VFW Post 10216 Adjutant

_VFW POST 10216 POST MEETING MINUTES AND NEWSLETTER
12 November 2013
VFW Post 10216
“VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES, POST 10216, SONGTAN, KOREA”
COLONEL LEWIS L. MILLETT - HILL 180 MEMORIAL POST 10216
BEST POST IN PACIFIC AREAS
2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 AND 2012-2013
These are the minutes from Post 10216 November meeting held on 12 November 2013.
38 members were present.
Opening of the Meeting: The meeting opened at 1830 by Commander Ernest Lee.
Opening Prayer: Chaplain Billy Quintero led us in our opening prayer.
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Distinguished Guests and Past Post 10216 Commanders:
The Commander recognized our distinguished guests:
Department Pacific Adjutant, Dept Asst Inspector, Past Grand Pacific Commander, Past District 3
Commander Ken Swierzewski
District III Chaplain, Past District III Commander and Past Post Commander (3 times) Billy Quintero
Past District III Commander and Past Post Commander Ron Davis
Past Post Commander Ron Tichota
Past Post Commander and District 3 Adjutant Keith Michael
Congressional Charter: Members recited Section 230102 of the Congressional Charter Incorporating the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
“The purpose of this Corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical,
charitable, and educational: to preserve and strengthen comradeship
among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the
memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans;
to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of
America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism;
to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to
preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies."
Role Call of Officers:
Post Commander/Ernie Lee: Present
Sr. V. Commander/Dan Delaney: Present
Jr. V. Commander/Jerry Prowant: Present
Quartermaster/Shawn Watson: Present
Surgeon/Dean Yoder: Present
Chaplain/Billy Quintero: Present
Advocate/Larry Lyons: Excused
Adjutant/Keith Michael: Present
Service Officer/Pat Higgins: Excused
Trustee 1 Yr/Rob Madison: Excused (deployed Afghanistan)
Trustee 2 Yr/Warren Maxson: Present
Trustee 3 Yr/Dennis Huggler: Present
HRC Chairman/ Takeshi “Oki” Okazaki: Present
Canteen Manager/James Bosch: Present
Officer-of-the-Day/James Bosch: Present
Guard/ Seth Stanko: Excused
Membership Chairman/Dan Delaney: Present
Community Activities Chairman/James Bosch: Present
Youth Activities/Patrick Higgins: Present
Boy Scout Council Representative/Tim Kinmon: Present
Voice of Democracy/Patrick “Doc” Higgins: Present
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Public Relations/James Bosch: Present
POW/MIA/Tom Bergam: Excused
Hill 180 Committee Chairman/Tom Bergam: Excused
Loyalty Day Parade Chairman/Keith Michael: Present
MAP Chairman/Larry Lyons: Excused
Buddy Poppy Chairman/Takeshi Okazaki “Oki”: Present
Americanism/Keith Michael: Present
“First Responders” Special Projects/Rob Madison: Excused
VFW Motorcycle Riders Chairman: H. “Mao” VanHazel: Absent
Awards Committee/Keith Michael: Present
Safety/ Travis Gunter: Present
Historian/Ed Jankowski: Excused
Women-in-the-Military Chairman/Kari-Jean Hall: Excused
Reading of New Members:
Ron Davis read new members; Adjutant Michael made a motion to
accept into the VFW, subject to review of the investigating committee; a
second part of this motion was to approve any new members that may be
recruited during a Thanksgiving weekend recruiting drive at Kunsan
AB; 2nd by Ron Tichota; approved.
