Official Publication of the Harold A. Todd Jr., Wisconsin Motor Post 537 February 2015 Volume 7, Issue 6 9159 W Beloit Rd Milwaukee, WI. 53227 414-543-2030 Commander s Corner February 3, 2015 Membership Meeting February 3, 2015 SAL Meeting 6:30 pm - Wimmer Room Greetings, Elections are coming up soon in April. If you are interested in running or voting for someone you would like to see in a office, please attend the meeting. If you are thinking of running and are not sure, please come and see me or talk to any of the current or past officers about what it takes. All are encouraged to do so. I would like to remind everyone of a few events that are coming up soon: February 14, 2015 Valentine s Day February 17, 2015 Executive Bd Meeting 7:00 pm - Wimmer Room February 17, 2015 Auxiliary Meeting The Hunter's Dinner fundraiser will be on Saturday Feb. 7th. 5-6 pm will be a social hour and the food will be from 6-10m pm. $25 donations are being requested for entrance. If you would like to volunteer to help run it, setup or cleanup, that would be greatly appreciated. Just let me or Dave Wischer know. Our Annual Smoker will be on Friday March 6th. There is a $15.00 entrance fee and Raffle tickets are available at the bar. There will be food, raffles and cards games of any sort that you would want to play. Please join us for our big fund raiser of the year. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated for this event also. Donations for raffle prizes for both of these events would also be appreciated. March 3, 2015 Membership Meeting March 3, 2015 SAL Meeting 6:30 pm - Wimmer Room March 17, 2015 Executive Bd Meeting 7:00 pm - Wimmer Room There is a 4th District bowling tournament on Sunday February 8th. All are welcome. For more details please see me or Mark Sandow. You must sign up soon. On Tuesday, Feb. 17th at 6:00pm upstairs, before the Executive Board meeting, the fundraiser committee will meet. Anyone interested please be there. It is the new year and if you have not paid your dues yet, PLEASE do so. The membership team will be meeting soon to help us get to 100%. Our Service Officer Jim and I have some good ideas on how to get there, after attending the midwinter conference. We will talk more about this at the February Membership Meeting. See you all then! March 17, 2015 Auxiliary Meeting Cmdr. Nick Berg
Commander Nick Berg 414-698-3181 - cell nberg99@yahoo.com Adjutant Wanda Fremut 414-462-4246 wfremut@yahoo.com 1st Vice Joseph Delaney 414-651-2687 joedelinwisc@gmail.com 2nd Vice Brian Duerr 414-541-7703 - home 414-477-0501 - cell brianduerr@hotmail.com 3rd Vice Dave Erich 414-604-9695 davedje@aol.com 414-541-0497 Parliamentarian Dave Wischer 414-429-2429 wisch537@yahoo.com Service Officer James Waltich Jr. 414-899-2569 jimwaltich@yahoo.com House Committee: Wally Pufahl - 414-541-0497 Chuck Cooney - 414-856-0804 Brian Duerr - 414-541-7703 S.A.L. Squadron Commander 414-541-8386 cmdrdan537@aol.com 6419 W Greenfield Ave West Allis, WI VA Regional Office Am Legion Svc Officer James Fialkowski 5400 W. National Ave #164 Milwaukee, WI 53214-3461 2 4TH DISTRICT Mark Sandow Is it really February already? That means we are halfway through Winter and heading into Spring. Can't wait to get out from under drab and overcast and into sunny and warmer. I want to thank everyone for their support after my recent heart attack that sent me to the VA. Just to let everyone know, I had exceptional care from the professional nursing staff and doctors at 5CNorth Cardiac Care Unit. Thanks to Dave Wischer for spreading the word about my condition and to Service Officer Jim Waltich for stopping by to check up on me. The Fourth District is still residing in 11th place in the State membership figures. We as a Post are at 80% paid and I ask those of you who have not paid to do so forthwith if for no other reason than to continue getting the newsletter and the American Legion magazine. I know this will be late, but I want to say Happy 100th Birthday to the US Coast Guard, created on January 28, 1915. Sunday February 1st is 4 Chaplains' services at Matousek Chapel at the VA Hospital starting at 2pm. You'll be done in time to watch the Super Bowl if you're interested. For those of you who have never attended, it's a service not to be missed. The 4th District Oratorical has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 8th at Post 416 starting at 9am. We have 3 candidates for sure and possibly a fourth. 4th District bowling is the same day, so if you plan to go to both, it's going to be tight. The George Washington Luncheon will be held at Klemmers on February 16th. Cost is $20 per person and is open to both Auxiliary and Legion members. The next meeting of the Mighty 4th District will be held at Greendale Post 416, 6351 W Grange Ave on Wednesday, February 18th, starting at 730pm hosted by Milwaukee Post 18.Everyone is invited to attend. See ya 'round the Post. Respectfully, Mark Sandow 4th District 1st Vice-Commander
