The Camaraderie SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, and the COMMUNITY

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1 Ve terans of Foreign Wa r s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Post 7327, Springfield, Virginia The Camaraderie SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, and the COMMUNITY June 2016 Volume 15-6 Our Business is Taking Care of Veterans By Post Commander Joe Hoss Byrnes Hello from the Commander s Office at the Post. It is May 28th and we are in full swing distributing Buddy Poppies for the Memorial Day weekend. I want to start off this month s article with a thank you to all the volunteers for the work they do for the Springfield VFW Post. It is just incredible. May 21st and 22nd at Fort Belvoir were well staffed and May 27th 28th and 29th at the Huntsman s Giant was covered as well. I am sending a shout out to JB Young and WJ Leonard for holding down the fort on Friday. Great job, Comrades. Once we tally the final statistics for hours worked and money raised for the Relief Fund, we will post them on the website. So this is the end of my first year as your Post Commander and wow was it busy! From the Golf tournament in July to all the Commander Calls, it has been a blast (ARMY NAVY GAME WAS FUN; Navy won again!). The holiday events were an unbelievable success. Not sure if you know this, in 2014 the Post took care of fourteen families so I asked the committee if we could take on twenty families for They looked at me with a bit of fear. They smiled and I am pretty sure there were a few voodoo dolls with my picture on them. But I knew our hard working Post and Auxiliary members could handle it. We ended up providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and gifts for twenty families with over ninety kids! Folks, I am humbled to be in your company, you stepped up (without killing me, which was nice) and pulled it off. With the help from our Angel Tree supporters (our Bingo Family and other friends) we made this year a bit happier for a lot of needy veteran families. Sincere thanks go out to Comrades Kelch and Bianco and Auxiliary Sisters Lohr, Bond, and Kelch and so many others. The community event was a great experience as well. I look forward to doing all of this again for the year. A Chance to Support the Forgotten Battalion The Auxiliary is holding a raffle to raise funds for The Forgotten Battalion Reunion in August. During this reunion members will be presenting artifacts and memorabilia to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. The Forgotten Battalion consists of WWII Veterans of H&S, G, H, and I batteries, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and the 2nd 155 Howitzer Battalion. The men spent 34 months in continuous service in the Pacific Theater, hence earning their nickname. Raffle tickets for gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, and other goodies are being sold at Bingo or by contacting Joyce Engel, jengel613@hotmail.com. Monies raised will go towards the reunion expenses. Let s pull together and let the Forgotten Battalion know that VFW Post and Auxiliary 7327 have not forgotten them! (Continued on page 2)

2 The Camaraderie Commander s Commentary continued from page 1 So we are ready for another year. The VA State Convention is this month from the 16th till the 19th in Williamsburg. I hope to have the agenda posted on the website as soon as the Department of VA releases it. As we move into the next year I am happy to say that we did in fact reach our 100% goal of membership which makes our Post eligible for All State at the Convention! We won t know for sure until we are at the Convention. We are also planning a few more Commander Calls starting in August. More on that as we firm up the dates and venue. The housekeeping section has to deal with our single source of revenue and that is our BINGO Program on Thursdays and Fridays. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who show up and help, but these folks need a break and we would love to see some new faces at the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department on any given Thursday or Friday night. Please contact Linda Bond at lbond@verizon.net and she will be happy to fit you in to the schedule. Just one night a month would be a huge help! June is especially tough since a number of the volunteers will be unavailable to work due to the Department Convention. Please see if you can step up, if only for a few hours. I look forward to seeing all of our members at the Post for our monthly membership meeting and would also like to put out an option for our members who are currently not in the area or are at a great distance from the Post. We are in the process of setting up video conferencing. This will allow you to attend the general membership meetings. Please drop me an and let me now if this is something that you would be interested in. There are different options we can use to do this; it depends on how many folks would like to remote in. As long as you have a fast enough internet connection, getting in should not be a problem. Please drop me an at cmdr@post7327.org if you are interested. In closing, if the next twelve months are going to be anything like the past twelve, this is going to be one hell of a year! Thank you all again and have a great month. As always, we are in the business of taking care of veterans and if anyone asks. we are open for business. \ Page 2 VFW Members, Family, and Friends Buy, Sell, or Lease a home with me, Alice Gehl and 10% of my proceeds from each completed transaction will be donated to the building fund at VFW Post I am a Life Member of Post 7327 Auxiliary. Alice E. Gehl, Realtor, Weichert, Realtors, Burke Office agehl@weichert.com Cell: Licensed in thecommonwealth of Virginia