Recruiter
Erin Freel
Recruit
Charles Freel
Membership Type
Annual
Shawn Watson
Randy Williams
Term Life
Ernie Lee
Brook Leonard
Life
Jared Clutter
Jonathan Culpepper
Term Life
Kory Maurer
Sean Stott
Virginia Egley
Term Life
Term Life
Dean Yoder
Don Brightful
Jason Alder
John Simpson
Annual
annual
Life
James Bosch
Paul Gomez Jr
Chris Graves
Seslie Tennyson
Ronald Trembath III
Phillip Clifton
Brandon Bolen
Maribeth Williams
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
Annual
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Larry Lyons
Rebecca Timberman
Reginal Smith Jr
Eric Natalicio
Nathan Hardwick
Joseph Bozsoki
Travis Holloway
Kenneth Chase
Michael Falcon
Benjamin Leung
Lisa Skinner (Martin)
Annual
Annual
Annual
Term Life
Term Life
Term Life
Term Life
Term Life
Term Life
Transfer
Stephen Veeder
Albert Meisenhelder
Andrew Bossard
Mark Jones
Lorenzo Fleming
Cory Musgrave
Annual
Annual
Life
TermLife
Term Life
Term Life
VFW Induction Ceremony:
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Post Meeting Minutes: Minutes for the October Post Meeting were disseminated via e-mail earlier by
Adjutant Michael. Keith made a motion to accept the minutes subject to correction; 2nd by Trustee Huggler;
approved. They have been posted to our Post website at www.vfw10216.com .
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Quartermaster Report/Shawn Watson:
Ron Davis presented the Audit for October; it had been audited. Ron
made a motion to accept the audit; 2nd by Dean Yoder; approved. The
following was reported and a copy is below:
Acting Quartermaster
Ron Davis
National and Department Dues $0.
Post General Fund $10,264.93.
Relief Fund $2,029.63.
Post Dues Reserve $131.74. Shares Account $0.00.
Post Canteen Fund $1,276.00. District Per Capita Tax $458.00.
Building Fund $7,599.16.
House Rules Committee $500.00.
VFW Riders $2,672.00. Total: $24,774.38.
Comrade In Distress: The following members and family will be included in our VFW thoughts and
prayers.
1. Larry Lyons wife, recovering from surgery.
2. Travis Gunter’s mother Gwen Guner, recovering from injuries from a fall.
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3. Commander Ernie Lee’s niece for an illness.
4. Bob Frace’s brother-in-law, George Blackman, passed away.
5. Local veteran Ishmael Webb passed away.
Bills:
1. Reimbursement of $50.00 for Veteran’s Day wreath to Commander Lee; previously approved in
budget.
2. Following for Halloween candy (previously approved): Dennis Huggler $29.45; Billy Quintero
$48.55; Dean Yoder $8.38.
Reading of incoming communications: None.
Report of Service Officer/Doc Higgins: Nothing to report.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES:
Membership/Senior Vice Commander Dan Delaney:
Membership Chairman Delaney briefed the Post that we now stand at 83.25%.
Of note, Jimmy Bosch and Larry Lyons are among the top 10 recruiters in all of
the Department of Pacific and well on their way as a “Century Recruiter” (over
100).
Pacific Areas District 3 as of Saturday, November 09, 2013
State
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
District
Total
Post Dst Life New Reinst Cont Total
8180 3 620 6
5
10 641
9985 3 188 189 20
10 407
Prior
Year
666
359
Percent Div RS
96.25% 2
113.37% 2
10033
10215
10216
10223
3
3
3
3
458 7
136 4
825 89
207 7
6
1
13
3
11
3
31
1
482
144
958
218
564
199
1151
274
85.46%
72.36%
83.23%
79.56%
2
4
1
3
12109 3
17 0
2451 302
1
49
13 31
79 2881
106
3319
29.25% 7
86.80%
N/R
City
State LM
SEOUL, KOREA
6
TONGDUCHON-UP,
5
KOREA
TAEGU, KOREA
4
UIJONGBU, KOREA
0
SONGTAN-SI, KOREA
17
CAMP HUMPHREYS,
1
KORE
WAEGWAN
PI
0
33
Prior
Annual
40
181
Retention
37.50%
16.57%
109
64
340
70
15.60%
6.25%
12.94%
5.71%
89
15.73%
Junior Vice Commander Report on Community Service Reports (CSR) by Jery Prowant:
Jerry presented the CSR Report for October: 24 Projects, Miles
1223, Volunteers 129, Hours 681, Gifts $6,952.22.