Williams Bay Veteran Memorial Controversy Brief history: Permit and authorization for memorial in Fall of 2011, interesting twist to this though is the recordings from the meeting documenting approval are now missing. They have all the recordings of meetings before and after, just the one that would clarify what the permit conditions and discussion were is missing. VFW position is that the permit authorized the maintenance and addition on an on-going basis to memorialize the local veterans. President Marra's position is that the VFW must re-apply for a permit whenever they wish to make any changes/additions to the memorial. President Marra directed the Village Building Inspector to issue a citation to the VFW Commander for permit/code violation. Citation issued specifically to Commander Weyhrauch. Last week that citation was rescinded/taken back by the inspector. President Marra has spoken as a typical politician - speaking of how he supports the troops and veterans but then goes on a personal attack of the VFW Commander and the memorial. Here are the links to President Marra: https://www.facebook.com/johnmarravp jmarra.president@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-marra/32/116/ b18 And here is the link to the news story: http://www.lakegenevanews.net/articles-geneva- Lake-West-i-2014-12-04-255134.114135-Marrawants-procedure-straight-on-memorial.html President Marra deserves a few holiday wishes from the heroes of our communities and to let him know that being a politician does not allow him to target these heroes or their representatives. 3 Commander's Mail If anyone would like to do this color guard for one of their games, please contact me, the commander. We need at least 4 people. They are located just west of the city of Appleton off of highway 41 between Wisconsin Ave and Northland Blvd, highway OO. Fox Valley Stadium. Good Morning! My name is Seth and I m the Director of Group Sales for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Class A Minor League Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. I m responsible for organizing Color Guard Groups here at the ballpark. We ve had plenty of great Military and Scout Groups present the Colors over the last few years and I m looking to add some groups that have never had the privilege of doing so before one of our games. Booking a date to Present the Colors at one of our games is quite easy. Pick a date(s) that would work for your Post and we can check on availability. If available we can put tickets on hold for your group (including spouses, family members, friends, etc ) we will include four FREE tickets as a thank you and everyone else in your group receives the Group Discount which is $8 for Bleacher Seats and $10.50 for Box Seats (We just ask that your ticket order is made via one person and one payment). We would ask for a final head count and payment for tickets by two weeks before your game. If this is something you think your Post would be interested feel free to let me know and I d be happy to help you get a date set up. Also, if you know of any other Posts that may be interested please pass along my contact info. Thank you for your Service and Happy Holidays!! Seth Merrill Director of Group Sales Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Class 'A' Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers Phone: 920.733.4152 ext. 225
Aux 1st Vice Pat Griswold 414-534-8060 Aux 2nd Vice Joan Carter 414-327-2091 Aux Secretary Joan Kroll 414-762-5707 Aux Treasurer Audrey McClain 414-541-9622 Aux Chaplain Shirley Scott 414-541-1832 Aux President Debbie Lynch 414-380-0478 262-691-0939 Aux Parliamentarian Dee Treibel 262-278-3102 Aux Sgt-At-Arms Trish Wischer 414-429-2429 Aux Asst Sgt-At- Arms Heather Serna 414-380-0778 Aux Executive Board: Sue Sandow 414-545-0409 Debbie Duerr 414-541-7703 Joan Carter 414-327-2091 SAL Danny Key Greetings to all!! I ve had enough winter already, how about you? The SAL has been on the go again. Last month the Sons helped prepare over 200 meals for a local food pantry. The SAL took the lead in the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative and partnered with the American Legion, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Post Corporation (Julie) to collect money and donated items. Donations included general toiletry and bathroom items along with kitchen and household items. A total of 1,450 items were delivered by the Post and the SAL. This is a very worthy cause. If you would like to help, e-mail me at CMDRDAN537@aol.com. The Please Help Feed the Hungry Program was a huge success for us. It enabled the SAL to make many veterans and their families warm and happy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. For their help in making this such a success, we would like to give a big THANK YOU to Schaff Funeral Service and to the Milwaukee Fire Dept. Engine 24 Rescue 2 for what they did to make this work. The SAL has entered two teams in the 4/5 district bowling tournament on Sunday, Feb. 8 th at Red Carpet Lanes on 76 th & Oklahoma Ave at noon. Come on down and cheer them on. Coming up on Saturday, Feb. 14 th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm is the 24 th Annual Kids Ice Fishing Clinics. This is free instruction for children ages 15 years and younger, but smaller children -must be accompanied by an adult. Clinics will begin every hour. All equipment is provided. Lessons will be given regardless of weather. For more info you can call 414-263-8614. Dress warmly and meet at one of the following park lagoons: Humbolt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave. McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Rd. Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Rd. wheelchair accessible Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave. Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry, Townline Rd (1/2 mile north of Good Hope Rd, Menomonee Falls) Fox Brook Park, 2925 N. Barker Rd SAL Squadron 537 is asking for members to help with concession food and preparing fish. If interested call Darryl at 414-333-2067. Don t forget about paying your annual dues, whether it s for the SAL, the Post or the Auxiliary. We help where we can and we can use your help. Please pay your dues. Please keep in mind that the Annual Post Smoker is coming up in early March. Tell your friends and family. It is a great time to get everyone together for cards, conversation and great fool. Volunteers are always needed to help out. You are always welcome. One last note: Betty B. you will always be remembered. Danny Key SAL Commander - Squadron 537 CMDRDAN537@aol.com 414-541-8386 Ed's Headbangin' Quiz 1. Robert Ripley's (Believe it or Not) actual first name was what? A. Jim Bob B. Lee Roy C. Billy Joe 2. Robert Ripley was a champion what? A. Handball Player B. Motor Car Racer C. Billiards Player 3. The revolving star on the back of a Cowboy's spur is called a what? A. Cowel B. Sowel C. Rowel 6419 W Greenfield Ave West Allis, WI VA Regional Office Am Legion Svc Officer James Fialkowski 5400 W. National Ave #164 Milwaukee, WI 53214-3461 4. The "Barbie Doll" has a full name; Barbara Roberts. What is her middle name? A. Millicent B. Edith C. Gladys 5. Besides a rat, what other animal can go longer without water than a camel? A. Lizard B. Wild Boar C. Giraffe 4
T o d d P o s t W e b s i t e : w w w. t o d d p o s t 5 3 7. o r g...think about asking for a raffle prize to help out the smoker. Dave has letters you can give to the business explaining the smoker. The holidays are over and we are off to a great New Year. Our unit had a very busy and fun meeting in January. The annual meeting for the Last Mans Club will be on Sunday, March 22, 2015 starting at 1200hrs for cocktails, eat at 1300hrs and have our meeting around 1400hrs. Any questions please contact me. Many things were discussed such as leadership programs, fund raisers, poppy distribution, Badger Girls, Vets Spaghetti Luncheon and State Convention. Service Officer Jim Waltich REMINDER: If you haven t paid your 2015 dues please send them to Joan Carter and if you have any community service hours report them to Joan Kroll. With much sadness I have to report the death of Betty Benning. Betty passed away January 20 th after a major stroke. She will be greatly missed. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. God Bless America, our Veterans and Active Troops!!! I went to Mid Winter and I attended many classes and committees. Much good information was put out!!! I attended a Military honors class and learned that if a Veteran passes, and the family requests it, 2 Uniformed service members from the Veteran's branch of service will be present for honors at the funeral. In order to expedite this process the funeral director will need a copy of your discharge papers (DD -214). Do you know where it is, does your family??? Contact me with questions regarding getting a copy for your records. Anyone knowing of a member that is ill or in need please contact me. Dates to remember Put on your calendars February 7 th Wild Life Dinner all wild meat at the Post February 8 th District Bowling on Oklahoma & 76th February at 16 th George Washington Dinner at Klemmers February 17 th our meeting at 7:00 February 25 th stuffing envelopes for Todd Tattler at 5:00 March 6 th Smoker May 5 th Veterans from Zablocki Hospital Spaghetti Luncheon Need help on February 7 th,25 th March 6 th May 5 th Treats for February s meeting are Debbie Duerr and Kathie Key Hope everybody survived the Holidays Joan Kroll Recording Secretary 3rd VICE COMMANDER Brian Duerr The annual Post Smoker will be held on Friday, March 6, 2015. Anyone needing raffle tickets, please contact Dave Wischer or my self. We also have tickets at the bar. Remember the smoker is our main fund raiser of the year to help support our Legion projects. We also need your help in obtaining door prizes. The next time you go to your favorite restaurant, oil change place or any other business... 5 If anyone needs a ride to meetings contact me for assistance. Jim Waltich (414) 899-2569 or jimwaltich@yahoo.com TAPS 1. B. Lee Roy 2. A. Handball Player 3. C. Rowel 4. A. Millicent 5. C. Giraffe Quiz Answers We honor all those who have gone before us to the Arms of the Great Commander of us all. We honor those who are missing and unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts. May our fallen comrades rest in peace, and may their families be comforted by our thoughts and prayers.