Tag Archives: care bears

Commanders Call – August 2017

 

Bob O’Hare, Commander Post 79

I would like to send my condolence’s out to the Norman Herman Family.  Norm passed away Saturday, July 8th. Norm will be missed, our Prays go out to the Family.

It’s hard to believe that July is over already. The Heritage Day Parade was on the 15th of July. There was a good turn out even though it was hot and humid. There were many people standing along the parade route saluting the flag and cheering.

Check the calendar for all of the events going on this month at the WAVP.

Thursdays are food night (can’t go wrong there).  AMVETS Steak fry’s, third Saturday of each month (call in before 3pm on Saturday to reserve your steak. The phone number is 319-483-9287). There is also a short order cook the other nights.  Please help us put together a list of people to volunteer at all these events. If you are interested, please give me a call. Let’s make the WAVP a big success.

The Membership dinner is the 11th of October. It will be combined with the  Auxiliary & Sons again this year. Social hour is at 5pm, dinner at 6pm. Will have more information later.


First Fish Fry at the WAVP August 18th
We will serve from 5:30 until 8:00 to the first 300 people.  The menu will be: fish, potato salad, baked beans with a roll for $10.  We will need volunteers. If you wish to help call 319-404-2311.

Veterans Appreciation Night August 24th
This is a free event for area Veterans or Active Duty and one guest.  Attendees will enjoy a buffet provided by the Texas Roadhouse followed by a short program and self-guided tours of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and Grout Museum of History & Science.

Guest are required to pre-register at gmdistrict.org/vetnight2017 or call 319-234-6357. Seating is limited and registering early is encouraged. The Museum is located at 503 South Street, Waterloo.

Des Moines Homeless Veterans Stand-down
The Des Moines Homeless Veterans Stand-down will be held beginning on Friday evening September 15, 2017 at 5PM and run through Sunday noon on September 17, 2017. This is one of the premier stand-down events around the Country. AMVETS is a principal sponsor of this event and Des Moines Post 2 and Cedar Falls Post 49 have supported it for many years. This year the event will be held at E12th and Des Moines St which is the former site of Des Moines General Hospital immediately north of the State Capitol. Approximately 1600 veterans are served each year through this event, receiving, medical, mental health, or spiritual counseling, meals, clothing, haircuts, VA benefit or job counseling, as well as a festival like entertainment event on Saturday evening. As in past years, it takes many volunteers to pull this event off. Volunteers may contact Kimberly Neal at 515-669-3732 if you would like to assist with this event.

Veteran’s Day at the Fair
Vets Day at the Fair August 14, 2017 – Any Member of AMVETS wishing to participate with a float needs to contact Meghan Larkin at the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Camp Dodge. Parade begins at 11AM. Stop by and visit the AMVETS booth along the Grand Concourse at the Veterans Affairs booth.

Iowa AMVETS Fall Golf Tournament
The Iowa AMVETS Fall Golf Tournament will be held at Plum Creek Golf Course in Fredericksburg Iowa on Saturday September 23, 2017. Originally the tournament was scheduled for September 9th but now has been rescheduled for September 23, 2017. The 2 person best shot tournament will have a 10AM shotgun start. Scoring will be Flighted and there will be special hole prizes. Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 27 teams that sign up. The registration fee is $40 per person which equals $80 per team. Registration fees are available on the Department website.

 

Bob O’Hare, Commander

bobohare201@gmail.com

(319) 404-2311

Commanders Call – October 2016

Ted Lanske 319-240-0734 tedsph98@aol.com

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

*An oversight on my part for September’s newsletter was the passing of Herman H Emkes, 84 of Denver, IA.  I did not know Herman, but reading his obituary; here was a man that truly served.  He served during the Korean War, but more important, spent many years serving Veterans and his community.  He was working on a project for a Civil War Memorial at the American Legion Post in Denver.  If anyone can find it in their hearts, let’s help complete this for a man who gave so much.

