Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1079, Elyria, Ohio

March 2003 Newsletter

Have you signed up a new members lately? I hate to keep harping on the matter but, if I don't, who will. Don't be bashful, ask anyone or everyone to join the biggest and best Post in Ohio. Right now we are losing members faster than we can recruit new ones. So please give it your best to sign up at least one member. I would like to go over 1500 members before my time as commander is over.

Do you believe it's March already? With all the snow and cold weather we have had in January & February. I'm ready, as probably most of you are, to enjoy some warmer weather. I imagine all the golfers, hikers, campers, gardeners, etc. are all set to go, weather permitting.

All those who enjoy the Canteen will notice we had to raise the prices on food. The price of drinks will also have to be raised depending on the vote of the membership at the next meeting, March 3rd.

If someone would like to be the chairman of the Poppy committee this year, please contact the commander. Also looking for someone to manage the Athlete of the Year program. As commander of the Post I can not do it all, so I need some volunteers. If no one volunteers, maybe I'll have to ask the Ladies Auxiliary for help. John F. Polgar, Commander

ELYRIA COUNCIL OF VETERANS

Elyria Council of Veterans has selected a committee to choose a memorial representing the Spanish American War, through the Gulf War, to be erected in the Elyria City Park on the square. At this time we have come up with the following ideas:

1. We have agreed on the memorial that shows on the blue prints..

a. It will be two walls that will be erected to the left and the right of the Civil War Monument which now stands at the North end of the park. The two (2) walls will be seven (7) feet high, reading from the South side. They will be constructed from materials with tone and texture the same as the existing monument.

b. Behind the two (2) walls will be six flag poles 20 feet high with flags representing each military service.

c. Two (2) walls will be inscribed with a memorial message in honor of all veterans. A military plaque honoring each branch of the service will appear on the memorial.

The above information will be presented to the city officials of Elyria for approval. Once approved we must then work to raise the money for the construction of the monument. Walter Warner, Committee Member

VA To Grant Benefits to More Vietnam Veterans (Jan 23, 2003)

Washington - Based upon a recently released review of scientific studies, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, has decided to extend benefits to Vietnam Veterans with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

"Compelling evidence has emerged within the scientific community that exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange is associated with CLL," Prinicipi said.

This ruling means that veterans with CLL who served in Vietnam during the War don't have to prove that illness is related to their military service to qualify for Dept. of Veterans Affairs disability compensation. For over 20 years VA has offered special access to medical care to Vietnam veterans with any health problems that may have resulted from Agent Orange exposure. This decision will ensure higher-priority access to care in the future. Principi ordered the development of regulations to enable VA to begin paying compensation benefits once a final rule takes effect. Publication of the regulation is expected soon and further details will be available on its Website at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/herbicide/.Or call toll-free help line at 1-800-749-8387 for info

Department Golf Tournament

The tournament is scheduled for July 26 and July 27 in Northwood, OH. Entry fees and forms must be in by July 1, 2003. Copies of the forms will be in the rec room.

POW/MIA DINNER

VFW District 9 has scheduled its annual POW/MIA Dinner for Saturday, March 15, 2003. VFWPost 451, Lorain, will host this year's event. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available in the Post.

MEMBERSHIP

The latest report from National VFW lists the membership of Post 1079 at 1469, comprised of 1365 Life and 94 Annual members. This is (10) short of last year's total to make us 100%.

GET WELL ROSTER

Fred Smith.....................................................EMH

Conrad Zech..............................Cleveland Clinic

Ladies Auxiliary News

Ruth Conrad -President

Letter time again. Well, Mid-winter Conference is over; it went real well. Thanks to all the ladies that attended from Post 1079.

We received Certificates of Participation for Rehabilitation, Cancer, Community Service, Founder's Day Ceremony, Legislative, Hospital and Youth Activities. Good going ladies.

Dates to remember:

March 18th is Meeting Night, 8:00 PM. Plan to attend.

Wednesday, March 19th. Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner in Post Hall serving from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets $6.50 each. Support your Auxiliary.

March 24th. Lorain County Council Auxiliary meeting at Lorain Post 451, 7:30 PM.

New Information on our Cancer Assistance Program

Please get in touch with Treasurer, Ruby Burdick or Secretary, Sue McCallister, for the new forms for Cancer Assistance. Guide lines are as follows:

Membership must be paid for the calendar year. Must have a doctor's written and signed Diagnosis. This includes both Hospital Stays and Out Patient Surgery & Treatments.

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.