Post and Auxiliary Meetings 1st Thursday every month 6:30 pm Benson VFW Post 2503 May2014 www.vfwpost2503.org 402-571-8397 Honor Guard Meeting 2nd Thursday every month POST 2503 OFFICERS 2013-2014 Commander: Doug Whitaker Sr. Vice Commander: Rex Drucker Jr. Vice Commander: Sharon Cooper Quartermaster: Ron Dupell Chaplain: Dennis Kerr Surgeon: Terry White Judge Advocate: Jamee Kugler Officer of the Day: Jerry Hodakowski Adjutant: Fred Van Peer Guard: Arnold Gerst Service Officer: Ron Dupell Parliamentarian: Fred Van Peer AUXILIARY OFFICERS 2013-2014 President: Kathy Tiger Thielen Sr. Vice President: Linda McMullen Jr. Vice President: Linda Humphrey Treasurer: Ruth Gerst Secretary: Pat Dembowski Chaplain: Marcia Jones Conductress: Luanne Rosso Guard: Shirley Duis Patriotic Instructor: Royce Dent From the Commander Dear Comrades and Ladies, I want to begin my last newsletter article thanking all those who came out for elections this last month. Your attendance was much appreciated. I also want to congratulate all of the newly elected officers, especially Mr. Bob Brown who will be your Post Commander next year. I have pledged to assist him in way that I can. With the support that he has from the close knit 172 nd Transportation Company as well as other Post members, I am confident he will have a successful year. As my time in office draws to a close, I cannot help but reflect on all of the changes that have occurred within the Post since the summer of 2012. But more importantly, I find myself thinking about the great members who we have lost during my tenure. All of them are deserving of my reflections but two stand out as examples we should all strive to be like. The first is Rich Johansen. Rich was a steadfast member of the House Committee during my time as Commander up until his death. He taught me a lot about how the Post is not about anyone person s agenda but rather about a place that everyone can call their own. Rich more than any- (Continued on page 2) From the Auxiliary President The votes are in and we have our new officers for 2014 2015. President: Kathy Tiger Thielen Sr. Vice President: Royce Dent Jr. Vice President: Shirley Duis Conductress: Luanne Rosso Guard: Lindy Devereaux Chaplain: Marcia Jones Treasurer: Ruth Gerst Secretary: Pat Dembowski Patriotic Instructor: Trustees: 1 yr. Evelyn Westergard 2 yr. Sue Stark 3 yr. Lodine Christiansen Congratulations to everyone. Many thanks to the entire auxiliary for all their hard work, dedication and effort to support our Veterans, Veteran s families and for outstanding community service. You have touched many lives. (Continued on page 2) Look inside for the Memorial Day schedule Steak Night May 16th 5:30 7:00 pm $13.00 Please make your reservations with the Bartenders Post Breakfast is back! May 18th Thirsty Thursdays & Tacos May 8th 5-7pm Installation of Post and Auxiliary Officers May 22nd at 7:00 pm in the South Room Basket Night May 23rd
(Continued from page 1) one wanted to see the Post return to a vibrant place where veterans and their families could gather in each other s company. He was blunt at times but he always lived up to the motto For the Good of the Post. I miss my friend Rich but I know he is looking down at all us planning the next steak fry for when we arrive in Heaven. The second person is Jim Vankat. Jim was a steadfast volunteer who we lost shortly after I became Commander in 2012. He was a tireless worker, who could always be counted on in the kitchen on food nights. Although a veteran, Jim was not eligible to join the VFW as his military service fell during peace time. Nonetheless, Jim wrote the same blank check in defense of this great Nation that the rest of us wrote. Jim s selfless service in support of an organization that he cared so much about should make a lasting impression on anyone who knew him. In closing, I want to thank you for entrusting me with your Post over the last two years. There has not been a higher honor than to be elected the Commander of a home for heroes. I look forward serving all of you in the future as I make my way through the Department chairs. Take Care and God bless! J. Douglas Whitaker, Commander From the Desk of the Quartermaster Hello everyone. Another year has expired and soon a new slate of officers will take the reins of command and responsibility within VFW Post 2503. Some are people who have given much to the Post and shall continue to do so. Some are newcomers at serving in leadership positions in the Post. The Commander and I are very optimistic that new and positive things are in store for the Post in the future. Despite any differences that Commander Whitaker and I may have had, I am firmly convinced that he and I have had the best interests of the Post at heart and both of us worked hard to place the Post in a better position than when we found it. In conversations with him, we both believe that is emphatically true. I am very optimistic that many positive things will result from the last election. There is a good group of people committed to working together to build upon the good things that have been established during the past three years and during the history of Post 2503. Congratulations to Commander (Elect) Bob Brown and to all the new officers and