*REPEAT:  It is official, on Wednesday, October 19th, AMVETS, AMVETS Auxiliary, Sons will have their annual membership dinner, come and renew that evening.  Those that are paid new or renewed members are invited to participate, all life members are also welcome, but a small donation would be appreciated.  There will be a social hour of 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, with the meal starting at 6:30.  The menu and buffet style has worked well and believe it should work for this also.  The AMVETS/Sons will have their usual raffles going on, and hopefully have a great time and enjoyable evening.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -*PATRIOT SUPPORTERS:   Anyone who is not a Veteran, may become a “Patriot Supporter” by contributing an annual donation (since it is a donation, it is eligible for personal income tax deduction).

The calendar year 2017 annual donation is $40.00, which will allow most privileges, except a vote, regarding Veteran affairs.  There may be other benefits to be announced in the future.

These donations will be payable to WAVP, and may be given to any WAVP Board member or to any bartender.  This list will be maintained by the General Manager.

A paid “Patriot Supporter” may attend a membership dinner of their choice.  The Veteran organization hosting any “Patriot Supporter” will be reimbursed for meal ($10.00) by WAVP.

Subsequent annual donations will be determined by WAVP; the amount will be equal to, or greater than, the level of dues for any member Veteran organization.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -*From “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” published in 1798 and appropriate still today, just a few lines from a lengthy poem written by English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Water, water, every where,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.

Will be honest, I am getting tired of the word “Cedar”, especially when used with river.  Thanks go out to hundreds of people, young and old, from all over the country, for once again working their butts off helping those affected by the recent flooding.  If we were in the old AMVETS Post 79; water would have been in that building again.  Enough said.

*Please Note:  AMVETS will not have a meeting in October due to our membership dinner.  Hope all of you have October 8th , Grand Opening, marked on your calendar.  AMVETS State Exec. Committee will meet October 22 and 23 in Cedar Falls at Post 49.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Commanders Call – August 2016

Ted Lanske Accepting AMVETS Post of the Year 2015

Ted Lanske Accepting AMVETS Post of the Year 2015

*First, I wish to say “Welcome” to Sara Stephens, our new WAVP Manager.  May we all welcome her and do what we can to make the job easier.  There will be a huge learning curve as she needs to learn the building, the operations, equipment and the people.  Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself more than once or introduce a friend.  Thank you in advance.

*Bob O’hare is now officially my replacement on the WAVP board along with Carl Benning and James Brandau for AMVETS.  Effective August 1st, Jean and I will no longer be volunteering to clean the club on a daily basis, or ensure garbage is out on Tuesday, recycling and redemption completed.  We have done this for 1-1/2 years now and feel that with paid staff on board, we have done our part.  We want to thank Bob & Sally O’hare for filling in when we had other commitments.

*The goal ?? is that the new facility be open about the middle of August, with set up, licenses, inspections, occupancy permits all in place before the end of August.  There is a considerable amount of tables, chairs, some equipment, kitchen supplies and operating supplies that will need to be moved efficiently and quickly.  Please note and review the letter from WAVP 1st Vice Carl Benning after my newsletter for more information.

*September will have a busy schedule with big plans for the Iowa firefighters in town and I truly hope everything works out.  It will be a huge test for all Veterans groups involved.  Again, several of you have stated to me that you are willing to help, and I ask “If this is still true, let Sara or someone on the food committee know”.

*August 31st ends AMVETS membership year for 2015-16 and we start 2016-17, so please renew as quickly as you can.  Please note, that this year with the new facility, we will have a combined membership dinner.  The hall will be divided with the curtain, with men on one side, ladies on the other and share the same menu.  This will save the men and ladies some money, and may allow some that can’t participate normally that chance.  The plan at this writing is, it will be scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday in October, which also allows some leftovers to be utilized for the Thursday food night.  If you wish to make comments about this, please contact me or an Officer of AMVETS or Auxiliary.

*As this chapter of our building campaign comes to a close and we start the next chapter in the new facility, please review where you stand with your pledges.  Many people have made pledges that have not been fulfilled, others have stated “when I see the new building”, and others could easily increase the amount or extend their pledge for additional time and money.  FOLKS, the building is here, easily visible from the street or river, and looks fantastic.  This is YOUR building, be proud but we still need some financial help.  The deck is one item that has been put on hold for now, but visit the building and imagine having a beverage of your choice, sitting on the deck with a view of the river.

