From the Desk of the Commander

Greetings Comrades!

My how our Michigan summers seem to fly by! I hope everyone is doing well and is in good spirits. We are doing a lot of great things at Post 2144! We have our annual Picnic on the 10^th, this year it is open to members of all the organizations that meet at Henry Walters Post 2144. We are all brothers and sisters so let’s celebrate together! This year’s silent and live auction will benefit the Building Fund so we can replace one of our roof mounted coolers. Maria and Vicki work magic in our kitchen and we want to make sure that they can continue. Starting the Sunday after the Picnic, we will be open for NFL Sundays! *Times will vary depending on what time the Lions are scheduled, to keep us on the edge of our seats, that week.* We will keep everyone updated.  We also have our 4^th Annual Trunk or Treat with the Veterans coming up on October 29th. This has been a huge hit in Holland, attracting over 1,000 kids before COVID. After that we will have the Halloween Party and shared Birthday bash for Clara Hochstetler and myself!

I’d like to thank our amazing team of volunteers that make everything we do at the Post possible. I already mentioned Maria and Vicki, but Adrienne, Gunny Lopez, the Peterson’s, Keith and Kathy, Veronica and Laurence, our canteen associates…and so many others that I am sure I forgot. Post 2144 wouldn’t be the best Post in Michigan if it wasn’t for you.

As always, our meetings are on the 2^ndThursday of each month. Next up are September 8th and October 13^th.  I’d like to thank the members that regularly attend and encourage others to do so. If you can’t make it, please contact me and we will see if a ZOOM meeting is possible.

Garrett Dickey

Post Commander

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From the Desk of the Auxiliary President

I hope everyone is well and enjoyed their Summer.

We would like to thank those who donated Cleaning Supplies for the National Home and School Supplies for the raffle baskets. It is much appreciated. As we learn of new opportunities for donations, we will publish that on the Facebook page. If we know early enough, we will have them in the newsletter.

The Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen & the Patriotic Art Scholarships topics have been announced. Voice of Democracy (9th -12th grade) topic is "Why is the Veteran Important?”. The Patriots Pen (6th - 8^thgrade) topic is "My Pledge to our Veterans”. The entry deadline for Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen is October 31st. There is also The Patriotic Art Contest (9th -12th grade) which has two opportunities this year, a two-dimensional (on canvas or paper) category and a three-dimensional (pottery, sculpture, wood, metal, fabric, etc.) category. This artwork needs to express Patriotism and you need to include a 250 word or less explanation of the Patriotism expressed. The Patriotic Art Contest deadline is March 31, 2023. We do have some applications at the Post on the Auxiliary table at the front door for all scholarships, if you see any missing, please let me know and I can get more. You can also access the applications online at www.vfwauxmi.org.

We still have a need for additional workers to help with Bingo on Monday and Wednesday nights. Even one night a month would be a great help.

Our upcoming meetings are Thursday September 8th; Thursday October 13th at 7:00, all members are welcome! We would love to get your input!

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the picnic on September 10th!

Laura Kinne

Auxiliary President                                                                           

                                                                               

Veterans and Family Support 

It’s that time again – Back to School for the children. That means falls not far behind. We haven’t lost anyone this past two months, which is great! Hope to see everyone at the Picnic. This is always a great time.

Ellen Robinson

Membership

Dues are coming in, get yours in if you haven’t already. They are $25 or pay for life and forget about it. What a great feeling!

Ellen Robinson                                                                                     

Dads Post 132

DADs State Convention at Otsego Post on Sept 17^that 1pm. Next Post meeting on Oct 1^st at 10am. I hope to see a good turn out!

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.

   Marine Corps League meets the Third Saturday of each month at 10am.  Everyone is welcomed to attend.                

 

 

Officers and Contact Info

Post: (616)392-2144

Commander:   Garrett Dickey (937)570-8254

Senior Vice:   Michael Mennes (616)402-3502

Junior Vice:   Adam Cameron (309)212-1148

Quartermaster:  Robin Bailey (616)994-2239

Chaplain:   Ken Vanderwall (616)212-7570

Auxiliary President:  Laura Kinne (616)283-9565

Auxiliary Treasurer:  Nancy Vredeveld (616)422-1403

Honor Guard:  Bob Van Dyke (269)751-8858

 

Social Media

Website: VFW2144.org

Facebook:   Facebook.com/VFWPost2144Holland

Instagram: VFWPost2144