3 By Auxiliary President Barbara Major Happy June! There s a lot to report this month. June 2016 Installation of the officers for took place prior to our May meeting (see pictures below). Officers will assume their posts after the Department convention in mid-june. Committee chairs, however, still need to be appointed, so I might be coming to talk with some of you to see if you d like to help us better achieve our goal of serving veterans and active military and their families. If you are interested in donating your time and efforts to this worthy cause, please let me know. Our numbers are growing. I m proud to say, we achieved over 100%, but with more people we can do more. Other great news--the Auxiliary is happy to welcome Cassidy Mae Garritty into the world. Isn t she a cutie!/! Sister Heather Garritty and husband Tommy were surprised by the sudden arrival of Cassidy on May 22 (approximately 3 weeks early)! At birth Cassidy weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. Congratulations to the Garrittys! Congratulations also go to the Byrnes she s Post Commander Joe and Auxiliary Treasurer Linda Byrnes' first grandchild! What a wonderful way to start the summer! Everyone wishes all of you well. Speaking of the summer, several events are on the docket, including the VFW Department convention in mid-june, the VFW National convention in July, and the Lost Battalion reunion in August (for more information on this event, contact Alice Merrill, a-b6103@cox.net, or Joyce Engel, JEngel613@hotmail.com. Keep tuned for other events. Our next meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 7:00pm. I hope to see you there! President Barbara Major and Sister Linda Bond installing the Auxiliary officers, your Auxiliary Officers, Sisters Alice Merrill and Lynda Byrnes holding the new Auxiliary Banner. VFW Post & Auxiliary F Terminal Road Lorton, Virginia Phone: Fax: Website: Facebook: VFW Post adjpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com Blog: Editor & Design Katy Sylvester Diana Regan Contributing Articles By: Joseph Byrnes, Linda Byrnes, Mike Kephart, Frank Konieczny, Barbara Major, Wayne Yancey Photographs By: Diana Regan Post Officers Commander: Joseph Byrnes, cmdr@post7327.org Sr. Vice: Joe Baringer, srvice@post7327.org Jr. Vice: Raj Lobrecht, jrvice@post7327.org Quartermaster: Terri Andreoni, qm@post7327.org Judge Adv: Milan Sturgis Chaplain: Wayne Yancey, w.yancey@cox.net Surgeon: Michael Kephart, mike.kephart@cox.net 3-Yr Trustee: Gary Kelch, gkelch@cox.net 2-Yr Trustee: Larry Parham 1-Yr Trustee: Clarence McNeill Post Adjutant: Terri Andreoni, adjpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com Service Officer: Frank Konieczny, fwkret@gmail.com Auxiliary Officers President: Barbara Major Sr. Vice: Shirley Norris Jr. Vice: Itty Neal Secretary: Alice Merrill Treasurer: Linda Byrnes Chaplain: Janne Best Conductress: Barbara Bucklin Guard: JoAnne Kelch Yr Trustee: Diana Regan Yr Trustee: Linda Bond 3-Yr Trustee: Itty Neal Patriotic Instructor: Joyce Engel The Camaraderie newsletter is published by Springfield, Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327, a community based 501c19 not-for-profit Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organization. Mailed for educational outreach and information purposes to our members, volunteers and friends. The newsletter is distributed to over 700 individuals. We have served our community since 1946, providing support to Veterans, their families, active duty military and community based organizations. Page 3

4 The Camaraderie CHAPLAIN S CORNER Post Chaplain Wayne Yancey I ve been your Chaplain for several years and this is the first time I have not had any bad news to report. That s great. I saw J. B. Young at the P X. yesterday distributing Buddy Poppies and he said he is hanging in there. Inga Sweeney (George s wife) is getting better every day and should advance from the hospital to rehab within the next few days. Diana and I were able to visit her and bring her flowers, pictured at right. As stated previously, Comrade George Sweeney passed away on April 20. George was an active member of our post, a former Officer and a Bingo worker. A VFW Memorial Service will be conducted in honor of Comrade Sweeney on Tuesday evening June 28, 2016 at the Temporary Post Home prior to the next General Membership. The service will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and will be followed immediately thereafter by our General Membership meeting. All Officers taking part in the service should wear the standard VFW uniform of the day grey pants, white shirt, patriotic tie and blue sports coat. The next VA Hospital visit will be Jun 13, As usual we will leave the temporary Post Home at 6:00 pm and should be back by 9:00 pm. Thanks and have a great June. If I can be of assistance to anyone please don t hesitate to call or send an to me at W.Yancey@Cox.Net, home: , cellular: Greetings Comrades, Surgeon s Tent Post Surgeon Michael Kephart Recently we have received communication from the Washington D.C, Veterans Affairs Medical Center concerning a VA sponsored research study related to Gulf War I Veterans. The study is called Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for sleep, Health Functioning, and Quality of Life in Veterans with Gulf War Veterans Illnesses, and its goal is to improve symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and concentration. They are only inviting Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War, I have asked for additional information on the study. When it is provided I will make it available at the Post. Please read the information card and if you are interested in participating in the study, please call the directly to the number below. If you know Gulf War I veterans suffering from pain, fatigue and concentration, please pass this information on to them. Volunteers Needed Veterans at least 18 years of age who deployed during Gulf War I ( ) Eligible: Veteran with at least 2 of 3 symptoms of fatigue, pain, or trouble concentrating What is Required: 8 weeks participation in classes at the VA Homework on electronic tablets and meeting with study team throughout 12 months Compensation: Veterans will get money for participating, as well as get travel expenses paid! Please contact the Study Team at ext to inquire about this opportunity. Page 4