Please send all of your Post-support activities to Jerry at e-mail
jcprowant@yahoo.com.
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Jerry Prowant
Note: Community Service is a service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions by the
VFW or as a representative of the VFW. Hours: Only volunteer service hours benefiting the community are
to be reported. Volunteer hours committed to projects and activities only benefiting the Post and its
affiliated units listed above cannot be reported.
Advocate Report/Larry Lyons: Larry will coordinate with HRC Chairman Oki to update our Canteen
By-Laws.
Surgeon Report/Dean “Dino” Yoder:
Dino reported that he checked with the 51st FW
Hospital and they will be giving flu shots to
retirees (non-active duty) beginning 2
December. Get your flu shots!
Buddy Poppy Report/ Takeshi Okazaki “Oki”:
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The Post Veteran’s Day Buddy Poppy Drive was a great success and we received $2,212.00 in donations
from the Osan community.
We had great support from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and the many VFW
volunteers. Thanks to Chairman Oki for making this such a great success.
The Osan BX also held their annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony in the Mall and our own Post Chaplain Billy
Quintero was the Master-of-Ceremonies. Billy gave a very moving speech on “Being a Veteran” and
helped cut the cake for the ceremony.
Public Relations Officer & Community Affairs/James Bosch:
Jimmy announces the upcoming VFW events
for the remainder of the year.
Date
Event
Time
Location
11 Nov
VFW Veterans Day Ceremony
1100
11 Nov
16 Nov
Osan Buddy Poppy Drive
Turkey Shoot
1000-1400
All Day
Yongsan Garrison,
Seoul
Front Gate; BX
Post 10216 Canteen
28 Nov
VFW Thanksgiving Day Feast
1400
Post 10216 Canteen
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Remarks
Talk to Commander Lee if
you desire to attend
Need volunteers
With BOSS, Volvo and
MWR
Volunteers bring food!
Jimmy advised that we are now getting our VFW events published in the Osan e-mail bulletins. He is also updating
our VFW Facebook page with Post and Canteen events. Thanks for the hard work Jimmy!
Americanism Chairman/Keith Michael:
The 51st Fighter Wing Commander
desires to visit our Post sometime
within the next few months.
Keith Michael
Post 10216 members participated in the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Yongsan Army Garrion
on Veteran’s Day 11 November 2013. Commander Lee represented Post 10216 and laid a wreath.
District Chaplain Ron Davis said the ceremony prayer. Larry Lyons represented District 3 as
Commander.
Hill 180 Ceremony Chairman/Tom Bergam: Ernie Lee attended the first Hill 180 planning meeting held
on 12 November. The US Army BCD has asked Department Commander Shawn Watson to be the
Master-of-Ceremonies again this year. Our Post will provide the wreaths and assist the BCD in planning
and coordinating.
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Military Assistance Program (MAP) and Adopt-A-Unit/Larry Lyons:
Larry Lyons
Our Post now has three MAP requests into National HQ and one has been
approved so far. These are for our VFW Adopted Unit Program. The 303rd
IS Holiday event was approved for $700.00. Requests have been submitted
for the 6th IS for $315.00 and for the 694th ISRG Heritage Hall Grand
Opening for $780.00; these should be approved soon. Post 10216 is the most
active Post in the Pacific in using the MAP Program.
Youth Activities, Voice of Democracy (VOD) Patriot Pen & Teachers Award Chairman/Patrick
Higgins: Doc Higgins reported that District 3 has completed their VOD/PP/Teachers selections. Post
10216 Teacher Ronnie Holly from Osan Elementary School was selected as a Teacher of the Year for
District. He will receive a $100.00 award from our Post.
“First Responder” Special Programs (EMT/Law Enforcement/Fire Fighter): Department
Commander Watson advised that the VFW has begun soliciting inputs for “First Responders” and the
deadline for inputs is 1 January 2014.
