster:  Garrett Dickey (937)570-8254

Chaplain:   Hondo Robinson (616)644-3300

Auxiliary President:  Lisa Blauwkamp (269)206-1810

Auxiliary Treasurer:  Nancy Vredeveld (616)422-1403

Honor Guard:  Harold Kuipers (616)886-0462