NAPLES MEMORIAL VFW 7369

Dear Members, Ladies, and Friends,

I want to thank all of you for another year of support. Post elections were held, and last years Officers were re-elected for another term. These are difficult times, and their leadership is needed once again.

We have a lot coming up. Don’t forget the golf outing, installation of Officers and Memorial Day. The Post had a wonderful and successful breakfast, and I want to thank the Ladies for their efforts.

Sadly, we lost two of our members recently, and B.J and Ed will be deeply missed by all, as well as former Auxiliary President Dottie Cader.

There is no news on the aquisition of a new Post location, but we are continuing to look.

Thanks again for your continued support…To our “snowbird” members, travel safely and have a great summer.

Bob Ullrich, Commander 

Post 7369 is still leading the District in membership. We have been leading since the year started. We are currently over 105%. Thanks to everyone who paid their dues early this year. Dues notices will be out in July for the 2008/09 membership year.

MILITARY SALUTE WHEN NOT IN UNIFORM

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-181) was signed by the President on 28 January 2008 and included a section (Section 594) addressing this issue. According to the law, “all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention  with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.”  

Dear members and friends of Post 7369.

We are so sorry to report the loss of several members within the last month. Our dear Auxiliary member and Past President Dottie Cader, after several years of illness, passed and was hodored at a beautiful memorial service at the American Legion on April 12th. We would like to thank the Legion and AMVETS for making the service so nice for her family and friends.

A memorial service for Ed Arey, Post Trustee, was held to Fuller Funeral Home on April 18th.

“B.J.” (William Overton, our “gentle giant,” was honored at a memorial service at the First Christian Church.

Both Ed and “B.J.” were also remembered at a memorial at the Post on April 20th.

With the passing of these members, rhe Post has suffered a deep loss. We will miss them and never forget them. Our deepest sympathies are extended to their families and friends.

There are far too many names on our Sick Call. Pam Nedbalski is recovering from a mild heart attack, while her husband Mike is undergoing surgery in Tampa on May 7th. We love them both and will remember them in our prayers.

Jerry Sewell is now home, recovering from complications following a medical procedure. We wish him the best.

Jack Martins was released from NCH after receiving a pacemaker. We know we’ll be seeing him soon, cause “you can’t put a good Marine down without a fight.” Besides, he’s too ornery to go. We love you, Jack.

Also on our “recovery list” is “Dumpster Dave” Gretten, who underwent carotid artery surgery. He’s doind well and still playing lots of BINGO!

Phil Reader is also recovering from some serious surgery. Our Quartermaster is back to work and doing well, in no small part due to the efforts of his own angel, wife Sue. Good job, Sue!

Please keep all these folks in your thoughts and prayers. They all mean so very much to us.

Prayer:  Dear God, help us to develop strong roots of love, faith and friendship. Make us strong and invite us to be stronger still. We can make it! Amen

Kathy Lynch, Auxiliary Chaplain

Larry Johnson, Post 7369 Post Chaplain

            GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE! DONATE BLOOD AT:

                      NAPLES COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER

               VFW POST 7369 ACCOUNT GROUP #242

Our annual golf tournament will be held at the Naples HeritageGCC on Davis Blvd in Naples on Sunday May 18, 2008

A banquet will follow immediately following the tournament at KJ’s Restaurant and Lounge on East Tamiami Trail next to Perkins.

Cost is the same as last year $60.00 per person which includes golf, cart, banquet, and prizes.

Sign up at the Post or by contacting any of the Post Officers.

Tournament will be limited to 100 players so get your teams in early.

KJ’s is a smoke free establishment.

Hole sponsors are available at $100.00 each for businesses or $50.00 each for individuals. Please support our tournament so that we can assist veterans. 

Dear Comrades, Ladies and Friends,

First and foremost, we wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. May 2008 bless you and yours and be the best year yet for all our members and friends.

There is nothing new to report as of the end of December regarding the kitchen situation. The matter is still tied up in the County bureaucracy. Regretfully, our Friday night Dinners, Sunday breakfasts, and newly -planned daily lunches are still on hold, as are our special events - for the short-term, we hope. Check in at the post or at our website for updates. Better still, attend our monthly Post meetings.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 571-8467. We can meet at the post to discuss those issues. Hopefully, we will be back to normal operations in the near future!

We need to congratulate ourselves! It is a great recognition for our Post and members; We are the only Post in our District with over 100% membership.

God bless and protect you and all of our troops in harm’s way around the world!