Robert “Puff Daddy” Madison
Boy Scouts Charter Representative/ Tim Kinmon:
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Tim reported that the Venture Scouts held a recent basketball event that raised over $4,500.00 towards their
participation in an upcoming Jamboree. The Boy Scouts recently held a “Court of Honor” for Eagle Scouts.
Tim advised that the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts had participated in our recent Veteran’s Day Buddy Poppy
Drive. Tim advised that Ron Tichota will become the next Scout Representative to the VFW.
POW/MIA by Tom Bergam: Pictures are posted at our website: www.vfw10216.com
Post 10216 POW/MIA
Tom Bergam
House Rules Committee Chairman/Takeshi Okazaki “Oki”:
House Rules Committee
Meeting Minutes, 4 November 2013
A Post 10216 House Rules Committee (HRC)
meeting was held at 1830 on 4 November at the Post
Home. It was chaired by Takeshi Okazaki “Oki”.
Participants:
HRC Chairman Oki
HRC Members: Bob Frace, Keith Michael, Ron Davis.
Appointed participants: SVC Dan Delaney.
Canteen Manager: Jimmy Bosch
Topics of Discussion:
-
-
The Canteen needs to be painted. HRC recommends a mix of colors for the various walls, using
military colors for different walls that match the military service and pictures on that particular wall,
i.e., (sky blue, sea foam green, light gray, and Marine tan). Estimated cost of $300.00; to be voted
on under New Business.
We need a crew to assist in teardown of water tank and people who have tools to help
out. Scheduled for 16 / 17 Nov starting at 0800. Bob Frace is bringing his maintenance guy from
Suwon to assist.
The Canteen made a little over 2,100,000 won profit this month.
Buy the wall mount for the TV; from Canteen funds.
We need to update the Canteen By-Laws. Oki will coordinate with Post Advocate Lyons to begin
drafting a new By-Laws. Canteen Manager Bosch noted the need to include a good job description
for the manager and bar tenders.
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-
Need to purchase a new door lock. HRC recommended using a local lock smith to get it done
professionally.
Adjutant Michael and SVC Delaney have drafted Letters of Appreciation for the military members
who recently assisted in Canteen improvements. Commander Lee will bring the LOA’s to
respective commanders.
Canteen Manager Bosch noted that the holding of unit parties, going-aways, etc, have been very
successful in bringing in new business for the Canteen. He also thanked all those volunteers who
brought food in for our social events.
Canteen Report/James Bosch:
Jimmy presented the Monthly Canteen Report for October. The Canteen had
sales of merchandise of 5,841,500 KW and bingo/pull tab revenue of
924,000 for total income of 6,765,500. Total disbursements included
2,355,700 for new merchandise and 2,370,100 for overhead expenses for a
total of 4,725,800 KW. Earnings/profit for October was 1,639,000 KW and
$471.00 which were turned over to the Post Quartermaster. This was one of
our most profitable months in Canteen history!
Jimmy reminded members of the upcoming Thanksgiving Day Feast and noted that the sign-up sheet for
food donations was on the air conditioner. This event is successful because of our donations, so please help
out the Canteen. They will begin cooking on Thanksgiving Day at about 0800 and need volunteers.
Safety Chairman by Travis Gunter: Travis presented an excellent Safety Report, shown below.
Topic: Cross Contamination of Meat
Just because barbecue season has almost ended doesn’t mean you won’t get sick from cross contamination of meat products with
the vegetables you eat. I would like to remind fellow Comrades of steps you can take to avoid food borne illness caused by
bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter. Eating undercooked meat and other foods that have come into contact
with raw meat can cause food borne illness. Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. It is
estimated that approximately 1 in 8 Americans will get sick from food poisoning (food borne illness). Almost all of these cases
can be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation techniques.
What you should do: You can help lower your risk of food borne illness by handling and cooking raw meat carefully. Storing:
Raw meat should always be stored in a refrigerator or cooler at 4ºC (40ºF) or below. If you are storing raw meat in a cooler, make
sure that it is packed with ice and that it stays out of direct sunlight. Avoid opening it too often. Ensure meat products are well
sealed so their juices don’t come in contact with other food products, thus avoiding cross-contamination.
