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Veterans of Foreign Wars Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 5864 – August 2015 Newsletter "It’s not the dues you pay to be a member, it’s the price you paid to be eligible!” “Like us” on Facebook -- Greenwood VFW 5864 and visit our website greenwoodvfw5864 ________________________________________________________________________________ Message from the Commander . . . VFW and Auxiliary Members: As we prepare for summer, we are reminded that the VFW core programs -- Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, Boy Scout/Girl Scout of the Year and Teacher of the Year are on the horizon. Although many of us visit the Post a few times a week or more, it is also important that we all consider why we are here. We do want to have a good time, relax and enjoy ourselves and our friends but we have to remember our primary purpose is to help veterans including those who are homeless and disadvantaged, their children and their families. Our organization is driven by dedicated volunteers who serve as chairmen and chair- women of various events that we plan and execute throughout the year. When you see these people, please thank them for their efforts. Some of them have continued volunteering year after year. They don’t do it to be recognized or to earn a cap or certificate. They do it because they are truly interested in promoting the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If you have the ability to help, let them know. Our Post is recognized as one of the premiere VFW Posts in Indiana. For the last several years we have been “clicking on all cylinders”. Our Membership, Service to Veterans, Community Service, Buddy Poppy Program and the rest of our core programs help keep in perspective what we were founded for in 1899. You are welcome to call me or e-mail me if you have any issues or need to discuss any- thing specifically and I will make time for you. Steve Milbourn Commander, VFW Post 5864 [email protected] 317-525-7291 Dept. of Indiana has only two All-American Posts Shoellhorn, Milbourn named All-Americans Britton Shoellhorn, Greenwood VFW Post 5864 Commander for 2014-2015 was named an All-American Post Commander. Steve Milbourn was also named as an All-American Post Quartermaster for the same period. The only other Post to earn this outstanding status was Kokomo VFW Post 1152. A total of only 129 VFW Posts out of 7,000 Posts earned All-American status this year. Shoellhorn earned an All-American cap, Commander’s Citation, Name Badge, Name Card, Lapel Pin, Post Streamer, and a Framed Post Citation. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the 116th National Convention in Pittsburgh, PA on Monday, July 20. According to Robert A. Crider, Director of Membership, he stated in an e-mail to Shoellhorn “On behalf of Commander-In-Chief John W. Stroud, I would like to congratulate you on earning the esteemed status of All-American Post Commander. Your hard work has earned you . . . several awards.” Continued to Page 2

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Page 1: Veterans of Foreign Wars - greenwoodvfw.comgreenwoodvfw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/August-2015-VFW-… · Name Badge, Name Card, Lapel Pin, Post Streamer, and a Framed Post Citation

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 5864 – August 2015 Newsletter

"It’s not the dues you pay to be a member, it’s the price you paid to be eligible!”

“Like us” on Facebook -- Greenwood VFW 5864 and visit our website greenwoodvfw5864 ________________________________________________________________________________

Message from the Commander . . .

VFW and Auxiliary Members: As we prepare for summer, we are reminded that the VFW core programs -- Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, Boy Scout/Girl Scout of the Year and Teacher of the Year are on the horizon. Although many of us visit the Post a few times a week or more, it is also important that we all consider why we are here. We do want to have a good time, relax and enjoy ourselves and our friends but we have to remember our primary purpose is to help veterans including those who are homeless and disadvantaged, their children and their families. Our organization is driven by dedicated volunteers who serve as chairmen and chair-women of various events that we plan and execute throughout the year. When you see these people, please thank them for their efforts. Some of them have continued volunteering year after year. They don’t do it to be recognized or to earn a cap or certificate. They do it because they are truly interested in promoting the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If you have the ability to help, let them know. Our Post is recognized as one of the premiere VFW Posts in Indiana. For the last several years we have been “clicking on all cylinders”. Our Membership, Service to Veterans, Community Service, Buddy Poppy Program and the rest of our core programs help keep in perspective what we were founded for in 1899. You are welcome to call me or e-mail me if you have any issues or need to discuss any-thing specifically and I will make time for you. Steve Milbourn Commander, VFW Post 5864 [email protected]