*My condolences and thanks to Marvin Behrens: Condolences on the loss of his wife this past June after a hard fought battle.  Eileen was active in the local Legion post and other community organizations.  My thanks to Marv for his generous donation of $350.00 to help fix and beautify the flat trailer used during Memorial day and recently in the Heritage Days parade.  Bless you Marvin.

*Help AMVETS help Veterans

WAVP Facility Update from Vice Chairman Carl Benning20151111_134017_HDR_2resized

Circle your calendars! A Grand Opening has been set for October 8 at 11 am!

The new facility is nearing completion. Dry Wall installation is finished, most kitchenequipment is in (still needs final hookup), painting is being completed, the south parking lot is 75% completed, the north lot should be completed in the next week or two, Carpet installation will begin next week, bathrooms are tiled (fixtures are being installed), and fiber optic is being run throughout the building.

A few things remain: installation of natural gas by Mid-America, painting of exterior steel doors, handing wood ulterior doors, countertops for the bar and kitchen, installation of the divider curtain, and a zillion little details. The final task will be a major cleaning!

We are planning a couple events to coincide with the State Firemen’s Convention the first week in September, which will require us to be “up and going.” This dictates that the “move” to begin the second week in August. We will need many, many, many hands to accomplish this task. Several enclosed trailers will make the move easier; let Board members know if you are aware of any.

This is what all of us have been looking forward to for several years! Stay tuned for opportunities to help out with moving. Please, we need your assistance!

Although the project remains within budget, the construction costs continue. If you have pledges that have not yet been fulfilled, please consider those cash payments. If your pledges have been completed, would you consider additional gifts (many already have done so). To date, we have over 850 donor units; however, there is still opportunity for more to be recognized on the Wall of Honor before the grand opening.

The Board of Directors, past and future veterans, and many community members thank everyone who has made a donation of any kind to this project. If you have not yet made a contribution, thoughtfully consider a gift to help make this facility “debt-free!”

Commander Call – March 2016

Ted Lanske 319-240-0734 tedsph98@aol.com

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

*First, I would like to express my thanks to Michelle Ferguson for everything she has done this past year.  I may be biased, but believe there are many people that agree; she was the one that led us through this past year at the Canteen and helped make it a success.   Thank you Michelle.

 

*Thanks to all that supported the Ladies Valentine Steaks.  What a great evening and from my perspective, a great social gathering with friends, family and meeting some new people.  Conditions are not perfect for grilling, but very few complaints and none serious. Several visitor compliments from Post 49, Cedar Falls.

*Don’t forget that the Sons of AMVETS will be doing steaks on Saturday, March 5th 5:30 – 8:00 pm.  Please come and support them; although not a large group, the Sons have been there in many ways, quietly supporting us.  On March 24th, the AMVETS Auxiliary will be hosting food night with a menu of chicken noodle over biscuit with green beans and desserts.   March 31st, our past Canteen Coordinator scheduled the AMVETS Commander back doing Chicken Wings plus sides.  (The only thing he can get right without screwing it up according to her)  J The Louisiana hot sauces will be there for the BRAVE.

*If you are an AMVET and have either a daughter or son that meets the requirements of our Auxiliary or Sons, please talk to them about becoming a part of these groups.  They can be as active as they choose, but this is a way for them to show their support for those that have served or are serving.  Contact Ted Lanske, Jean Lanske or John Mohlis if there are questions.

*It is that time of year where the sun may be in your eyes while driving early morning or evening with the added problems of thawing and freezing on the highways.  Momentary blindness or sudden patches of ice lead to numerous accidents so give yourself some extra time and be safe.

*Reminder:  Please utilize 319-483-9287 to call the WAVP Canteen, and on Facebook – Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 79, Waverly. IA for up to date information.  Not on facebook?  Then if you have children or grand children close by or frequently visiting, have them hook up to the facebook connection and link for you.  Tell them it’s “payback time”, but smile when you say it and you may be surprised what gets posted.  Don’t forget to check out our website www.amvets79.us  while you have them handy.

