Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1079, Elyria, Ohio

February 2003 Newsletter

Thanks to Connie & Wilma Zech and Ed Selavko for a successful Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen program. Karis Howard was the 9th District's first place winner and will represent Post 1079 at the Mid/Winter Conference in Sandusky. "Good Luck, Karis"! It's a shame more people did not attend the banquet to honor the 9 student winners.

Comrades, have you asked anyone to join the VFW lately? As you can see by the taps notice we are losing members at an alarming rate. So get out there and recruit, and don't take NO for an answer! Explain all the benefits they get by joining our fine organization.

Please remind any guests you bring to the Saturday Nite Dances that no food or drinks are to be brought into the back hall. Anyone doing so will be asked to leave. And don't forget the (Dress Code). Shirts must have collars. No dungarees on Saturday night. Save those for the dance in the Canteen on Friday nights.

The Honor Guard is working overtime lately, one funeral after another. Thanks comrades, for a job well done.as they say in the Navy.

If you haven't attended a Post Meeting lately, try it, you'll like it! My condolences to any who have lost a loved one lately.

John F. Polgar, Commander

AWARDS BANQUET

The students who participated in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay contests will be honored for their achievements at a banquet to be held at VFW Post 2480, Port Clinton, OH., Sat, Feb 22nd. This District 9 event will begin with cocktails at 5:30 followed by dinner at 6:30 PM.

GOLFERS

The annual Golf League meeting will be held on Sunday, March 9th, in the Canteen at 1:00PM. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. New members are welcome.

Winter Safety Tips

Shoveling snow can cause a heart attack if you're out of shape, so don't do it without you doctor's permission if you have heart trouble or are over 40. Push snow, don't lift it, to protect your back. Drink eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Keep extra clothing and a blanket in your car in case you need to pull over during a storm. Avoid frostbite by dressing in layers, and wear mittens in place of gloves. And keep you head covered.

NOTE

This will be the last newsletter for all members who have not paid their 2003 dues.

VETERANS NOT WORTHY!

12/18/02 (E-mail note from Dick Forrey, Vietnam Veterans Assoc.)

We asked our local Target store to be a sponsor of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall during our spring recognition event. We received back a reply from Target management that "Veterans do not meet our area of giving. We only donate to the areas of arts, social actions and education."

My thought: if the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and the veteran himself does not meet the criteria of these areas, something is wrong at Target.

We were not asking for thousands of dollars, not even hundreds, but simply sponsorship endorsement for a "memorial remembrance ."

As follow up, I e-mailed the corporate headquarters, and their response was the same.

Personnaly, I will not be buying anything at Target Stores again. If the Vietnam Veteran does not meet their area of giving then why should I, as a Vietnam Veteran, spend my hard earned money in their stores?

Please pass this on to as many people as you know. Maybe Target and other businesses will get the massage. Veterans Helping Veterans .

Patriotism

Where are the FLAGS? As 9/11/01 fades into history it looks like the old adage holds true, " Patriotism" becomes a forgotten word when a crises is passed. Were are the FLAGS??????

Lorain County Fair Booth

All Lorain County veterans are invited to attend a meeting at AMVETS Post 32 on Wednesday, February 13th, 7 p.m. to discuss the program for the Veterans' Booth at the upcoming Lorain County Fair

GET WELL ROSTER

Al Brandal North Ridge NH

Norm Heldt Center Ridge N/H

Clifford Ledyard North Ridge N/H

Joseph Noga Methodist Home

Val Burrer Methodist Home

John Tremback Lorain Manor

Arthur W Knapp Life Care NH

Thurlow Knepper St Joe, New Life Hospice

Ladies Auxiliary News

Ruth Conrad -President

Hope everyone had a great Holiday and are enjoying the snow.

January 11th, a Banquet was held to honor the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay contests. Congratulations to all the kids.

Thanks to Wilma Zech for putting the program together. Thanks to everyone that helped in any way that night. It turned out good.

At our February meeting we will be electing a Trustee. Anyone that would like to run, please let me know.

REHAB: Remember to let Eleanor know if you know of someone that is ill or in the hospital.

MEMBERSHIP: Remember, if you haven't paid your dues for 2003, you can't get in the Post. So please send them to Ruby, ($18.00)

To those who are ill, we wish a speedy recovery. To those who have lost a loved one, we send our Sympathy. Ruth Conrad, President.