MARCH/APRIL Taco Monday s. Non-Smoking Friday Night Entertainment! March 10th, 7:00 p.m. Conrade Marcum

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1 The Tank Post Tom Preato, Editor 4805 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL (352) MARCH/APRIL 2017 website: myvfw.org/fl/post4209 This month we have put the homeless veteran program in place. This program is in partnership with the Ocala Police Department. Instead of a homeless veteran in the City of Ocala being charged with vagrancy, they will be provided lodging at a local motel (after being verified by a police officer). The motel will then submit the invoice to the post for payment that will be taken out of our Relief fund. Our thanks to Past Post Commander Mike Coughlin for getting this program started. Nominations for elected officers we be accepted at the March general membership, with elections to follow in April. Attendance is encouraged and expected. The results of this election will determine the future direction of this post. We have nominated three teachers of the year and will recognize them at their school campus. If you would like to be part of this presentation, please contact Lawrence McManus at We have two JROTC awards and medals to present in March and April. The presentations will be at West Port HS (Army) and Forest HS (Air Force). If you would like to attend either of these presentations, contact Choskey White (Army) at or Lawrence McManus (USAF) at Michael Roberts, Commander 2-4 p.m. Every Sunday Smoking and Smoke FREE! Public Welcome (must sign in). Non-Smoking Friday Night Entertainment! March 10th, 7:00 p.m. Conrade Marcum You asked for non-smoking! Now come out and support this Friday night entertainment & let us know whether we should continue this type of event. (Note: This will be held in the LARGE room, not the canteen). Taco Monday s Every Monday 4-6 $3 Tacos, $5 Nacho Plates WELCOME ABOARD NEW COMRADES Arnold, Scott, US Navy, China (WWII) Hewitt, Frank, US Army, Vietnam Kabitz, Charles, USAF, Vietnam Blasczienski, Gary, USA, Afghanistan. Stiles, Clark, US Army, Iraq These members have been approved by the members and will be initiated at the March membership meeting Post Officers Commander Michael Roberts, , mroberts43@cox.net Senior Vice Cmdr Tom Kohut, Junior Vice Cmdr David Maloney, Quartermaster Tom Preato, , tompreato1@gmail.com Chaplin Don Dixon , dldjad810@yahoo.com Judge Advocate Bob Chesko Surgeon 1 Yr Trustee Michael Coughlin Bill Pangrass 2 Yr Trustee Glen Cribbs 3 Yr Trustee Johnny Burns Adjutant Choskey White Service Officer Rudy Smith Patriot Newsletter Editor Tom Preato tompreato1@gmail.com

2 AUXILIARY NEWS Officers President Harriett McManus Sr. Vice Linda Higgs Jr. Vice Agnes McGuire Conductress Sharon Preato Chaplain Ann Roy Secretary Pat Darling Treasurer Judi Brack Patriotic Instructor Diana Chestnut Guard Rosalie Bice Historian Loretta Fuller 3rd Trustee Joyce Magamoll 2nd Trustee Ann Roy 1st Trustee Linda Higgs The Flea Market is over and it was a huge success and many thanks to the following members and friends of our Auxiliary. Many thanks to JOYCE MAGAMOLL LORETTA FULLER, ANGIE SALISBURY, EILENE COFFIN, DIANE CHEST- NUT, NANCY HAMMER, GARY FULLER, LARRY MCMANUS, JUDY BRACK, CHRIS JONES,THE RESIDENTS OF TRINITY VIL- LAS, the VENDERS who rented tables, and all who contributed to the success of our flea market. Thanks also to GINNIE LEHR (BAKE SALE TABLE), her helpers LINDA HIGGS, GLADYS DICKEY, baked goods donated by PAT SHORE, ELEANOR DIECKMANN, JEAN KUIKEN, LINDA HIGGS, SANDY MOHR, DIANE ADDINGTON, ANN ROY, HAR- RIETT MCMANUS and to any one else who donated baked goods and items for our flea market. I thank you! With your help, we are able to send over $700 to the Department President s Special Project, Homeless Vets. Thanks to TOM PREATO, DON DIXON, GLEN CRIBS for the breakfast and lunch they served to help us