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Cleaning: Remember to wash your hands and other utensils, like cutting boards, countertops and knives, carefully with soap and
warm water before and after handling raw meat. This helps to avoid cross-contamination and prevent the spread of food borne
illness.
When you grill: Color alone is not a reliable indicator that meat is safe to eat. Meat can turn brown before all bacteria are killed.
Use a digital food thermometer to be sure. To check the temperature of meat that you are cooking on the barbecue, take it off the
grill and insert a digital food thermometer through the thickest part of the meat. If you are cooking a beef hamburger, take the
patty from the grill and insert a digital food thermometer through its side, all the way to the middle. If you are cooking more than
one patty, or several pieces of meat, be sure to check the temperature of each piece. Use clean utensils and plates when removing
cooked meats from the grill. Remember to wash the thermometer in hot, soapy water between temperature readings.
Always remember to keep hot food hot until it is ready to serve. Always follow these safe internal temperatures to make sure that
the food that you are cooking is safe to eat.
History by Ed Jankowski:
Ed advised members that if they have pictures or
articles that you desire to be added to the Post
History, then please forward to him at
jan8121@gmail.com.
Ed “Jan” Jankowski
VFW Motorcycle Riders by Chairman VanHazel:
Nothing to report.
H. “Mao” VanHazel
Women In The Military Chairman/Kari-Jean Hall:
Kari-Jean has purchased all the material necessary for
the “Women in the Military” heritage wall, which will
be located in the stairway. New lighting is being
installed to highlight this wall. Kari will work with
Jimmy Bosch for the installation of the wall and we will
need volunteers to assist.
Remembering of our National Home/Chaplain Quintero:
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Chaplain Quintero offered remembrance and
prayer for our National Home in accordance with
VFW tradition and ceremony.
OLD BUSINESS: Commander Lee noted that we have received our new Post Charter from VFW National
HQ that updates our Post location from the erroneous “Sonton-Si” to the correct “Songtan-Si”. The
Commander asked SVC Delaney to get the new charter framed and placed on our wall.
NEW BUSINESS: Note that all procurement and approval for money must be accomplished under New
Business.
Paint for Canteen: SVC Delaney made a motion to purchase the paint for painting the Canteen. Estimated
cost was $300.00; Surgeon Yoder 2nd; approved.
Relief Fund: JVC Prowant stated that one of his Post Office troops had a death in the family and he was
returning to CONUS for the funeral. Member is SrA Taylor Linehan. Jerry made a motion to provide
$200.00 to assist this military member; 2nd by Chaplain Quintero; approved.
Philippine Relief: Commander Lee advised that Department of Pacific would be conducting a “call for
donations” for disaster relief from the recent typhoon that hit Leyte, Samar and Cebu City. In preparation
for this call, Adjutant Michael made a motion to pre-approve a $1,000.00 for a Department Donation; 2nd by
Warren Maxson; approved. QM Watson will work with himself as QM to receive the money as Dept
Commander. All contributions will be conducted through the Department QM.
Donation for Cooties: Adjutant Michael sought a Post donation from profits from the recent
Korean-American Friendship Festival to the MOC Pup Tent 8. Keith pointed out that this has been a
traditional donation to help the Cooties; he also noted that many of the volunteers were Cooties. Keith
made a motion to donate $500.00; 2nd by Dennis Huggler; approved.
Donation for Adopted Unit Activities: Adjutant Michael sought Post donations towards our “adopted
units” holiday events to supplement National MAP grants. Keith made a motion to provide $200.00 for
each of the events: 303rd IS, 6th IS and 694th ISRG Heritage Hall Grand Opening; 2nd by Dennis Huggler;
approved.
