Commander Ken Whitecotton Auxiliary President Anita Hess Email: vfwpost549@gmail.com Web Site: www.vfwpost549.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/vfwpost549 Phone Number: (520) 790-4626 Hours of Operation Mon-Weds: 10 AM - 10:30 PM Thurs-Fri: 10 AM - 11:00 PM Sat: 11AM - 10:30 PM Sun: 1:30 PM - 9 PM
From The Commander! Reflecting on my first six months, I am still blessed with the support I receive from many members of this post. I feel some joy in noting some goals on which we have made progress. Our membership is moving along at a very successful rate. We are currently recruiting many younger members, which we must have to survive. Everyone is doing a great job in this area and I tip my hat to all of you. The patio is moving along. It is about to become a finished reality, despite some setbacks. It will be a nice addition when completed. Thanks to the UASS crew. The club committee is working hard putting great events on our calendars every month. We each need to promote these events and turn them into landslide events. I must also accept my mistakes. Our financial status is little changed, even after increasing revenue in areas such as the kitchen output. There is no immediate overnight answer. I can only promise to keep chipping away. I am very painfully aware of my failure to connect in a positive way with our Auxiliary. This began as one of my most important goals, and I am yet without the right answer. I apologize for the delay and assure you I will keep trying. We have a busy December coming up. Let s make it a happy and productive one. Tina and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season. Pro Deo et Patria Ken Whitecotton Important Dates for The Month! SUNDAYS, SLINGO, 3-5:30 PM (FOOD AVAILABLE) MONDAYS, ACE OF SPADES 4-6 PM MONDAYS, CANTEENA SHOWDOWN 6-8 PM FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, MEAT RAFFLE 6:30 PM UNTIL MEAT IS GONE WEDNESDAYS, SLINGO 5:30-8 PM (FOOD SERVED) COWBOY BILL S THURSDAY NIGHT DINNERS, 5 PM TILL FOOD IS GONE THURSDAY, KARAOKE 6-10 PM FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY 5-7 PM LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH, STEAK FRY 5-7 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, COOTIES MEAT RAFFLE, 2 PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, NATIONAL GUARD MUSTER, KINO STADIUM 9 AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING 10 AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, VOD/PP BANQUET, VFW POST 4903 1 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, WINE AND ART GALA DINNER WITH MUSIC 5-10 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, POST AND AUXILIARY MEETINGS 11 AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, VETERANS CHRISTMAS PARTY, VA HOSPITAL 1 PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PARTY 1 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, CHRISTMAS PARTY, VETERANS HOME 1 PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, DINNER FOR VOLUNTEERS 5 PM PAGE 2
Post Officers Commander Ken Whitecotton Senior Vice Commander Wendell Hague Junior Vice Commander Greg Harrell Quartermaster William (Bill) Spencer Chaplin/Surgeon Adam Grose Adjutant Ron Southard 1 Year Trustee Bob Webber 2 Year Trustee John Mele 3 Year Trustee Tony Fennell Service Officers Frank Skopp Artie Spencer Auxiliary Officers President Anita Hess Senior Vice President Linda Link Junior Vice President Janice Young Secretary Jane Petersen Treasurer Celina Phillips Guard Peggy Bayer Chaplin Carol Gerving Patriotic Instructor Ruth Coak 1 Year Trustee Floyd Young 2 Year Trustee Joy Fleming 3 Year Trustee Kristi Harrell Conductor George Bayer Club Manager Adam Morgan Chairman Greg Harrell Secretary Commander Ken Whitecotton Committee George Wonders Tony Fennell Steve Kanoza Ray Gerving Club Committee District 5 Officers Commander Ray Gerving 763-639-5670 Quartermaster Bill Shaeffler 520-490-1217 Service Officer Artie Spencer 860-985-5196 Chaplain Ralph Teagardin 520-444-0560 COMRADES AUXILIARY SICK CALL FALLEN COMRADES REST IN PEACE From the Editors Please let us know what you think about your newsletter and/or if you have any ideas or items you would like to see in it. You can call Ray Gerving at 763-639-5670 Or email gerving1959@cox.net; or Greg Harrell at 520-271-5136 or email harrellfamily2011@yahoo.com PAGE 3