out. Taco Mondays are going great come out and support your Auxiliary. We are expanding our menu thanks to our workers every week (LORETTA FULLER, DONNA MALONEY, GARY, FULLER, ANGIE KARL, SHARON PREATO, NANCY HAM- MER, JUDY BRACK, FRANKIE ROBERTS, MARY SCOTT, PAT DARLING AND JOYCE MAGAMOLL). The Auxiliary is still collecting cell phones for abused children you can leave them at the Post. Thanks to the Bar Bingo Players for the food every month for Vets Helping Vets and Interfaith. Come and join us at our meetings the second Tues of the month at 7 PM. Harriett McManus, President AMVETS POST 99 NEWS Commander:- David Koerner 1st Vice Cmdr (Membership): William Thoroman 2nd Vice Cmdr (Programs): Robert Woodrow Adjutant: Sharon Koerner Finance Officer: Don Dixon Judge Advocate: Kenneth Coffin Provost Marshall: Judith Brack Chaplain: Vacant Hello fellow Veterans and families, Nearly another year has passed on the AMVETS calendar. This month (March 6th) we will be having first nominations for officers for the term with second nominations in April then election in May. I would like to thank my kitchen crew for doing such a fabulous job on the 4th Friday fish fry. A BIG thank you to Tom and Ione for their help as well. Our Ocala Veterans Community project is moving along nicely. Two more homeless Vets were placed in stable housing this past month. Hope to see you round the Post! David Keorner, Commander AMVETS Post 99 (352) Does your spouse know where to locate your DD-214 (Discharge Papers) and Healthcare Directives? Friday FISH FRY MENU Chef/Team Friday Fish Alternative Dixon/Sommer Mar. 3rd Stuffed Cabbage Tom Kohut Mar. 10th Country Fried Steak Larry McManus Mar. 17th Corned Beef & Cabbage Dave Koerner Mar. 24th Homemade Meatloaf All team leaders Mar. 31st Lasagna Dixon/Sommer Apr. 7th Stuffed Peppers Tom Kohut Apr. 14th Country Fried Steak Larry McManus Apr. 21st Stuffed Pork Chops Dave Koerner Apr. 28th Homemade Meatloaf AUXILIARY NOTICE OF DUES INCREASE VFW Auxiliary dues will increase on July 1, Annual dues will be $26 and new members will be $35. This will apply to 2018 dues.

3 A Big Salute to: Rose Terrion and Sharon Koerner for the excellent job (as usual) for decorating the canteen for the Valentine s Dance. Past Commander Choskey White for the great job on the grill with our steaks on Steak Night. Commander Mike Roberts for many frustrating months attempting to get our now-legal fire control system over the stove approved and insured. Dr. David J. Shulkin sworn in as VA Secretary On Tuesday, Feb. 14, Dr. David J. Shulkin was sworn in as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In brief remarks after the swearing in ceremony, Shulkin said he was honored to have this opportunity to continue to serve Veterans. I have such a obligation and duty, that I feel to making sure that we give our Veterans everything that they deserve, he said. I think that we have a system that is doing terrific things with very dedicated people, but we all know we have a lot of work to do and that s what I plan to do as secretary. Born on an Army base, Shulkin s father was an Army psychiatrist and both grandfathers were Army Veterans. His paternal grandfather served as the chief pharmacist at the V.A. hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. As a young doctor, Shulkin trained in several V.A. hospitals and views his service at VA as a duty to give back to the men and women who served the nation. Prior to his confirmation as secretary, Shulkin served as VA s under secretary for Health for 18 months, leading the nation s largest integrated health care system. Committee Members Next Meeting: Tuesday, 6 September, 5 p.m. Dennis Sommer, Chairman Don Dixon, 1st Friday Team leader Tom Kohut, 2nd Friday Team Leader Lawrence McManus, 3rd Friday Team Leader David Koerner, 4th Friday Team Leader * Open, need volunteer 5th Friday Team Leader Frankie