Clark Cemetery Donation: Chaplain Quintero reminded the Post that we will be providing a donation of
$100.00 to the Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund, during our participation for the upcoming Council of
Administration in Angeles City on 7 December. This had previously been passed as a “motion in
perpetuity” and did not need a new vote. Billy tutored us on the importance of donations to this VFW effort
in maintaining the Clark Cemetery.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:
New members from Kunsan: Post member Larry Lyons and District 3 Adjutant Ken Swierzewski will be
conducting a VFW recruiting drive at Kunsan AB over the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Ken noted that any
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new members from this event would be split between any posts from which their members were from. Ken
asked if any others were interested in participating to get in touch with him.
303rd IS “Skivvy 9 Dining Out”: Commander Lee reported that he had recently attended the 303rd IS Dining
In, at the invitation of their Commander Lt Col Sgarlata. The 303rd is one of our adopted units.
51st Fighter Wing “Team Osan” Dining Out: Commader Lee was pleased to report that the 51st FW
Commander Colonel Leonard has extended a personal invitation to VFW members to participate in their
upcoming “Team Osan Dining Out” on 23 November. Ernie advised that any Post member can attend and
the cost was $20.00; contact the Commander if you are interested.
Briefing to 51st FW Wing Commander: Commander Lee advised that he and Adjutant
Michael had personally briefed the new 51st FW Commander Colonel Brook J. Leonard on the VFW and
our Post. Ernie presented a tailored briefing that advised Colonel Leonard of our Post 10216 and how we
assist him on numerous events. Colonel Leonard said that he was a great supporter of the VFW and pledged
his support to the VFW and our Post. To show his dedication, Colonel Leonard signed up as a new Life
Member!
Purpose of the VFW: Dennis Huggler advised our new Post members of the purpose of our organization
and how our National HQ fought for veteran’s benefits and rights with Congress and our government. He
noted that the VFW is the only veteran’s organization to hold a special seat in Congress, from where we
received our official charter. Thanks Dennis!
Military Order of the Cootie (MOC)/Seamy Alan Laughter:
The Pup Tent 8 Cootie Scratch was held on 9 November; it was moved up
to accommodate a visit by Dept SVC Bear Hudson. The next Scratch
will be held on 21 December.
For those who had questions about the Cooties, the Military Order of the Cootie or MOC is considered the
“Honored Degree of the VFW”. Membership is open to members in good standing in the VFW who have
displayed their willingness to work for the parent organization. If you are active in supporting the Post, you
may be approached to join this prestigious organization.
New Cootie: Dean Yoder nominated Kory Maurer to become a Cootie; 2nd by Billy Quintero; approved.
Dino noted that Kory had volunteered for numerous VFW volunteer work and has earned the privilege to
become a Cootie. He must now be approved by Pup Tent 8. Kory was directed to be at the next Scratch for
consideration and initiation.
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Dept Inspector Ken Swierzewski: Commander Lee offered the floor to Department Inspector Ken
Swierzewski (S+10); Ken is also the Department Adjutant. Ken noted that he was conducting a formal
inspection of our Post on behalf of Department. He was pleased to report that we had passed with flyng
colors. He had worked with Commander Lee, QM Watson and Adjutant Michael to ensure we met all of the
VFW requirements. He also noted that Commander Lee had followed all required VFW ceremony
procedures and had particular praise for the number of new members that we had inducted tonight. He
stated that we had earned our title as “Best in Pacific” and wished us well for the remainder of the year.
Post Awards:
Commander Lee presented awards to our Post members. Ernie had recruiting awards for James Bosch, Dan
Delaney, Patrick Higgins, Laurence Lyons and Shawn Watson. Commander Lee presented Jimmy Bosch
with his pins, Commander-in-Chief coin and Navy Blue Ball Cap & Citation.
Dean Yoder received a Military Order of the Cootie “VFW Booster” patch for his recruitment of VFW
members; this is an MOC award for providing assistance to the VFW.
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Commander Lee presented VFW “Vietnam Service” pins to our two Vietnam veterans Ron Davis and
Takeshi Okazaki.
CLOSING CEREMONIES:
Chaplain Quintero gave the
closing prayer
//signed record copy maintained by Adjutant//
Keith Michael
Post Adjutant
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