Facebook – Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 79, Waverly, IA

*Final comment; If you have a friend or acquaintance sitting at home, now is the time with nicer weather to invite them out and stop at the Canteen.  We do serve non alcohol drinks if desired.

*FYI:  Please pass this along to anyone who may have a child or grandchild that is a senior in high school and is looking at furthering their education.  Our local AMVETS Auxiliary will have scholarship applications at the WSR High School Counselor’s office.  They need to be picked up and completed according to directions on the form.  The Iowa Department of AMVETS also has scholarships available for graduating seniors.  These applications will be available at WSR High School also.  If you have questions, please contact me and I will try to have applications available.

*If your AMVETS membership card is unreadable or lost, you can get a replacement for $5.00 or a gold replacement for $15.00.  You can go on line to National or again contact me and I will process it through the internet and you should have it within two weeks.

Help AMVETS help Veterans

Commander’s Call – January 2016

Ted Lanske 319-240-0734 tedsph98@aol.com

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

***To our internet followers:  The Commanders Call and others this month are  a little out of the norm of what you are used too.  There are a few things we have no control over and we have to adjust for that. Please know we try our best at getting our news out and available to our supporters.

**NOTE:  Wartburg closed the Print Center for the Christmas Holidays, so this newsletter went to press by the 15th of December.   This is why we ask, if you have internet, go to facebook and like Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 79, Waverly, IA, or www.amvets79.us.  We try our best to post up to date information on the facebook page and ask for likes and share to get information out there.

*WAVP update as of 12/10/2015:  Tatroe Electric is starting to continue conduit runs in lower level, lower level steel studs have been installed and stairwells started.  Work progressing on upper level with steel stud walls being installed, and heavy steel framing being delivered.

*FYI:  Not sure of date, but the old VFW number will probably be discontinued.  So please add this number 319-483-9287 (WAVP) to your contact list.  This decision will be made after this newsletter goes to press, but will again try our best to relay the information.

*This is the final Call for 2016 membership if you wish to maintain your continuous Years of Service in the Auxiliary, Sons or AMVETS.  If you renew after the 1st of the year, the possibility exists you will become a new member.  We will also be going through the mailing and email notification lists and removing your name if you have not renewed.  Thank you and hoping to see those renewals in the mail.

*Please check the Calendar and note the steak fry scheduled for New Years Eve and the New Year’s Day Bowl party.   Our Canteen coordinator, Michelle, has been pushing all of us to work together and getting something going.  She would like to see each and every organization doing something and sharing the load.  I offer my thanks to her for trying out different ideas.  “Not sure where she got these pushy genes”.

*To all of you as we enter the winter months and the start of 2016, please drive careful, ensure your vehicles and you are prepared for winter travel, forget the exercise resolution so more time can be spent being positive.

*Thanks to MJ Steinbach, WAVP patches will be available, so check them out and “Thank you” MJ for your initiative.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Commanders Call – June 2015

*June is here and school is out, summer vacations scheduled, camping and fishing trips planned and children enjoying their time Ted Lanske 319-240-0734 tedsph98@aol.com off and Waverly’s parks.  As you drive through Waverly or any community, please be observant for children, especially in areas of parks, pools, sports fields and construction sites, which is most of Waverly.  We know their minds are not on safety, so our extra precautions are needed.

*More THANK YOU’S to hand out:  Donations towards the grill include the families of; Bob Davidson, Richard Miller, Bob O’Hare, Larry Williamson, Jim Darrah and many others.  Thanks to Bev Besh for his spaghetti dinner and Bill Decker for stepping up and assisting Bev.  A special Thanks to my Grandson, Dain Ferguson, who helped at the breakfast and Bev’s dinner.  I would hope more young adults would be willing to come and help for an hour or two, as our customers enjoy seeing and visiting with them.  Thanks to Darwin & Connie Ramker for offering to purchase Red Solo cups for outside sales.  Thanks to Bob & Sally O’Hare for stepping in and doing the cleaning so I could go to Minnesota for the annual cemetery maintenance of family grave sites.