Greetings Everyone! Junior Vice Commander & Club Committee Chairperson I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and you were able to spend it with family or friends. I wish to thank everyone involved in making our recent District 5 fundraiser such a great success. The band was awesome, and I know those who attended had a great time. Special thanks to Cowboy Bill (Bill McClain) who spearheaded and provided a superb dinner the night before Thanksgiving at the Post. I once again thank all our Comrades, Auxiliary and club staff for making our post successful and truly the Friendly Post. Once again, we have a busy calendar and continue to look for volunteers to help us be successful. Check the club calendar and where you see a club event let us know if you re interested in helping as we have several events coming up that will be fun for everyone. I wish everyone a safe, joyous month of December and thanks to all Post and Auxiliary members, and club employees who continuously work hard and volunteer time to help make all our events successful. The new patio is very close to completion and we have scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony/patio party in January so make sure you check the club calendars. I really hope to see you all at our events. I can t stress enough that we are all working towards the good of serving veterans and I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. God Bless our Troops and their Families, Greg Harrell Greg Harrell PAGE 4
Auxiliary President Welcome to the last newsletter of the year. We all have many things to be grateful for this past year. Our Post and Auxiliary have completed many of our goals for the year. One of the things we both have worked on is communication. I m very pleased with the progress we have made in this area. Many thanks to Commander Whitecotton and his team. Another one of our goals is to get to 100% with our membership. If you have a family member or friend that has not renewed their annual membership, please encourage them to do so by the end of the year. Our membership chairperson has been making phone calls to those who have not renewed yet. If you need help with your dues please let us know and we will see what we can do to help you out. As the year comes to an end many people consider making donations to their favorite charities. We are asking if you would like to support the Auxiliary with buying gifts for the Children s Christmas Party. If you are not a shopper you may make a monetary donation to the Auxiliary or bring a toy with a $10.00 value. We would be happy to give you a tax receipt for your donation. You have no idea how happy you can make a child this year. There are many families out there that are not as fortunate as we are. Our party is a little earlier this year because of when Christmas falls during the week. We will hold it on Sunday, December 16 th, from 1 pm until 3 pm. Another way to help is by attending the terrific activities we have going on at the Post. Please try to attend one or more during this busy Christmas Season. Blessings to all, Anita Hess, Auxiliary President To Whom It May Concern: Friday Night Fish Fry Update We are adding to the menu for the Friday Night Fish Fry. If you would like baked cod please call the post on Friday before 2 pm to reserve it. It would be appreciated and we can guarantee that we have some for you. I would like to thank everyone who donated to and worked so hard to make our rummage sale such a huge success! Start saving your donations for our spring sale! Thank you Peg Bayer PAGE 5
Chaplain s Corner for December, 2018 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 (New King James Version) As I write this, it is 4 days before Thanksgiving, at about 6:45 AM. I have just come in from a pastoral call for a family that lost their beloved father, grandfather and father-in-law. It is at times like this that I reflect on the importance of spending time with family, while you can. At this time of year, family becomes even more important. Cherish your loved ones, and let them KNOW how much they mean to you.. every single day. Also, during the hustle and chaos of the Holiday Season, please take a moment to remember and pray for those who cannot be with their loved ones during this Season. the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States. Pray for their continued safety, and that they would be able to come home safely to those who love them. May God s grace and peace be upon you, and upon your families this Holiday Season. May the joy of the Season overflow! Yours in Service to God and Country,. C. Adam G. Grose Chaplain VFW Post 549 Page 6
COME CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH LOCAL ARTISTS!! ART GALLERY, LIVE DJ, PRIME RIB DINNER, DRINKS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A CERTIFIED PICASSO VFW POST 549 8424 EAST OLD SPANISH TRAIL THE FRIENDLY POST FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018 5 PM-10 PM PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES Tickets available @ post 549 (520) 790-4626 or online https://go.rallyup.com/vfw549-vetfest2018 $10: GENERAL ADMISSION + ONE RAFFLE TICKET $25: PRIME RIB DINNER + 5 RAFFLE TICKETS $50: VIP RESERVED SEATING + 10 RAFFLE TICKETS, 5% OFF OF ART PURCHASES, AND PRIVATE MEET AND GREET WITH ARTISTS FOR FIRST CHOICE!! Page 7
$2.00 Per Ticket Per Round Meat Packages Will be Valued at $40 or more. Eight to Ten Rounds Will be Sold. The funds raised from this meat raffle will help the Cooties purchase gifts for veterans at the VA Hospital and the Tucson Veterans home. Page 8 ALL MEAT WILL BE FRESH FROM SPROUTS DON T FORGET YOUR COOLER! CONTACT RAY GERVING WITH QUESTIONS, 763-639-5670 EMAIL:gerving1959@cox.net