For God and Country

Bob Ullrich - Commander 

Dear members and friends of Post 7369,

It saddens us to report the loss of yet another friend, Bonnie Dean, on December 26th. Wife of our former cook Chuck Dean and a long-time day bartender at the Post. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Chuck and his daughter Ginger.

While Dottie Cader remains in Massachusetts with her daughter, she has been making progress and may return to Naples with her daughter this season. Please keep her in your prayers.

Our friend ” Little George” Moores has returned after a fall in which he broke his hip. We’re glad to have him up and about again.

Past Auxiliary President Lynn Martinelli remains in good spirits and can certainly benefit from our prayers in her courageous battle with cancer. 

May you enjoy a Blessed and Happy New Year!

Prayer: Dear God, teach us to look for your reflection in every face we encounter. Show us how to extend to others your genuine love and compassion. Amen.

Kathy Lynch - Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain

Larry Johnson - Post 7369 Chaplain

On a personal note, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all for your love, support, and prayers following Al’s passing. He is sorely missed by myself, his family, and his many, many friends.

Kathy Lynch 

Dear Fellow Officers, Comrades, Ladies, and Friends

The closing months of 2007 were quite busy with Patriotic activities.

Members of our Post and American Legion Post 135 visited confined veterans at Pelican Bay Assisted Care Facilities. It’s a good life for them there, and they were especially pleased that we took the time to visit. We exchanged stories of our wartime experiences. We are all looking forward to more visits.

Commander Ullrich and I presented a Veterans Day Program at Pelican Marsh Elementary School. The program addressed our “Stars and Stripes,” the history of the flag, the meaning of the colors and the stars, and the proper care and folding of the flag. We thank the first and second grade teachers, Mrs. Teach and Mrs. Loerzel and their students for the outstanding placards and “thank you, veterans” greeting cards they created.

We also thank the second grade students from Lake Park Elementary School for their “thank you, veterans” greetings and patriotic posters.

Needless to say, these young Americans have what it takes to be the leaders of our great nation! May god bless each and every one of them!

On December 7th, we held a “Remember Pearl Harbor” ceremony at American Legion Post 135. It was attended by veterans representing all of the veterans organizations in Collier County, and was a fine salute of rememberance.

May God bless all of you, our troops and our great nation. May he watch over you and yours throughout the coming new year.

Mike Viechec - Senior Vice Commander  

Dear Sisters,

The past two months have been very good for our auxiliary. I am especially proud of the success of ourSunday Wings, and am very thankful for the efforts of those involved in the preparation and serving,  including Tom, Harriet, Michelle, and Mary. Thanks too for the efforts of Kathy, Harriet, and Mary for decorating the Post so festively for the holidays.We also appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in donating, cooking, and serving those fabulous meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition to that work at the Post, the Auxiliary donated two meals each on those holidays for needy families.

Another successful shuffleboard party was held recently - A great meal by Tom Berger with great entertainment by Pat MacNamara. The auxiliary has also donated a Gas Grill to the Post.

On behalf of all the members of the Auxiliary, may you have a truly Happy New Year!

God Bless All - Emily Richmond, President

:S 

To all members and friends of Post 7369

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are starting the new year off right, with membership at 104% as of December 1st. Leading all posts in District 13 and all category 5 Posts in the State. (Posts are placed in categories according to number of members). Thanks to everyone who paid dues before January 1st! We currently have 17 new members for the 2008 membership year. Let’s keep on building that number.

Some property values in the area continue to decline. If anyone has any ideas on where we could purchase some land or even better, an existing building suitable for a post home, please contact C ommander Bob Ullrich. 

Have you considered becoming a Life Member ? You can now make easy monthly payments over one or two years. If you are interested, please contact me either by E-mail at ABCMphilipreader@aol.com or by my cell phone at 404-0181. Costs and payment options are as follows:

AGE ON 12/31      1 TIME PAYMENT   PMT 12 MO.   PMT 24 MO.

to age 30                        $425.00                   $40.37               $20.23

31 - 40                           $410.00                   $39.02                $19.58

41 - 50                           $375.00                    $35.84                $18.05

50 - 61                           $335.00                    $32.20                $16.32

61 - 70                            $290.00                   $28.11                 $14.36

71 - 80                            $225.00                   $22.20                 $11.53

81 and older                   $170.00                   $17.20                 $  9.14

One time payment may be made by cash, check, or charge. The 12 month plan includes $35.00 payment at application, then 11 monthly installments, each of which includes a $1.75 administrative fee. The 24 month plan includes an initial payment of $35.00 at application, then 23 monthly installments, each of which includes a $1.75 administrative fee. A quarterly plan is also available through the Post at one fourth of the amount due quarterly.

Phil Reader - Quartermaster