committee members. Much opportunity awaits your talents and energies. In other news, the months of February and March 2014 have been good months for the Post financially. In February, the income and expense ratios were excellent. The revenues for March were excellent, however the financial information is incomplete because of my workload and recent medical issues. As soon as I return from some much needed time off, I will get the March financials available for review by the Post. Respectfully submitted, Ron Dupell, Quartermaster Auxiliary Homeless Sleeping Mats Thank you everyone working on the plastic mats for the homeless. Please consider joining us on Thursday afternoons from 1 3 pm., or cut and link at home and drop them off at the Post at your convenience Shirley Duis Flag Star Cards Are Back It will soon be time to travel to our service reunions. There is presently a good supply at the Post. They are available at the bar. I suggest you take a couple bundles. Robert Ekdahl 2 (Continued from page 1) On May 1 after the Post and Auxiliary meetings the ladies will serve a chicken/potato salad and baked beans meal for Loyalty Day. Thank you VETERANS for all you have done and what you continue to do. If you would like to attend the auxiliary meetings which are held the first Thursday of the month and be a part of this fantastic group however do not have transportation to the post we can arrange to pick you up. The meeting starts at 6:30pm. Please don t hesitate to call me or let another auxiliary member know. I want to thank everyone for their continued support, dedication and hard work. It is obvious that it comes from the heart. Working together definitely makes a difference. Keep up the great work ladies. You have to have CONFIDENCE in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow it. Please keep all our Troops, families and Veterans in your prayers. Sincerely, President, Kathy Tiger Thielen From the Kitchen Winners for the free meal were Randy Davis, Marion Janecek, Ron Magne and Connie Scurlock. Congratulations and thanks for supporting the Post. One Wednesday of each month the Post will be providing a dessert to celebrate all birthdays for that month. A special way to say THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTH- DAY! We will celebrate all birthdays in May on the 28th.. Please come to the Post, enjoy a great meal and have a piece of cake on us. Please plan to join us at the Post for Steak Night on May 16. We will have the Basket Night on May 23. We will be serving Wing, Shrimp, Chicken Strip and Fish Baskets. Drink prices are discounted from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Also, on May 8, Thirsty Thursday
During this changeable weather, the Blondo Bingo Hall is the perfect place to be. Join your friends for Bingo. The temperature is stable and the company is fine inside. Bring your friends on Wednesdays at 7 pm and on Saturdays at 1:00 pm. You can support the Post by playing Bingo and the same Pickles you play at the Post. Chaplain s Message One thing I admire among my leaders in the National Guard is their sincere effort to conduct After Action Reviews (AAR). None of my civilian employers have ever consistently attained feedback from their employees the way our command encouraged and took note of feedback, even when I was a humble PFC. The review process is simple. During phase 1, they gather problems or glitches of a project. Nobody responds with a solution, but listens politely until all the problems are listed. And During phase 2, solutions are suggested, and sometimes adopted on spot, and sometimes saved for review later. The results are compiled and recorded as... lessons learned. There is one key that is crucial to making sure it works well; everyone must stay non-judgmental. Those listing problems must not be venting grudges, and those receiving feedback must not be dismissive because of the source. Sometimes, when things don't go the way we think they should go, or when we think people must be stupid if they don't think the way we do, we can remember what Jesus said in the book of Luke... Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Everyone, that is - everyone, has a hard life sometimes. Nobody knows that better than a VFW member. We take this understanding and reach out to other veterans and families. No other compassion has the potential to change lives, as the compassion formed from lessons learned. Sincerely, Dennis Kerr, Post Chaplain Honor Guard Captain The Honor Guard is always looking for new members. Just come to the Post and ask for an application. New members are voted in at the meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Fred VanPeer, Honor Guard Captain 3 Thank you for your warm and generous donation, VFW Post 2503 Buddy Poppy Chairman POST BREAKFAST MAY 18TH 8:00 am to Noon $6.50 Telephone Number Memorial? Yes No Name to be displayed on Poppy Card: Your Name: It is time again for the annual sale of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Buddy Poppies. Although you may not be able to help with the sale of Buddy Poppies, we are sure you would like to contribute to this worthy cause. Donations received from the sale of Buddy Poppies are used to help needy veterans and their families.
