VFW Post 706 Newsletter

THOMAS F. WELCH

VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS

POST 706

COMMANDER’S CORNER

The State Convention is over and your new officers officially took office as the new State Commander Pete Nicholsen has taken command.

IS YOU IS, OR IS YOU AIN’T. Have you read that statement before? Well, it has been published at least two times in our newsletter. I am here to tell you, if you do not want Post 706 to succeed, continue to stay away. We have been in a severe financial crunch for several years and the only light at the end of the tunnel is the freight train heading our direction. Costs of operation are mounting and support is dwindling. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOUR SUPPORT? Saying let somebody else do it is wrong. Step up to the plate! Support your Post so we can do what we are dedicated to do – support our veterans! Don’t rely on others to do your part. If everyone has that attitude, then the 3 to 5 percent of us who do work our butts off will eventually burn out. Last person out of the Post, please turn out the lights!

At the May Post meeting, it was decided to increase the annual and renewal dues from $25 to $30. The By-Laws state we must notify the membership of this change before it can take effect. So, effective 1 August 2010 annual dues will be $30 for all members.

On 5 July, we are having a Post Open House. We will be offering free hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings. What could be better than free? Maybe your participation for a start…..and perhaps a small donation to hold us over too.

I would like to introduce our newest members transferred/ elected to our Post in June: Jerry Aud, Christopher Gearhart, Richard Guman, and Raymond Wyman. VFW welcomes our newest comrades to our Post.

Mailing your dues to National can lead to delays in getting them posted. You can now go online to www.vfw.org and pay your dues. On the main screen, click on Membership; then click on Current Members; then click on Secure Log In; fill in the required blanks and you can pay your annual dues electronically.

Visit the Post website for updated information and activity calendars of the new VFW fiscal year, 2010. Log on to www.vfw706.org.

Richard Mullen

Commander

SENIOR VICE’S CORNER

Congratulations to all the members of the Post. The Post is at 100% (739) membership as of June 23, 2010. Our membership total number will drop as of July 1 due to several members passing away as well as purging the Post rolls. The Post will start this next year at 714 total members.

The Quartermaster’s School of Instruction was eye opening in many respects. A saying bandied about at the general sessions that I ask you to reflect on: “Is your post a VFW Post with a canteen or a canteen with a VFW Post?” Another thought for your reflection, also bandied about: Is 25% of your Post’s membership calling the shots for 75% of the Post members? When was the last time you attended a Post meeting and voiced your thoughts on what the Post is doing or should do? Answer these questions for yourself and have the moral courage to act upon your answers.

Give the PNAS Naval Sea Cadets, Independence Division, a helping hand. You will see some great young adults. Call this number and speak with Brent Stewart: 850/832-0479.

Victor Looney

Sr. Vice Commander

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

"Recently someone sent me an email that showed a retired Marine who sang the second verse of our National Anthem. I was very inspired by it, mainly because I often quote some of it when I pray the invocational prayers at Wall South ceremonies. It goes as follows:

“Oh! thus be it ev'r when freemen shall stand

between their loved home and war's desolation,

Blest with vict'ry and peace,

may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the pow'r that hath made

and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto, ‘In God is our trust.’

And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

I felt that I should submit this because our Nation's Birthday is coming up this month.

May God bless everyone! "

“Doc” Cloud

Acting Chaplain

MEMBERS IN NEED:

Comrade Adjutant Tony Carroll’s son was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. Tony’s son is only 30 years old and needs your prayers. See the calendar for 24 July’s fund raiser for the Cancer Society.

Comrade Skip Bennett’s wife, Roni, continues with her treatments at Baptist Hospital.

Comrade Rob Lambrecht continues his radiation treatments for the next few weeks.

Comrade Chaplin Doc Cloud is continuing his treatment for prostate cancer. He is in good spirits and always looks at the brighter side of things (Commander’s input).

Please keep these Comrades and Sisters in your thoughts and prayers.

If you have knowledge of a comrade in distress or the passing of a Post 706 member or affiliate member contact the Post at (850)455-0026. We should send our encouragements to those in need as soon as we learn of their situation or loss.

“Doc” Cloud

Acting Chaplain

ADJUTANT’S CORNER

MEMBERS IN NEED:

Comrade Doc Cloud is receiving treatment for prostate cancer. He is in good spirits and always looks at the brighter side of things.

Comrade Skip Bennett’s wife, Roni, continues with her chemo and radiation treatments at Baptist Hospital. Come support the event this Saturday, 6 February starting at 1800. Skip is recovering from rotator cuff surgery too.

Comrade Rob Lambrecht had surgery and is undergoing chemo and radiation treatments for the next six weeks or so.

Comrade Dick Gilman is recovering from hip replacement surgery.

Please keep these Comrades and Sisters in your thoughts and prayers.

Tony Carroll, Adjutant

COOTIES CORNER

From the Seam Squirrel PT 66

Listen Comrades, Cooties, Ladies:

Our newly elected officers took over last week. Let’s go get ‘em, and make 2010-2011 a great year for the MOC.

