Spring 2016 - Home Page, Plover VFW

“In–FormatIon”
“IN-FORMATION” is the official newsletter of Plover VFW Post #10262
Special Interest
Items
 Commander Seeks
Help For “All
American” Award
 2016-2017 Post
and Auxiliary
Officers
 DD-214s Now
Available Online
 Images From
Vietnam Vets Day
Celebration
 Scholarships and
Awards
 American Heroes
Café Opening
Post Meeting:
2nd Monday of every
month at 1900 hours;
(light lunch beforehand
at 1800 hours)
Auxiliary Meeting:
2nd Monday of every
month at 1900 hours;
(light lunch beforehand
at 1800 hours)
House Committee:
1st Wednesday of every
month at 1700 hours
Spring 2016
Commander’s Corner
First I want to thank all of you for
doing what you do for the Post and our
fellow Veterans. It's truly been an
honor to represent you and your Post.
During my term, I have come to
appreciate everything that the Plover
Post does and has accomplished.
Although my involvement with the
Post and the VFW has only been 5
years, I can honestly tell you that this
post is TRULY one of the shining
stars in Wisconsin. Your Post is, by no
means, the largest post in the state, but
it sure feels that way when I look at
the reporting. Some highlights of what
you have accomplished include:
Number of Reports = 366 (only one
other post in WI has reported more)
Number of Members involved in those
reports = 1,130
Total Hours of Service = 4,100
Miles Logged = 11,200
Total Cost = $31,500
With all your accomplishments, we
have been able to submit for All State,
aka "White Hat" status. I am expecting
that I have crossed all the ‘T’s and
dotted all the ‘I’s and am hopeful that
the Department will honor your Post
with this award.
Now, this is where it gets interesting
and I am in need of your help. At the
National Level, there is a category
known as "All American". A portion
of this is based on your membership
percentage. Only 35 posts are honored
with "All American” status in each
division. We are in division 4
(membership 185-245). There are 657
posts in this category. Currently,
YOUR POST is at #24. That's right,
we currently are beating out 634 posts
in this category!
This is not a small task to have
accomplished and I am hoping that
you could do your part in keeping us
in the top 35 posts in this category.
The portion that is driving this is
membership. With that said, of the 11
posts behind us, each of them only
needs to recruit 4 or fewer additional
members in order to surpass us. With
everything that our Post has
accomplished this year, it would be a
shame to be beat out by just a few new
members.
I am asking that we all dig deep and
see what we can do to recruit a few
more members to solidify our
ranking within the top 35. If we can
do this, we will have accomplished
something that Post 10262 has not
accomplished before (I've been told),
that of being "All American.”
I salute you all for being part of Post
10262 and hope that you can help us
be the "Best of the Best" by gaining a
new member or two.
Ron Stoflet
Auxiliary Column
Greetings Auxiliary members! Elections were
held for the 2016-2017 year. Officers elected
are as follows: President - Diane Lutovsky;
Senior Vice - Robbie Dunlap; Junior Vice Debbie Manthey; Treasurer - Sue Diehn;
Chaplain - Karen Conklyn; Conductress Cindy Bredow; Patriotic Instructor - Deb
Suchon; Guard - Brian Diehn; 3-Year Trustee
- Wendy Schroeder.
Post. All of these projects would not be
possible without your continued support,
whether it is cooking for the bake sale or
helping in any way you can. Each and every
one of you makes a difference for our
Auxiliary.
Hope to see many of you at our Memorial Day
services and luncheon at the Post on May 30th.
We have 1 new member- Barbara Stillman.
We have been busy with several projects.
They include the “Blessing Bags” for the
Salvation Army and the birthday bags for
Operation Bootstrap. These were assembled
with donations from the members and money
from our account. Several members were
involved in the Vietnam Veterans recognition
dinner. There was a turnout of over 200
people.