Left to Right : Bill Schaeffler; Sr. Vice Commander Tom Judd; Donna Ventola, Department President, Kim Harney; Department Commander, Gene Woods; Paula Woods; Department Surgeon, Mike Kemery; Tammie Smith; District 5 Commander, Ray Gerving; National Recruiter, Mark Short; Kim Sloan The first event for the new Department event trailer was a huge success. The comrades who worked this event were able to sign up 75 new members. These new members will be placed in a post near where they live. Post Commanders start watching your member rosters for these new members. The Auxiliary had 26 new applications. They will be sending emails to the Auxiliaries closest to where these new members live. We have another big event coming in Tucson on December 2, 2018. The Arizona National Guard Muster will be at Kino Memorial Stadium here in Tucson. We will be needing help to cover this event. Set up will start at 8 am; the gates will open to the public at 9 am and the event will go to 3 pm. There will be a large number of guard members with their families. Please contact me via email at: gerving1959@cox.net if you can help. Page 9
RELAX, I M JUST HERE FOR THE PARTY! IN YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH, COME CELEBRATE WITH ALL OTHER MEMBERS WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IN THE SAME MONTH AS YOURS ON THE 2ND TUESDAY. YOUR FIRST DRINK WILL BE HALF PRICE. AFTER THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE.25 CENTS OFF YOUR DRINKS FROM 5-10 PM YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE. PLEASE DON T BE OFFENDED For more information contact Greg Harrell, 520-790-462 email:vfwpost549@gmail.com Auxiliary Chaplain Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you, And the more you spend blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart s possessing, Returns to you glad. John Greenleaf Whittier Page 10
You MUST RSVP by December 3, 2018, so we can have the appropriate gift for the age of your child or children. Each child will be able to sit on Santa s lap for pictures. There will be games, cookie decorating, pizza, soda and other snacks. RSVP to vfwpost549@gmail.com. We have limited space so get your RSVP in early. Page 11
The District is looking great. We are still leading the department in membership percentage for all districts. We are at 94.19%. We have one post at 100% (Post 4903). As of today there are only 6 posts in the department that have gotten to 100% or over. Commander Miranda of 4903, you and your members have done a great job so far this year, now that you are at 100%, you have 6 months to make All American. Two Posts need less then 8 members to make 100%. To all my Post Commanders and their members: Thanks for the all the hard work you do to help your veterans and your communities. I am proud to be your District Commander. As a Post, we are on track for a great year in members. The Post is at 94.69% with is 31 out of 91 Posts in your national division. The District is 13 out of 110 Posts in your division at 94.19% membership. I have decided to hold a membership contest for the District. I would like to see at least 3 more Posts in this district get to 100% by the next District Meeting. The contest will start December 1, 2018, and go to January 26, 2019. You must sign up at least 5 new or reinstated members. Once you have done this, you will get one of my challenge coins and a certificate. The Post with the most new or reinstated members will get a plaque and a 32 inch TV. I will be presenting all of these item at the district meeting January 26, 2019, at Post 4903. The district VOD/PP awards banquet is being held at Post 4903 on December 8, 2018, at 1:00 pm. We will have the award ceremony at 1:00pm and a meal will follow. The Cooties will have a meat raffle fundraiser on December 1, 2018, at 2 pm at Post 549. The funds raised will help the Cooties purchase Christmas gifts for the patients at the Tucson VA Hospital and the veterans who live at the Tucson Veterans Home. We can raise a lot of cash in a short time. Please mark this on your calendars. The Arizona National Guard will be holding a Muster on December 2, 2018, at Kino Memorial Stadium. The District needs Volunteers for this event. You can contact me or Kim Sloan for more information. Kim s contact information is: email: auxvfwarizona@msn.com; cell: 520-307-7940. The District Inspector, Wendell Hague, will be calling Post Commanders in the next couple of weeks to set up dates and times for inspections. He would like all inspections to be completed by December 15, 2018, if possible. Page 12