317-525-7291

Dept. of Indiana has only two All-American Posts

Shoellhorn, Milbourn named All-Americans

Britton Shoellhorn, Greenwood VFW Post 5864 Commander for 2014-2015 was named an All-American Post Commander. Steve Milbourn was also named as an All-American Post

Quartermaster for the same period. The only other Post to earn this outstanding status was Kokomo VFW Post 1152. A total of only 129 VFW Posts out of 7,000 Posts earned All-American status this year. Shoellhorn earned an All-American cap, Commander’s Citation, Name Badge, Name Card, Lapel Pin, Post Streamer, and a Framed Post Citation. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the 116th National Convention in Pittsburgh, PA on Monday, July 20. According to Robert A. Crider, Director of Membership, he stated in an e-mail to Shoellhorn “On behalf of Commander-In-Chief John W. Stroud, I would like to congratulate you on earning the esteemed status of All-American Post Commander. Your hard work has earned you . . . several awards.”

Continued to Page 2

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2 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

All-Americans named from VFW Post 5864

Continued from Page 1

In 2013-2014 Post Commander Bob Muhlhauser earned the coveted title of All-American Post Commander and Mike Tomes was named as an All-American Post Quartermaster. This is the second consecutive year the Post has earned this award. As an All-American Post Quartermaster, Milbourn is eligible for the same awards. This is the fourth All-American award Milbourn has earned. He received his first All-American Post Commander cap in 1985-1986 in Ohio; in 2011-2012 he earned an All-American Post Com-mander’s cap as well as an All-American District Commander’s cap in Arkansas. He has now earned the status of All-American in three separate states – Ohio, Arkansas and Indiana.

Shoellhorn named “Captain” of All-State Post Commanders

Milbourn is “Top Recruiter” of State, Division Britton Shoellhorn, 2014-2015 Commander, was named

Captain of the All-State Team of Post Commanders. The Captain is named by the Dept. Commander after careful consideration of several factors including membership, programs, community service, etc. He also received a diamond pin and a certificate for the award. Steve Milbourn, Quartermaster for 2014-2015, earned a monetary award for being the “Top Recruiter” for Division 2. Milbourn brought in more new applicants than members from the other 628 VFW Posts in that Division. In addition, Milbourn was also presented with a check for $200 for being the “Top Recruiter” for the entire State of Indiana which includes over 150 Posts. He also received a certificate for being named to the All-State Team as a Post Quartermaster and was presented a ruby pin.

VFW membership applications made simple

A VFW Membership Application is really very simple to complete and should not scare you. Applications should be completed for New Members, Transfers, and Reinstatements and to apply for a Life Membership. An application should be behind the bar. If you plan to take credit for the member – you should complete the application. Why? More than likely you can read what you write down, but you may not be able to understand or read what the incoming member has written down. This is extremely important in getting the proper information on the application to input the information into the National VFW data-base. Also, only VFW members of our Post can take credit for the member coming in, regardless of who spoke to him or her, i.e., an employee talks to the prospective member and gets them to join – the employee cannot get the credit, unless the employee is a member of the VFW. If the member is transferring into our Post, we need his or her current VFW Card # and current or previous VFW Post #, otherwise we will have to call VFW National Headquarters to obtain this information. The new form has a line where the veteran is to let you know what month and year he or she arrived in the combat zone and when they left. This is extremely important. An e-mail address is also very, very important. The one area of the application that is forgotten nearly 100% of the time is to get the veteran to sign the back of the application. The final part of the membership procedure is to collect $35 dues for one-year plus an extra $1 if they are a new member and a copy of a DD-214 or document showing honorable service in a combat zone. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Steve Milbourn, Membership Chairman at 317-525-7291 or e-mail him at [email protected].

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3 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

FIRST PLACE TEAM – From left, the team of Steve Keever, Rebecca Keever, Mitch Zehr and Mike Tomes won first place in this year’s golf tournament with a total of 61 strokes. Second place went to a team from American Legion No. 252 with 63 strokes; third place inners all shot 64 strokes but the third place went to a team from the American Legion No. 355; the team from Johnson-Melloh was fourth; and the team from Forest Creek Commons earned fifth place. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VFW 5864 to host fish dinner Friday, Aug. 14

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 has scheduled the second Friday of each month as a Fish dinner night. Pre-Sale tickets are available thru Thursday, August 13 for $9 per person.