Payton Tepp, the daughter of Auxiliary member
Gina Tepp, has won a Lillian Campbell
Scholarship for $1000.00 from the State
program.
Also, Plover Auxiliary has won 1st place in
State for the Achievement Award. Way to go
Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank you all for
everything you do!
We also co-sponsored the Patriots Pen and
Voice of Democracy competitions with the
Mary Kimmel - President
Elected and Appointed Officers Installed
The newly- elected officers and appointees for Plover VFW Post 10262 were formally installed at the
May 9th meeting by Installing Officer and Former Plover Post Commander Guy Mockler.
Jim Sachs
Accepting the obligation of office for the 2016-2017 term from left to right are:
David Verhage – 2-Year Trustee, Bernerd Yelkin – Surgeon, Jim Sachs – 3-Year Trustee, Scott
Halverson – Officer of the Day, Frank Raschka – Chaplain, Jim Cline – Quartermaster, Don Mugridge
– Junior Vice Commander, Guy Mockler – Service Officer, Al Tessmann – Senior Vice Commander,
Ron Stoflet – Adjutant, and Joe Cahill – Commander. Not pictured are Mike McKenna – Judge
Advocate and Ray Gauthier - House Committee 3-Year Trustee.
All officers and appointees will begin serving their terms following the VFW State Convention in June.
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Quartermaster’s 2-Cents-Worth
Hello Again! This past year of experience being
the Post Quartermaster has been a busy time!
Things are coming easier and slowing down some.
of our many projects or committees, as we are
always on the lookout for volunteers.
It's official; DD-214s are NOW online. The
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has
provided the following websites for Veterans to
gain access to their DD-214s online:
http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ or you may also try
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-servicerecords/ Military Veterans and the next of kin of
deceased former military members may use this
new, web-based record system to request
documents. The system was designed to provide
better service on these requests by eliminating the
records center mailroom and standard processing
delays.
The Post audits have gone well and the figures are
in the black.
Elections have been held and the newly-elected
members as well as a few holdovers have been
sworn in. That includes me, as I raised my right
hand and volunteered for another term.
I hope the newer members become comfortable
with the way things work in a VFW Post.
Although the learning may seem daunting at first,
we are a friendly bunch and are more than willing
to mentor and guide our new members. A good
way to get ones feet wet is to volunteer for one
Jim Cline
Images From Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration
For the third consecutive year, Plover VFW hosted a Vietnam
Veterans Day celebration at the Post on April 2nd to recognize
and honor Vietnam Veterans. The event drew more than 200
attendees from local and outlying communities. Plans are in the
works for another event in March of 2017.
Diane Lutovsky
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Scholarships and Awards
Plover VFW awarded scholarships to three area high school students in a ceremony at the Post on May 9th.
Jordan Kaminski, a senior at Stevens Point Area High School, received the “Plover VFW Post 10262 Bert
Platta Scholarship.”
The scholarship competition, held annually, began in 1994 and carries the name of long-time Plover VFW
member and Korean War Veteran, Bert Platta. The $500 scholarship is awarded by the Rifle Squad and
Color Guard, formerly commanded by Platta.
Sydney Alery, a senior at Pacelli High School, received the “Plover VFW Post 10262 Mike Helgert
Memorial Golf Outing Scholarship.”
The scholarship competition was established in memory of long-time Plover VFW member and Vietnam
veteran Mike Helgert, who founded in 2004 what is now the annual “Mike Helgert Memorial Golf Outing”
fundraiser to support veteran needs and charitable causes. The $500 scholarship is awarded by the Plover
VFW Golf Committee in his honor.
Emily Feltz, a senior at Stevens Point Area High School, received the newly-instituted “Plover VFW Post
10262 Scholarship.” The $500 scholarship is awarded by Plover VFW Post 10262.
Applications for the scholarships are accepted from any high school senior who meets requirements that
include having a family member (including grandparents, aunts and uncles) who has served or is serving in
the armed forces of the United States of America or is a member of the VFW or eligible to become a
member, acceptance for admission to a program of higher education at an accredited college, university or
technical college and involvement in volunteer or service activities in school, church or community.