5 June 2016 Service Officer's Corner Francis W. Konieczny, Post Service Officer Veteran Suicides: Getting Help (Part 4 of 4) This is Part 4 of a 4 Part series on Veteran Suicides. People experience emotional and mental health crises in response to a wide range of situations from difficulties in their personal relationships to the loss of a job, or problems with the family. For Veterans, these crises can be exacerbated by their experiences during combat, or military service. People who know a Veteran best may be the first to recognize emotional distress and reach out for support when issues reach a crisis point. And it may be well before a Veteran is at risk of suicide. Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a Veteran needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of harming themselves. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, it s time to call for help. As a person close to, or related to, a veteran, you can also learn to identify and understand risk factors for suicide. Warning signs: Hopelessness, feeling like there s no way out Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings Feeling like there is no reason to live Rage or anger, risky activities without thinking Withdrawing from friends and family, increase in alcohol or drug abuse Increasingly despondent postings on Facebook The following signals require immediate attention: Thinking about hurting yourself Looking for ways to kill yourself Talking about death, dying of suicide Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc. If you are a Veteran or know one who is experiencing any of the above signs, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at immediately. Responders are standing by to help 24/7. These individuals are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Some of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what Veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges Veterans face. Each VA Medical Center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator or team to offer Veterans the services they need. When appropriate, Veterans Crisis Line responders can refer calls to Suicide Prevention Coordinators, who follow up with Veterans and coordinate care for issues ranging from PTSD and depression to readjustment challenges. RECENT UPDATE: The House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing on 12 May 2016 to discuss veteran suicide. Topics highlighted during the hearing were data gathering and analysis, better staffing of mental health providers, expansion of peer support programs, timeliness of patient care and outreach. The committee highlighted the need to increase mental health staff within VA, as well as shorten the amount of time required to hire these health care providers. VA discussed what they are doing to improve the Veterans Crisis Hotline as well as expand peer support specialist programs. VA also explained that they have been conducting research to better understand veteran suicide, not just as whole, but within subpopulations based on gender and age. The Epidemiology Department of VA has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as DOD to analyze data for all veterans dating back to Results should be published mid-summer 2016 which should help not only VA, but the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees make forward moving decisions on how to better prevent veteran suicide and improve mental health treatments. For additional information/resources: (Veteran Chat Line) (Veteran Crisis Line) (Resource Locator) Page 5

6 The Camaraderie Thank you to all who volunteered to distribute Buddy Poppies this year! The funds raised go directly to supporting veterans and their families. It also keeps the face of the VFW and Auxiliary out in our community. Page 6

7 June 2016 In Honor of Flag Day, June 14 I Am The Flag by Howard Schnauber I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, My colors a little truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am saluted. I am loved - I am revered. I am respected - I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me. I was there. I led my troops. I was dirty, battleworn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country. And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have born silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battle field, when I am flown at halfmast to honor my soldier, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud. I am the flag of the United States of America Fly your flag proudly June 14. Labels For Education is coming to an end. In order to a ensure the VFW National Home for Children receives their 7th and last van from the program, the VFW National Home needs 107,683 labels. For information about qualifying products please visit: We are collecting labels until the end of June. If you have any labels you may drop them off at Bingo every Thursday or Friday evening at the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire House or mail them to: Linda Bond, 6915 Edgebrook Drive, Springfield, VA Thanks for your participation over the years! Auxiliary Membership News Treasurer Linda Byrnes We had a successful 2017 Early Bird Membership Renewal Campaign! Thank you to the 23 folks who jumped on the Earlybird discount opportunity! I will get membership cards out as soon as I receive the 2017 cards from Department. Now we move into another bonus time! For those still unpaid for 2017, if you get your $23 annual dues to me by September 30, your name, along with the Earlybirds, will be placed in a drawing for a free Life membership paid for by the Auxiliary! You can give your dues renewal payment (cash or check) to me or any a Membership Committee Member (Linda Bond, Alice Merrill, Valerie Murrell, Diana Regan). You can also mail dues to me at 8209 Terra Grande Avenue, Springfield, VA I welcome your membership questions at: Page 7 7

8 VFW Post F Terminal Road Lorton, Virginia The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia Web Site: cdrpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com Phone Fax Web Site: Upcoming Events and Activities June 6 D-Day Anniversary June 8- Auxiliary General Membership Meeting, 7:00 pm June 13 VA Hospital Visit, meet at the Post Home at 6:00pm June 14 Flag Day June Virginia Department Convention, Williamsburg June 19 Father s Day June 17 Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trip aboard the North Star Charter June 25 Korean War Begins June 28 Post General Membership Meeting, 7:30 pm Come early to meetings and join us for drinks and camaraderie! BINGO - EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY evening beginning at 7:00 pm at Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department Post Hours of Operation Monday / Tuesday Closed (except for meetings) Wednesday / Thursday 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Friday 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Saturday / Sunday 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. The Post may be open other than these hours as events require and personnel are available.