The District Fundraiser was a lot of fun. The food and entertainment were great. The winners of the Raffle were: 1st Place, Karen Breese; 2nd Place, Joy Fleming; 3rd Place, Lacey Gearhart; Fourth Place, Ruth Coak. Door prize winners were: Carol Gerving, Debra Swarts, Greg Harrell, Wendell Hague and Janice Young. The District and the District Auxiliary will get $325 each. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you and your families. From myself and my wife, Carol. Post Total 2018-2019 Total 2018 Per as of 11-30-2018 Needing for 100% 549 1071 1131 94.69% 60 2767 43 44 97.73% 1 3578 89 95 93.68% 6 4903 461 458 100.66% 0 5990 199 231 86.15% 32 10015 71 81 87.65% 10 10188 307 327 93.88% 20 10254 95 113 84.07% 18 2336 2480 94.19% 144 May the magic of Christmas fill your heart and home with peace, love, and joy! $10.00 BUY-IN PAYS TOP 3 PLACES 1st PLACE 50% of Pot 2nd PLACE 30% of Pot 3rd PLACE 20% of Pot 2000 IN CHIPS Page 13
MEAT IS FROM FIRST MONDAY $2.00 Per Ticket Meat Packages Will be Valued at $40 or more. Four to Five Rounds Will be Sold. CONTACT RAY GERVING WITH QUESTIONS, 763-639-5670 EMAIL:gerving1959@cox.net Page 14
December 6: Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad and roll December 13: Pork chop, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable and roll December 20: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable and roll December 27: Stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes STOP IN ON THURSDAY NIGHT AND SEE WHAT S COOKING. Page 15
DIFFERENT FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERY MONDAY. Ace of Spades from 4-6 pm Canteena Showdown from 6-8 pm Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 549 Service Officers Frank Skopp Artie Spencer 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, Arizona Phone: 520-790-4626 We can help you design a logo for your business then place your new logo on an item to help promote your business or a special event. We can help you design flyers, posters or signs. We can also design t-shirts and more. Ray & Carol Gerving 371 West Charles L. McKay Street Corona De Tucson, Tucson, Arizona 85641 Phone: 763-639-5670 or 763-639-7118 Email: gerving1959@cox.net Website: www.promotionalmessage.net PAGE 16
Steak Fry Friday Last Friday of The Month JAN S STEAKS FROM DICKMAN S 8 oz Top Sirloin Baked Potato Green Beans $10 Baked Cod will be available for $8.00 Shrimp Cocktail $6.00 WILD BILL S KARAOKE & DJ SHOW EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT FROM 6 PM 10 PM WE SURE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! This is a smokefree facility, With a smoking room in the building. PAGE 17
(Single line Bingo) SLINGO EVERY WEDNESDAY EVERY SUNDAY AT VFW POST 549 Wednesdays 5:30-8 pm Sundays 3-5:30 pm $1.00 per ticket Winner Keeps 50% of Money Collected and 70% from the blackout games. Bring your friends and neighbors to the Post for a good time playing Slingo ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS NEWSLETTER! FULL PAGE HALF PAGE QUARTER PAGE $600 per year $300 per year $150 per year BUSINESS CARD $75 per year If you advertise in our newsletter your ad will also be on our website and on one tv in the canteen. Contact Ray Gerving 763-639-5670 email: gerv1959@cox.net PAGE 18
CONTACT CLUB MANAGER ADAM MORGAN AT 52O-790-4626 Every Friday of the month EXCEPT the last Friday! 5-7 pm At VFW POST 549 FRIED SHRIMP Baked Cod on a limited basis! Bring a friend, have a great fish dinner and SUPPORT YOUR POST! PAGE 19
DECEMBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 COOTIES MEAT RAFFLE FUNDRASIER 2PM 2 3 Arizona National Guard Muster Kino Stadium setup at 8 am Slingo 3-5:30 pm Ace of Spades 4-6 pm Canteena Showdown 6 pm No meat Raffle 4 5 6 Slingo 5:30 pm Meal: Crispy Chicken Sandwiches Cowboy Bill s Dinner 5 pm til Food is gone! Wild Bill s Karaoke 6-10 pm 7 Pearl Harbor Day Fish Fry 5-7 pm Texas Hold Em 7:30 pm 8 CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING 10 AM VOD/PP AWARD BANQUET POST 4903 CEREMONY 1 PM MEAL TO FOLLOW 9 Slingo 3-5:30 pm 10 Ace of Spades 4-6 pm Canteena Showdown 6 pm 11 VFW Members Birthday Party Night 5-10 pm 12 Slingo 5:30 pm Meal: Hot Dogs 13 Cowboy Bill s Dinner 5 pm til Food is gone! Wild Bill s Karaoke 6-10 pm 14 VFW ART & WINE GALA DINNER & MUSIC 5pm 15 POST & AUXILIARY MEETING TUCSON VA HOSPITAL PATIENTS Christmas Party 16 AUXILARY AND POST CHILDREN CHRISTMAS PARTY 1-3 PM Slingo 3-5:30 pm 17 Ace of Spades 4-6 pm Canteena Showdown 6 pm 18 19 Slingo 5:30 pm Meal: Arizona Cheesesteaks/Fries 20 Cowboy Bill s Dinner 5 pm til Food is gone! Wild Bill s Karaoke 6-10 pm 21 Fish Fry 5-7 pm 22 CHRISTMAS PARTY AT TUCSON VETERANS HOME Red Cross Blood Drive at Post 11 am-4 pm 23 Slingo 3-5:30 pm 24 No Ace of Spades or Canteena Showdown, Christmas Eve 25 Closed MERRY CHRISTMAS 26 Slingo 5:30 pm Meal: Hamburgers/ Cheeseburgers/Fries 27 Cowboy Bill s Dinner 5 pm til Food is gone! Wild Bill s Karaoke 6-10 pm 28 Steak Fry 5-7 pm 29 POST VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER 30 Slingo 3-5:30 pm 31 Ace of Spades 4-6 pm Canteena Showdown 6 pm NEW YEARS EVE COWBOYS BILL S THURSDAY NIGHT DINNERS THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad and roll THURSDAY DECEMBER 13 Pork Chop, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable and roll THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable and roll THURSDAY DECEMBER 27 Stuffed Cabbage, mashed potatoes Page 20