VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
of the United States of America
Thomas F. Welch VFW Post 706
5000 Lillian Highway
Pensacola, Florida 32506

Founded September 29, 1899

COMMANDER’S CORNER

Comrades and Sisters:

It has been two months since our last newsletter. A lot has transpired since October, and I want everyone to know we are still alive and well at Post 706. We have had a change in Canteen Managers. Cee Cee Forte resigned in January, and we thank Theresa “T-Bird” Chism for stepping up to the plate and filling in until we can replace Cee Cee.

February is bringing some change to the Post. Bingo has been eliminated for Friday nights, and we are going to start having a “Fun Night” every Friday beginning on 18 February. On the 18^th we are having a belated Valentine’s Day and February Birthday Bash at the Post. We will have food for all, and the Delta Blues Band is going to perform.

Saturday, 5 February, is the District 1 meeting at Fort Walton Beach, Post 7674 starting at 1100.

Sunday morning, 6 February, the VFW Riders are putting on a breakfast starting at 0830. They are serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and we will have two for one Bloody Marys for your enjoyment. Come support our Riders as they use money collected to support our veterans in need.

Sunday afternoon, 6 February, starting at 1700 (5:00 PM) we are hosting a Super Bowl Party. We’ll serve finger foods, have a 50-50 drawing at half-time, jello shooters, and drawings for free drinks. This is going to be a great day at the Post.

Look for additions to this shortened version of the newsletter.

Richard Mullen, Commander

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

My family made a short trip into the countryside of Alabama over the Christmas vacation. We passed through some nice farmland. Just up the road was a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looked just like any other horse. But when we stopped our vehicle, we noticed something quite amazing. Looking closely into the eyes of horse will confirm that he was blind. His owner had chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is noteworthy - but if you would stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around and locating the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller of the two horses. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the larger, blind horse know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you will notice that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is; trusting he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. God watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way. Good friend are like that. You may not always see them , but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours, and remember--be kinder than necessary--everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Just before Christmas, I met a friend that I used to work with. I was surprised to hear from her because she had moved to another part of Florida. She said she was in town to help a friend move because she was being evicted from her home of 21 years. She could no longer pay the mortgage. She asked for my assistance. My sons helped the first day and moved a lot of the heavy stuff. My sons had to do something out of town for the second day and so my wife and I helped on the second day. By then I found out a little more about who we were helping to move. She was the widow of a deceased combat vet who died of Agent Orange. He was a member of Post 706 a few years ago. When I was asked to help out for the third day I knew that I was in trouble because I was told that there was only a few more heavy objects left to carry out. I had intended on asking some Active Duty Marines to help, but then realized that it was Christmas leave time and probably no one left on base. It was out of desperation that I came to the Post to seek help. There was only one taker. He was instrumental in lifting and packing all the heavy objects. He packed expertly for the long trip out of town. He backed the truck with a long trailer around so that the two female drivers wouldn't have any problem while on the road. As was usual the 'few more heavy objects' took six hours to load. I don't know how I could have done it without Victor Looney. I want to thank him in this article. He had become the horse (with the bell). It was a fine example of "honoring the dead by helping the living". It is an example of how we as vets can live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. Hope that everyone had a nice Christmas and that everyone will have a healthy, happy, and good new year!!

                                 May God bless you--everyone,

                                 May God bless America!!

  Doc