Roberts Judi Brack Gordon Jacquemin Loretta Fuller *Volunteers Needed for 1 day per month. Leave Note in Canteen as to which Friday(s) you would like to volunteer. Teams If you can spare a few hours per month, we could use your help for our Friday Fish Fry. In addition to feeling good about helping, you ll also receive a meal and a small stipend (2 drink chips) for your appreciated efforts. See list of positions below: 1st Friday Team Dixon Dixon, Don Breader Cribbs, Glen Hammer, Nancy Maloney, Donna Magamol, Joyce Roy, Ann Spangler, Tom Smith, Rudy Bussing Cavinall, Donna Ward, Roseann 3rd Friday Team McManus Breader Maloney, Dave Maloney, Donna Ione McManus, Harriett Spangler, Tom Cribbs, Glen Bussing Fuller, Gary Fill-in White, Choskey 5th FRIDAY Breader Bussing??? TEAM Kohut, Tom Ione Spangler, Tom 2nd FRIDAY Breader Bussing DAYS TO FLY THE FLAG Any Day, Memorial Day KOHUT TEAM Kohut, Tom Mroczka, Ione Grant, Bessy Spangler, Tom 4 th FRIDAY KOERNER TEAM Breader Diane Preato, Sharon Lavigne, Oril Mroczka, Ione Enigi, Heidi Cavinall, Donna Tom Woodrow, Robert Bussing Cribbs, Glen Balinge, Victor VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you can help in the kitchen, waiting tables, or on clean-up just one afternoon a month (see above positions), please phone Chairman Dennis Sommer at , dsommerfamily1948@gmail.com. Volunteers receive a FREE meal PLUS 2 FREE drink chits. COMMENTS or ADDITIONS TO THE PATRIOT?

4 Farewell, Comrades! Happy Sailing! Comrade Jason Shepard In Sickbay: Vinnie Roy Bonnie Williams House Committee Tom Preato, Quartermaster Mike Coughlin Tom Kohut Paul Jones Rudy Smith, Chairman Don Dixon David Koerner (Amvets) Gordon Jacquemin (Auxiliary) Judi Brack (Auxiliary) House Committee Advisors: Any comments that you may have concerning the operation of the Canteen would be greatly appreciated. Remember, this is YOUR Post! A successful operation depends on YOU! DoD to Open Online Exchange Did You Know Veterans MAY obtain FREE dental care at the Univer- Shopping to Veterans sity of Florida School of Dentistry in Gainesville DoD News, Defense Media Activity / Published Jan. 13, 2017 The Defense Department announced today that veter(depending on their ongoing research programs). ans will soon be able to shop online at military exchanges. For more information, phone (352) or DN-Office -of-research@ad.ufl.edu. Introduced in House (01/08/2016) Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an 18-month pilot program in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) under which veterans use an Internet website to schedule and confirm appointments at VA medical facilities. The pilot program's duration may be extended and the number of VISNs may be increased. About the Stolen Valor Act (next issue)? The US owns 10 aircraft carriers about the same as the entire world owns. The F-15 can flay at 1,900 mph (Mach 2.5). It is also the only aircraft to shoot down a satellite! The fastest speed recorded by a helicopter is around 248 mph. An Ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft (friendlies don t count)! You can get VA burial pre-approval with form VA Form Application For Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility For Burial In A VA National Cemetery. You may obtain this form at: eligible.asp. Fill it out on-line and print copies and mail it to: National Cemetery Scheduling Office, PO Box , St. Louis, MO Submit proof of eligibility (i.e. DD-214). If you wish to have your spouse buried with you in the national cemetery, fill a form out for him/her also. ? If you have an address and would like to receive this newsletter in PDF format each month, us at post4209@flvfw.org. Why ? Because we can get information out to you in a timely manner so that you and your family can enjoy our Post! The policy change will extend limited online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans of the