Applicants also submit an essay and high school transcripts that are evaluated by the Plover VFW
Scholarship Committee. For additional information, contact Plover VFW Post 10262 at (715) 341-8414.
Andrew Hanneman, a senior at Stevens Point Area High School, was awarded “Scout of the Year” by
Plover VFW Post 10262. Andrew has been a Scout since he was in 2nd grade and has achieved the status of
“Eagle Scout.” He received a check for $100 along with a commemorative challenge coin, patch and pin.
“Teacher of the Year” awards were presented to Todd Knepfel for grades 9-12 at Almond/Bancroft High
School, Luke Steuerwald for grades 6-8 at Almond/Bancroft, and Elizabeth Helgeson for grades K-5 at St.
Stephen Elementary in Stevens Point. Each received a check for $100, challenge coin and flag set.
“Scout of the Year” Andrew Hanneman received his award
from Post Commander Ron Stoflet (left), Auxiliary President
Mary Kimmel, and Youth Award Chairman Joe Cahill.
First-place scholarship winners Emily Feltz, Sydney Alery
and Jordan Kaminski receive their awards from Chairman
Mike Zynda (left) and Post Commander Ron Stoflet (right).
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Rifle Squad /Adjutant
Notes and News
We have been in the midst of all the national political bickering for many months and I can’t wait for it
to end. At this point in time, we don’t know who will become our new Commander-In-Chief but will
certainly have to live with the “People’s Choice”. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization along
with VFW Post 10262 also has nominations and elections of officers this time of the year and
interestingly, our Post has taken care of business in a professional way and elected a new slate of
officers (see photo and election results elsewhere in this newsletter).
I would like to take up some space and thank our past Officers and Committees for their outstanding
efforts for the past VFW year. Commander Stoflet has balanced his demanding full time job with our
Post Commander’s position at our Post and was able to dedicate many hours leading our Post to be
among the best in the state. Our Sr. Vice Commander Mike Zynda and his Golf Committee had a very
successful tournament and the results were that we were able to donate to many charitable organizations.
Mike also chaired our Scholarship Committee, visited the high schools, received the applications,
established the selection committee and presented three scholarships to the winners. Joe Cahill,
Citizenship & Education/Youth Development Committee, “as a committee of one” visited all of the
schools, devoted many hours to the following programs: Teacher of The Year (two selected and one
competing for State Teacher of the Year), Scout of the year, one chosen and established a committee for
selection of the VOD/Patriots Pen winners from the many entries received. A big Thank You also goes
out to our Quartermaster Jim Cline and to Barb Schultz for their accounting/bookwork that keeps us
looking good financially. Finally, thanks to all of the Rifle Squad members who have performed
Military Honors for deceased Veterans and many community events, rain or shine, hot or cold and
during some pretty serious snowstorms.
Our Rifle Squad Steak & Omelet Breakfast attendance
was about the same as last year in that we averaged
108 guests per breakfast and a great big thanks to the
entire crew for their support. We have to thank Debbie
Manthey for her dedication to our Post and getting the
word out monthly to the community. We could never
put a price on the notoriety and visibility that our Post
receives from Debbie Manthey and what she
continually brings to our post. We are so fortunate to
have her as a Post Auxiliary member! We need to
Congratulate Debbie for winning the State VFW
Quarterly Post Newsletter Competition and also
Check out Tommy Bredow’s
“Smokin’ GUN!” (far right).
placing second nationally. THANKS DEBBIE!!!
The Rifle Squad participation has again been requested for many of the normal community summer
events. Our Post members are currently preparing for Memorial Day and installing the flags at the
tombstones/grave markers at the six cemeteries that are visited on Memorial Day. Look for more
information on scheduled events in our Post’s monthly minutes.