All Cooties are reminded our Steak Night will be this Saturday, 3 July, and the Scratch will be at 1101 on the 10^th.

The MOC and MOCA will do our best to "Keep 'Em Smilin' in Beds of White" in 2010-11.

Yours in L.O.T.C.S.

Oscar Bergman

SS PT 66

LADIES AUXILIARY

Hello Sisters, I would like to take this opportunity to say Welcome again to all our new members. I also want to say thank you to the few of you that continue to support our dinners. The rest of you - no comment...... Except You really should be ashamed. This is your post and you should support it.

Those of you who have not paid your cancer dues please send them in. It should not be the Auxiliary’s responsibility to pay them for you. But that is what has been happening.

We have our Draw Down coming up July 24^th. We really need you to purchase your tickets for this event; only $15.00 and a chance to win BIG MONEY. We need the money and the Post needs your help as well.

Our next meeting is July 21^st. Hope to see more of you there and bring your items with you for the Draw Down. We have a lot to do so let's make it happen! Our next Dinner will be July10th ~ "POT LUCK." SEE YOU THEN!!!

CeeCee Goodwin

Madam President

MEN’S AUXILIARY

Thanks to all who supported our Italian dinner. Due to the summer heat, we will be changing our dinners somewhat throughout the summer. We aren't sure what we will be having at our dinner this month, but it will be very tasty as always. Our dinner will be held on July 24th at 6:00 PM. We really appreciate your continued support.

The PJC cookout went very well, and they are now trying to see what other events we can help them with. The cookout was an attempt to start a veteran's alumni at PJC. It was a great success and we were able to sign up all the necessary sponsors to ensure the charter. Once again, thanks to all who supported us in this endeavor.

Men, our meeting will be held on July 8th at 6:00 PM. Please mark this day on your schedule and come contribute your ideas for our dinner this month. Thank You and let's all support our Post this year in celebrating America’s Independence.

John Forte, President

VFW RIDERS CORNER

Comrades,

Meeting 11 July and our first dinner of the year 31 July.

Joe Spink, President
VFW Riders

POST CANTEEN CORNER

Hello Canteen Friends and Family,

We have several things coming in July. After the Steak Dinner on 3 July, we have a show band that will be performing from 7 til 10 PM. If you like Rock and Roll, this Band is the one. The "DEAD PARROT SOCIETY" is playing hits from the 60s to the 90s.

We also have a birthday party planned on July 10th for a Special Lady, "Mildred." Bobby Fre will be our DJ for the night playing all your favorites.

On July 24^th, after the Draw Down, we are having a Cancer Benefit put on by Tony Carroll in honor of his late wife and his son who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. All proceeds will go to the Cancer Society for Medications. The Band for the night is FORCE OF HABIT. This is a worthwhile event. Donations to the Cancer Society will be greatly appreciated. IF YOU DON’T SUPPORT ANYTHING ELSE, COME SUPPORT THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE!

August 14^th we have Joe and Renee Spinks’ wedding reception with entertainment starting at 7:30 PM. So join us and party with all the Riders.

On August 28th we will have our Latino End of Summer Bash from 8:00 PM til ??? So come out dressed in your best summer attire and let’s say Good-Bye in style to the heat.

You really need to support the events we have. One day everything may be gone and you will only have yourselves to blame. Then who will you have to ask: “What happened?” Yourself....

CeeCee Goodwin Canteen Manager

AMERICANISM

MEMBERS WANTED!

We are having an OPEN HOUSE on 5 July. Come on in to celebrate the Independence of our country. It is because of those military men and women, way back when, that our country is what it is today. And because of our efforts and the efforts of all the military men and women who have served and/or died, our country remains strong and INDEPENDENT, free from oppression, and is the leader of freedom throughout the world. Lest we forget; America the Beautiful; Home of the Brave!!!

Ebbie Jermyn

Americanism Chairman

GOOD OF THE ORDER

4^TH OF JULY WEEKEND

On Monday, 5 July, we are having our annual 4^th of July Open House. Beginning at 1300, we will be serving free hotdogs and hamburgers with all the condiments. Donations will be accepted, but not mandatory! Additionally, Happy Hour prices will be in effect all day.

NEWSLETTER

In an effort to save money we are going to discontinue mailing this newsletter to those with internet capabilities. The newsletter is available 24/7 online at www.vfw706.org.

~ BINGO ~ THE BIG GAME!

We have had several $250 winners over the summer on our Big Game, and no individual has won twice. Someone has to win; it might as well be you!

SUPPORT YOUR POST

I am not totally surprised, but I am curious why some of you joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I am fully cognizant of the fact that some of you live outside the commuting area and some are not physically able to participate, but those of you who are members, and are capable of supporting your Post, my question is: “Why don’t you stop by occasionally?” Did you join just to get your name on a list? Or was your intent to support our combat veterans and active duty military war vets. Frankly, if you are not interested in supporting your Post and our causes, WHY DID YOU BOTHER TO JOIN? WE DO NEED YOUR SUPPORT! WE DO NEED YOUR IDEAS! WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION TO ENABLE US TO SUPPORT OUR VETERANS IN NEED!!!