military, DoD officials said in a news release. The shopping benefit will be effective this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, While shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products, it includes the Exchange Services dynamic online retail environment known so well to service members and their families, the release said. The change follows careful analysis, coordination and strong public support, officials said in the release. We are excited to provide these benefits to honorably discharged veterans to recognize their service and welcome them home to their military family, said Peter Levine, performing the duties for the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. In addition, this initiative represents a low-risk, lowcost opportunity to help fund morale, welfare and recreation programs in support of service members and their families quality of life. And it s just the right thing to do, Levine added. The online benefit will also strengthen the exchanges online businesses to better serve current patrons. Inclusion of honorably discharged veterans would conservatively double the exchanges online presence, according to DoD officials, thereby improving the experience for all patrons through improved vendor terms, more competitive merchandise assortments and improved efficiencies. As a nation, we are grateful for the contributions of our service members, Levine said. Offering this lifetime online benefit is one small, tangible way the nation can say, Thank you to those who served with honor. CANTEEN HOURS MON - TUES WEDS THURS FRI SAT - 12n - 6pm 12n - 9pm 12n - 7pm 12n -? 12n -? We now accept Mastercard & Visa

5 V.F.W. Post 4209 Events March 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Health 4-7 FISH FRY 1600: Pool Tournament Inspection Alt: Stuffed Cabbage Rental 2-5 sm hall 6 pm BAR BINGO Ladies Pool David Koerner Karaoke: Koerner Bar Bingo Tacos 5:30 House Committee 4-7 FISH FRY 1600: Pool Tournament Bar Bingo Tacos 7 p.m. 4-7 FISH FRY 1600 Pool Tournament DST Membership ST. PATRICK'S DAY Ft. McCoy BBQ Meeting Corned Beef & Cabbage, Alternate 6 pm BAR BINGO Entertainment 7pm Karaoke 7pm Ladies Pool Johnny Weison David Koerner Bar Bingo Tacos 4-7 FISH FRY 4 Pool Tournament Spring Begins Homemade Meatloaf 4:30 PM 6 pm BAR BINGO SHOW ME THE MONEY! Ladies Pool Entertainment 7pm 7 pm Karaoke with Dave Hurlburt Dave Hurlburt Bar Bingo pm Korean Alt: Lasagna Tacos War Veterans 11-2 ARNG mtg 6:30 American Meeting w/lunch Legion Officers 6 pm BAR BINGO Entertainment 7pm Meeting Ladies Pool David Koerner 3/1/ :50 6:30 Officer's Meeting Alt: Country Fried Steak 6 p.m. AMVETS Meeting 6:30 Post & Ladies Aux. 6 pm BAR BINGO Conrade Marcum Karaoke 7pm 6:30 PM Ladies Pool In No-Smoking Room! Brian & Lucia

6 V.F.W. Post 4209 Events April 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday : Pool Tournament Karaoke Entertainment David Koerner Bar Bingo AMVETS Meeting 5:00 Team Leaders 4-7 FISH FRY 1600: Pool Tournament 6:30 PM 5:30 House Committee Alt: Stuffed Peppers 6:30 Officer's Meeting 6 pm BAR BINGO 6:30 Post & Ladies Aux. Ladies Pool Entertainment 7pm Entertainment 7pm Host: Post Johnny Wasion Karaoke w Brian & Lucia Bar Bingo 7 p.m. 6:30 Family 4-7 FISH FRY 1600: Pool Tournament Membership Fun Day Planning Alt: Country Fried Steak Meeting Committee 6 pm BAR BINGO Entertainment 7pm Entertainment 7pm Ladies Pool Cooper & Jesse Karaoke w Dave Koerner Bar Bingo 4-7 FISH FRY 1600 Pool Tournament Easter Alt: Stuffed Pork Chops 4:30 p.m. (Business as usual) 6 pm BAR BINGO Ladies Pool Entertainment 7pm SHOW ME THE MONEY! Dave Hurlburt Dave Hurlburt Bar Bingo pm Korean 6 pm BAR BINGO 4-7 FISH FRY 1600 Pool Tournament 1400 Bar Bingo Tacos War Veterans Ladies Pool Alt: Homemade Meatloaf 6:30 American Meeting Legion Officers Entertainment 7pm Entertainment 7pm Meeting Brian & Lucia Karaoke w Brian & Lucia 3/1/ :50