Buddy Poppies The Buddy Poppy season began on Veteran s Day. Our Post has been generous as always. Thank you to all who participate, your care and compassion for our fellow veterans and their families is abundantly evident, as are your donations. A response form is contained in this newsletter on page 3. Cut out and send to me at the Post. Bob Fenton, Chairman Cootie Corner 3rd Thursday, 7:30 pm, Cootie Meeting at Post 2503 3rd Monday, 6:30 pm, Bingo at ENVH Seam Squirrel Gary Steckelberg Cootie President Dorothy Steckelberg From the Chaplains When there is a card for a deceased or sick member we encourage ALL members to sign the card even if you did not know the person. It is one way of supporting the family. Dennis and Marcia Auxiliary Chaplain s News Auxiliary Sisters: Please inform Auxiliary Chaplain Marcia Jones 402-926-2648 of any ill or deceased Auxiliary Member. Any Auxiliary member IN GOOD STANDING, may request that the Auxiliary Chaplain have a memorial service upon their passing. Please inform your families so the Auxiliary Chaplain or Auxiliary President may make these arrangements. May 3rd 2014 Salute Our Military and First Responders Creighton U. vs. Seton Hall U. Baseball Game including pregame and post-game activities Go to: www.saluteourmilitarycommunity. com for a list of family passes pickup locations. Each pass is redeemable for up to six free reserved seat tickets. You can get several. JOIN US ON: MAY 23RD FOR SHRIMP/ CHICKEN STRIP/FISH/ CHICKEN WING BASKETS WITH FRIES $6.50 5:30 7:00 PM Flags on Veterans Graves Mt Hope Cemetery 78th & Military Volunteers needed on Saturday May 24th at Noon. Twelve hundred flags will be placed. Hammers and screwdrivers needed. Flags to be taken down on Tuesday May 27th at 6 pm. Volunteers also needed. Any questions contact Jerry Hodakowski 402-493-9990. Memorial Day Services Monday May 26th Evergreen Cemetery 78th & Center at 9:30 am Mt Hope Cemetery 78th and Military at 11:00 am VFW 2503 89th & Military at 1:30 pm Members and Guests, Plan on attending these ceremonies in support of VFW 2503 and Benson American Legion. 4
May 2014 Chicken and Noodles over Mashed Potatoes/ Peas or Chili Dog Soup Chili Crew Pat Peterson Turkey/Mashed Potatoes/ Gravy/Stuffing/Green Beans or Italian Sausage/Peppers Soup Vegetable Beef Cabin Crew Chicken Fried Steak/ Mashed Potatoes/Gravy/ Corn or Shrimp Basket Soup Ham and Bean Crew Jan Davis Humdingers Beef Tips over Noodles Corn/Salad or Sloppy Joe Soup Chicken Noodle Crew Bob Brown 5
See Inside Memorial Day Basket Night Happy Hours Steak Dinner Night Mothers Day Installation of Officers V.F.W. Post 2503 8904 Military Road Omaha, NE 68134 Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit #610 Omaha, NE From Your Honor Guard Captain Fred Van Peer Military Members MILITARY RITES: March 2014 Deceased Cemetery Members 3/3/14 Larry Smith Prospect Hill 8 3/6/14 John Creighton Forest Lawn 8 3/7/14 John Verzani St. Margaret Mary Church 10 3/8/14 Wm. Drowne Evergreen 8 3/11/14 Walter Wilson Forest Lawn 11 3/19/14 Gaughan, John Calvary 10 3/21/14 Strudl, Frank Calvary 10 3/21/14 Dawson, John Forest Lawn 10 Funerals-8 Members-75 Hours-225 Post Member * NOTICE: All articles should be in the Newsletter Box, IN WRIT- ING, at the Post no later than May 3rd. If articles are not submitted by the deadline, they will have to wait for the next newsletter. We try to have the newsletter to the printers by the Friday following the meetings. If changes need to be made after the meetings, articles can be amended. When your article is late, the Newsletter is late to all our members. Please use a full sheet of paper. Little pieces of paper can get lost. Thank you CLUB HOURS Monday Closed Tuesday thru Thursday 3:00 pm 10:00 pm Friday 3:00 pm 10:00 pm Saturday Noon 11:00 pm Sunday Noon 8:00 pm PHONE: 402-571-8397 March 2014 In memory of our unknown comrades The Post is selling Memorial Bricks around the memorial walk and flag. Bob Fenton, Chairman Memorial Bricks are being sold by Post 2503 to be put around the outside of the Memorial flag pole. These bricks will cost $60.00 each. They will be for VFW, Auxiliary, AMVET & Auxiliary members, their families and people they sponsor. They will be memorials for living or deceased people. They will be ordered once a year on April 1st, for installation by Memorial Day each year. Max 16 spaces per line, 3 lines, cost $60.00 per brick. Name Please Print Phone # WORDS ON BRICK 6 Line 1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 Line 2 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 Line 3 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 _1 Checks Only No Cash Return this form to the Post