As I sit and write my part for our Post’s IN-FORMATION, the Spring/Summer Edition is always the best
time of the year for me. I enjoy all of the changes taking place “outside and inside”. Nature is doing its
best to present spring to us and our Post is doing its best to present new leadership for the membership.
What more can we ask for?
My May through August calendar is again filled with events that will be competing with community and
VFW activities. Deedy and I do hope your schedule conflicts aren’t too great and you will be able to
support the VFW schedule of events. Enjoy your summer here in Wisconsin!
Norb Strasser
5
REGULAR EVENTS
Rifle Squad Breakfast – every third Sunday of the month from September through April
Friday Night Fish Fry – every Friday night from September through May (last one May 27th)
TAPS
Thomas M. Hagen
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Ronald R. Charneski, Danny B. Dye, Eugene Fosmire III, Dirk A. Gunderson,
Angela Kucharski, Robert Potter
June
John Schultz (1st), Leonard Norton (4th), Larry
Cason (6th), Michael Worzalla (9th), Bernerd Yelkin
(9th), Michael Worzalla (9th), James Sapp (10th),
Toni Swinderman-Aux. (10th), Sue Diehn-Aux.
(11th), Berniece Ward (13th), Donald Wiernik
(13th), Joyce Church-Aux. (14th), Gerald Buza
(15th), Wayne Schneider (15th), Guy Mockler
(16th), Alex Kieliszewski (20th), Alvino Sayas
(22nd), Perry Engel (23rd), David Hoefs (26th),
Victor Maslakow (26th), William McGregor (26th),
Gail Mockler-Aux. (26th), Robert Wisniewski (27th),
Don Mugridge (30th)
BIRTHDAYS
April
Frank Raschka (1st), Jason Cline (4th), Daniel Starr
(8th), Mark Turkiewicz (9th), Frederick Lucht
(11th), Raymond Gauthier (14th), Michelle SchultzAux (23rd), William Doxrude (24th), Bob Kuehl
(25th), Jim Decker (26th), Brent Stelzer (30th)
May
July
Chan Copas (2nd), William Jenkins (2nd), Marie
Christianson-Aux (5th), Thomas Doan (7th), Gary
Matthees (7th), Frederic Fleishauer (8th), Eugene
Fosmire (14th), Mike Hartman (15th), Larry Kinyon
(15th), Sally Michelkamp (15th), Norbert Pudroski
(15th), Robert Decker (21st), Timothy Victor (23rd)
Brian Leahy (2nd), Robert Oberst (2nd), Thomas
Hagen (5th), Nickolas Huillier (9th), Marci Ledlow
(9th), Dennis Lepper (10th), John Herek (12th),
Peter Cychosz (17th), Will Lehner (19th), Michael
Wolf (19th), Eric Chilson (26th), Thomas Ehr (27th),
Sandi Kowalski-Aux (28th), Jeremy Larsen (31st),
Glenn Aavang (31st)
ANNIVERSARIES
June
April
Eugene and Sarah Fosmire (12th), Michael and
Linda Zynda (15th), Dwayne and Kathie Wierzba
(20th), Andrew and Kathy Suchon (22nd), Timothy
and Barbara Jean Victor (26th), Ernie and Cynthia
Anthes (30th)
Leslie and Irene De Meyer (1st), William and Jan
Doxrude (1st), Ronald and Carol Garski (1st), James
and Phyllis La Sage (1st), Rick and Mary Ann
Stevens (1st), Burr and Theresa Oxley (4th), Steven
and Jennifer Koth (7th), David and Peggy Hanson
(12th), Frank and Joan Raschka (22nd)
May
July
Robert and Mary Carlson (1st), Bruce and Janice
Djupstrom (1st), Ronald and Rose Sankey (1st), Ray
and Sue Gauthier (20th), Ronald and Kay Stoflet
(25th), Allyn and Roberta Dunlap (26th), Jim and
Sue Sachs (26th)
Jerome and JoAnn Krueger (1st), Dennis and Irene
Lepper (1st), Donald and Leona Wiernik (7th),
Michael and Doreen Worzalla (12th), Mike and
Beverly Butcher (20th), Mark and Joyce Turkiewicz
(21st), Lee and Julie Zebro (22nd)
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Plover VFW Post 10262 has joined the Portage County Business Council. This partnership will provide opportunities for
our organization to network with 500 area businesses and showcase our upcoming events and activities. The Portage
County Business Council Ambassadors Club recognized with a certificate Comrades Mockler, Strasser and Cahill along
with Auxiliary members Mary Kimmel and Debbie Manthey for a briefing on the Post activities during their visit.
