Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1079, Elyria, Ohio

April 2003 Newsletter

By now everyone knows that the State of Ohio has come out with new rules and regulations regarding regular and instant bingo (tip tickets). We are applying for a license which takes effect Apr 2nd., but it is doubtful that one will be issued to us by that date. The new rules mean a lot of bookkeeping for the Canteen Manager and Quartermaster. So bear with us until we get everything straightened out. Come to the Post meetings as it will be the only way to keep you informed of the situation. A lot of things will be changed, some for the better, some worse.

On April 1st, Karl Bechtold is resigning as Canteen Manager. I think all comrades owe him a big "Thank You" for the fine job he has done here at the Post. I, for one, will miss him as he made my job as Commander a lot easier.

The new Canteen Manager will be Alan Arnett. We wish him well in his new position. I know he will do a fine job for our Post. With the new gaming law going into effect April 2nd., I'm sure, along with the rest of the officers of the Post, that Alan will have his hands full. I'm asking all comrades to help him in any way they can. John F Polgar, Cmdr

REMINDER:

It's April, and Spring, and also that time of the year when the Post elects its officers for the ensuing membership year beginning immediately after the State officers are installed during the Convention in June. At that time all the Post officers in the State take charge of their positions.

Do your duty. Take part in the election process and attend the meetings. April 7th meeting will be nominations. The meeting on April 21st will continue nominations followed by election for each office.

Things are constantly changing in the operation of the Post, so make your contribution by becoming a part of it.

Let's get attendance at the meetings up to where it used to be. We're now averaging about 40 to 50. It wasn't too long ago that most meeting were attended by 90 to 100. And we still have refreshments and a nice lunch after the business session is finished

CANTEEN NEWS

For those who are uninformed, the State of Ohio has made Bingo and Instant Bingo (Tip tickets, tip boards and seal cards) legal for Veterans Organizations after applying and receiving a license for same. We are now processing the applications for registration, license and Charity connections. The largest donation allocation from Post 1079 will go to the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, MI.. The 15% remaining will be distributed to local charities of our choosing. This will leave the Post with the remaining 35% for our own expenses. More on this later.

CANTEEN HOURS

A change in business hours for the Canteen was proposed and adopted at the Post meeting on March 17th. Monday through Thursday hours will be 12:00 Noon to 11:00 PM., effective March 24th. This will not affect Friday & Saturday hours which will remain as before, 11:AM to 12 Midnight.

MEMBERSHIP

The Post is just (6) members short of attaining 100%.

Fox Internet News, Jan '03, HONOR GUARD FIRED FOR SAYING 'God Bless'

The closing words of the President's speeches bring applause, but when Patrick Cubbage said them, he got fired.

Cubbage, 54, was fired from his job as an honor guard at a New Jersey veterans' cemetery last year for saying "God bless you" at graveside flag presentations.

Now he says he may go to court to get his job back.

A Vietnam veteran and career police officer from Philadelphia, Cubbage was hired part-time in October 2001 to serve at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Burlington County.

Cubbage regularly said "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America" after the standard lines of the flag presentation. He said he was not aware of any complaints regarding the blessing, and claimed that he only gave it if the deceased's family had had a chapel service or a member of the clergy at the grave.

He said the words came from the Flag Presentation Protocol, given to him by the Department of Defense when he started his job. But when he followed the protocol, his supervisor scolded him. "He told me some of the other guards did not want to say the words and I said that I wanted to follow protocol." Cubbage said.

"First he said they might offend someone, and I said, "You're telling me that over a thousand veterans who fought for God and country are buried here and you're concerned about someone who might be offended?"

His supervisor voiced concern the words might offend Jews & Muslims, to which he replied "Jews & Muslims also believe in God. (So much for Political Correction!)

Ladies Auxiliary News

Ruth Conrad -President

Letter time. Not much going on. I would like to thank everyone that helped in any way to make our Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner, March 19th, a success. The profits will go into our Rehab program. And again, if someone doesn't call Eleanor and leave a note in our box at the Post, we don't know to put it on the board.

The April 15th meeting will be election of officers. May 5th will be election of Lorain County Council officers at Post 451, Lorain.

We will have a Roast Beef Dinner on April 25th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Ticket donation, $5.00. This is to raise funds for Santa's Hide-A-Way.

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.