News

Quartermaster’s March Update

By Harold Rodenberger

 

A recent health scare reminded me that I’m mortal. Like most people, I know in my head that I will die, but this event brought awareness to the depths of my heart, that I WILL die, perhaps soon.

 

What to think and do at a time like this?

 

As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realize that accumulating things is less important than doing what I can to better the lives of my family, my VFW family and others in my community. A life-threatening event like this reinforces those feelings.

 

Most of us in the VFW have long-lasting memories and even friendships dating from when we served our country in a war zone. As we get older, we might let those guide us in helping the soldiers of our generation and others who came before or after. We share a common bond that should bridge personal, and even political, differences allowing us to do as much as we can to help others, particularly our comrades in arms and their families.

 

As for me, for as many days as I have left in this life, I resolve to do as much as possible to repay previous kindnesses, help those needing help, share my good fortune with others and “pay forward” (as the current slogan goes) the help I’ve received over the years.

 

Speaking of forward, let’s look forward to the coming season.

 

The ides of March soon will be upon us. Instead of a warning, I like to think of the day as a harbinger of the outdoor time of the year. Urging us to draw in a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the lengthening days and break out of the doldrums of winter.

 

Our post has exciting plans, including some new and some old events that will motivate you to attend:

  • Another American Flag retirement ceremony, this one on Flag Day, June 14, 2017.
  • Another shredder party if there is enough interest. Let me know if you have papers to shred.
  • More visitations to the VA and other hospitals and homes.
  • A special fund raiser for our post relief fund.
  • Another care package assembly and packing party.
  • Fresh new menus and interesting guest speakers during our social nights.
  • Special Memorial Day activities.

 

This month brings first nominations of officers with second nominations and elections next month, Good officers make a good post. Help us elect the best.

 

Chef Kay will cook corned beef and the trimmings for this month’s social. It’s the day before St. Patrick’s Day so plan to attend and celebrate the occasion.

 

Beginning this month, we will host a weekly yoga class for our members and families. Sharon Jenson, long-time student of yoga, has retired from her practice as a physician and now teaches yoga. She has advanced qualifications for working with veterans and their families. Please wear loose fitting clothing, bring a small blanket to cushion your knees and a yoga mat if you have one.  If you would like to try yoga but can’t easily get on and off the floor, please come anyway.  We will have chairs and adaptations available for you.

 

We welcome you to Sharon’s classes each Wednesday morning beginning March 22 from 8 to 9 a.m. in our hall.

 

Active members are the backbone of this post. Please join in and make our backbone stronger.

 

Please complete post fundraising survey!

Post leadership wants to focus on holding one fundraising event a year. Fundraising events are beneficial to the post but with too many events planned by a small number of people, it becomes a chore for those involved. Please fill out this online survey to choose what type of fundraising event you prefer.

 

https://goo.gl/forms/9ZAsPjorQnCsCYVO2 

 

Want to be involved in the planning of a fundraiser? Attend the post business meetings on the first Thursday of the month. Thank you for your participation!

 

 

 

Post adopts Boy Scout Troop 80, donates $200 for camping gear

By Gail Engler

 

Post 3063 has adopted Boy Scout Troop 80 in Magnolia. We plan to work with them to sponsor an Eagle Scout for the VFW’s Scout of the Year program.

 

Boy scout donation
Post 3063 Service Officer, Gail Engler, presents a $200 donation to Troop 80.

Post 3063 member Elizabeth Servey and her husband Brian are Boy Scout Leaders for Troop 80 so this is why we chose to sponsor this particular troop since we already had a relationship with them through Elizabeth. Roger Wiley is the Scout Master for Troop 80.

 

The Serveys have two boys, Andrew and James, who belong to Troop 80. James and Andrew and other Scouts and Girl Scouts have participated with Post 3063 members when we visited patients at the VA hospitals so we already have a good working relationship with Troop 80.

 

In addition, the Post voted to donate $200, which will help the troop purchase much needed camping equipment to use on their many outdoor adventures.

 

The post looks forward to working with Troop 80 on other projects in the future.

 

VA and Walgreens Team Up to Provide Flu Vaccinations

The cold and flu season is upon us and the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again teamed up with Walgreens Pharmacies nationwide to allow all veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system to be able walk into any of the over 8000 Walgreens nationally (and the Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York metropolitan area) to receive a vaccination at no cost.  Vaccinations will be available through March 31, 2017.Free flu shot

 

Veterans wishing to receive the no cost vaccination simply need to present a Veterans Identification Card and a photo ID, at any participating Walgreens to receive the vaccination.

 

In addition, after the Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine Walgreens will transmit that information securely to VA where it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record.

 

VA is committed to keeping Veteran patients healthy, and during this flu season, vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu.  No matter where you live, visit your local VA clinic or Walgreens to get a free flu shot.

 

 

Officer Profile: Bill Griffith, Post 3063 Chaplain

Tell us about your new position and what you hope to accomplish during your term.

Last year our chaplain was unable to complete his responsibilities and I was asked if I would be willing to fill in. This year I was asked if I would like to continue as chaplain and I said yes. A concern I have as chaplain is connecting with those in our post who are unable to attend our meetings. Several people in the post have joined me in reaching out to these non-attending members. Our World War II vets are of special concern to our committee. We would value any information that you might have concerning a compatriot who is sick or perhaps for other reasons  is finding it difficult to attend our meetings. We would like to send them a card of encouragement and pay them a visit if possible.

 

How long have you belonged to Post 3063 and did you previously serve in an officer position?

I have been a member of the post for almost four years and this is my first officer position.

 

What is your military background?

Bill Griffith: Soldier of the Quarter
Bill Griffith: Soldier of the Quarter

I was enlisted in the Army starting off as an aircraft mechanic in Korea and then as a flight operations specialist at the Presidio in San Francisco. I was temporally drafted to do clerical work at Sixth Army Headquarters working for a Colonel Lee. Colonel Lee decided that I looked like a fine upstanding soldier and thought that somehow I would do, so he entered me into the Sixth Army soldier of the quarter competition which I amazingly won. The picture in this post adorned the walls of the Sixth Army Headquarters for three months in 1966 as part of this recognition.

 

What do you enjoy most about belonging to the VFW?

I enjoy the community of vets at Post 3063 and like the comradeship of connecting with the vets at the VA Hospital  on an on-going basis.  I also enjoy the work of supporting our quartermaster and guiding the giving and fundraising aspects of post activities.

 

Is there anything else you’d like to tell Post 3063 members?

Although the post does many worthwhile events like visiting the VA and helping veterans with claims for service connected disabilities, I find that just hanging out with the members of the post is the most enjoyable aspect of membership. They are a great group!

 

After a lifetime in aviation I’m now retired. I am currently a docent (tour guide) at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. I am there most Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and I would love to give any post member a personal tour.