2016-2017 Post Officers
Joe Cahill. . . . . . . . . . . . . Commander
Al Tessmann. . . . Sr Vice Commander
Don Mugridge. . . Jr Vice Commander
Jim Cline. . . . . . . . . . . .Quartermaster
Mike McKenna. . . . . .Judge Advocate
Frank Raschka. . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain
Bernerd Yelkin . . . . . . . . . . . .Surgeon
Guy Mockler. . . . . .Rifle Squad Cmdr.
2016-2017 Auxiliary Officers
Jim Sachs. . . . . . . . 3-Yr Trustee
David Verhage. . . . .2-Yr Trustee
Andy Suchon. . . . . .1-Yr Trustee
Guy Mockler. . . .Service Officer
Vacant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAP
Scott Halverson. . .Officer of Day
Ron Stoflet . . . . . . . . . . Adjutant
Ray Gauthier. .3-Yr House Comm.
Diane Lutovsky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President
Robbie Dunlap. . . . . . . . . . Sr Vice President
Debbie Manthey. . . . . . . . . Jr Vice President
Cindy Bredow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Conductress
Deb Suchon. . . . . . . . . . . Patriotic Instructor
Brian Diehn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Guard
Karen Conklyn. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain
Sue Diehn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Treasurer
SPECIAL EVENTS
May 30 – Memorial Day Honors and Activities with lunch at the Post
June 8-11 – VFW Department Convention at Radisson in Appleton
Greater Plover Area VFW
Memorial Post #10262
2970 Hickory Drive
Plover, WI 54467
June 5 – Korean War Memorial Ceremony at 10:45
June 9 – Ageless Aviation Dream Flight Tour at Stevens Point Airport
July 4 – Stevens Point Parade
Phone:
(715) 341-8414
E-Mail:
vfw10262@vfw10262.com
July 30 – Celebrate Plover
August 20 – VFW King Day and Rifle Squad Steak Feed
Visit Us On The Web:
http://www.plovervfw.org
September 10 – VFW Mike Helgert Golf Scramble Fundraiser
DATES TO REMEMBER
May 30 – Memorial Day (observed)
June 14 – Flag Day
June 6 – D-Day (Europe 1944)
June 19 – Father’s Day
June 20 – First Day of Summer
The VFW Clubhouse is
open to the public Tuesday
thru Sunday after 3:00 pm
July 4 – Independence Day
“Those Who Fought Together – Belong Together”
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Plover VFW Post #10262
2970 Hickory Drive
Plover, WI 54467
IT’S COMING!
IT’S ALMOST HERE!
OPENING DAY FOR THE AMERICAN HEROES CAFÉ IS JUNE 2, 2016
AND YOU’RE ALL INVITED!
What is the American Heroes Café, you say? It is a time to honor military veterans, police,
firefighters, and EMT’s with a cup of coffee, donut, and a place to come together to chat,
share ideas, reconnect, have FUN!
No questions, no agenda, no minutes. The gathering takes
place twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays at the Lincoln Center at 1519 Water
Street in Stevens Point from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Stop in, grab a chair, and say hello!
We’d LOVE
To Have You
VISIT!!
OVE to have you visit!