*The license for outside sales has arrived and an area set aside for this, but (always a but) the weather needs to start cooperating.  We will be scheduling a steak fry, but no firm date set at this time, so keep in touch.  Willing to help with one, please leave your name at the Canteen or contact me.

*Effective June 1st, the Canteen hours will be extended on Fridays and Saturdays for 1 hour with a closing time of 10:00 p.m.  These hours are set by the Food & Beverage Committee and not by the bartenders, so please accept the announcement of “Last Call”.

*The Department of Iowa AMVETS will be having their State Convention in Marshalltown on June 12, 13, 14 with election of State Officers on Sunday June 14th.  A tradition started during my term as Department Commander, when we have our Convention in Marshalltown, the Sons of AMVETS and now with the AMVETS Riders host a barbeque at the Best Western and a bus load of Veterans from the Veterans Home are our guests.  What a great time visiting with these Veterans and do they ever enjoy getting out and visiting and eating.

*If you are interested in getting a replacement AMVETS membership card, the simplest way is to go on line.  Go to the AMVETS National site – www.amvets.org   –  Member Center   –  Update Membership Information & Login   –  Utilize your membership number and then click   – My Shopping Cart   –  Merchandise Store  –  ADD TO CART.  While on this site check your information and correct it.  Problems, contact me and we will try to solve it together at the Canteen computer.

*Recently several members of our AMVETS family have had an argument with their bathroom.  A smart suggestion by my wife was going to Menards and getting a couple of suction cup handles for our shower.  These are not designed to support your weight, but will help you maintain your balance.  Will have one at the Canteen for you to look at or try at the Canteen.  Other places may sell these, so check that out, but they could make the difference between a slight slip or a fall.

*Please check the boards at the Canteen for information regarding the information of a WWII Boeing B-17 bomber coming to Waterloo from June 12-14, 2015.  This is the same aircraft that was in Waterloo last year and was a huge success.  A chance like this does not come around too often, so “go for it”.

*As I end my 10th year (not consecutive) and start my 11th as Post 79 Commander, I want to thank the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS for all the wonderful things they do.  The hours they volunteer, dollars they contribute, scholarships they offer, plus many other activities are just a few of the things that make me proud as I continue for one more year.

*From my family to all of you, “Have a safe and enjoyable summer’’.

Help AMVETS Help Veterans

Ted Lanske
319-240-0734
tedsph98@aol.com

AMVETS Presents Care Bears to Law Enforcement

Left to Right: Commander Ted Lanske, Sheriff Dan Pickett, Chief Richard Pursell and Finance Officer Carl Benning

Left to Right: Commander Ted Lanske, Sheriff Dan Pickett, Chief Richard Pursell and Finance Officer Carl Benning

AMVETS Post 79 has been involved in the “Care Bear” program for several years.  This is a program supported by National and the Department, but is administered and financed by the local posts.

The concept is to furnish “teddy bears” to local emergency departments that they can carry in their vehicles and when called to an emergency where young children are involved, they can give this “Care Bear” to a child under stress.  We realize that responding personnel must first do their job, whether it is traffic control, 1st Aid, calling for support or whatever is needed to keep the area safe, and that the “Care Bear” may come later after things are under control.  At that point, if children are involved, the comfort of something soft to hold and hug can become a magical moment.  Most of us, at some point in our lives have had our own “teddy bear” or another stuffed toy that we have hugged and loved, possibly till the stuffing came out.  So I would ask for your support of this project, either financially or verbally by passing this on to others.

There are several AMVET posts in Iowa involved with this program, and comments we have received from a few of these emergency personnel has been very positive.  Fortunately, our local departments hand out very few, but this is not true for other areas, especially those located near communities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids.

On Thursday, May 1, 2014, Ted Lanske and Carl Benning representing AMVETS Post 79 presented “Care Bears” to Chief Richard Pursell, Waverly Police Department and Sheriff Dan Pickett, Bremer County.