Tickets at the door are $11 each. The meal includes fish, roll with butter and a choice of two of the following: baked beans, cole slaw, or French fries. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. Karaoke will begin at 8 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event. Tickets are available at the VFW any day after 2 p.m.

The Post is located at 333 S. Washington St., Greenwood. Plan to stop by and enjoy a delicious meal and wholesome laughter in a non-smoking atmosphere with comfortable seating. If you have any questions, please call the Post at 317-888-2488.

Remember

Newsletter deadline for September

is Tuesday, August 25 at 5 p.m.

News or photos can be sent to Steve Milbourn at [email protected]

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4 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

-- Bar Bingo will return to VFW this fall --

Bar Bingo has been discontinued until this fall. Also, those working must be listed with the Indiana Gaming Commission as a registered “Operator” or “Worker”. An updated list of individuals who will be able to work in Gaming has been sent to the Indiana Gaming Commission with this year’s renewal. If anyone has any ideas for Monday nights, please let us know.

Operation GI Jobs currently underway at Post Greenwood VFW Post 5864 began a monthly program called “Operation GI Jobs” to teach veterans how to use computers; get online to research job opportunities; put together a resume; and how to present themselves for a job interview. The program started in April at the VFW, 333 S. Washington St. The July installment of “Operation GI Jobs” will be on Monday, August 3. If necessary, the program will be expanded to twice a month or more. This service is completely free to any veteran. The veteran will only have to provide evidence they are a veteran by showing a copy of their DD-214 or identification showing that they are a veteran. It may be possible that the program will be extended to family members. Our VFW Post received a donation for the purchase of five laptop computers and a printer for the program to help veterans seeking jobs. The laptops will not be able to leave the VFW. Chairman for 2015-2016 is Jr. Vice Commander Erik Klasnick - [email protected].

VFW visits Domiciliary Aug. 13 to aid veterans

Spring and summer donations for the Domiciliary are needed. Please bring these items to the VFW by Tuesday, August 11 in order for everything to get organized for the visit on Thursday, August 13. Please contact the Post at 317-888-2488 for any donations. The Domiciliary is located in downtown Indianapolis at 725 Pennsylvania St. and houses both men and women veterans who are homeless and in need. The Domiciliary actively encourages them to find a job and improve their particular situation. This event is monthly on the second Thursday and help is always needed. Folks planning on going to the Domiciliary should be at the Post around 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 13. In July, the Post provided the folks with three boxes of items including: deodorant, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, socks, briefs, nuts, cookies, candy and some other items

Banquet Room, Shelter House are available

The VFW’s Banquet Room and Shelter House are both available for rental throughout the year. The Shelter House is typically rented in the summer and fall for outdoor parties, etc. The Banquet Room seats approximately 140 people, has a separate bar area, separate entrances and exits, and two adjoining restrooms.

There is plenty of parking and we have on-site management. The building is air conditioned and heated and is a non-smoking facility. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic

beverages are available and reasonably priced. To check the availability of a specific date or make an appointment to look at the

Banquet Room or Shelter House, please call the Greenwood VFW at 317-888-2488 and speak to Canteen Manager Rhonda Montgomery.

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5 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Smoked Pork Chop dinner is Friday, Aug. 28

Greenwood VFW Post 5864 has scheduled a Smoked Pork Chop dinner for Friday, August 28. Pre-Sale tickets are available thru Thursday, August 27 for $9 per person and tickets at the door on Friday evening are $11 each. Those attending the dinner will get baked potato, green beans, salad, roll and butter. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. Karaoke will begin at 8 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event. Tickets are available at the VFW any day after 2 p.m. The Post is located at 333 S. Washington St., Greenwood. Plan to stop by the Post and enjoy a delicious meal with wholesome laughter in a non-smoking atmosphere. If you have any questions, call 317-888-2488.

Johnson Co. Veterans van runs 5 days a week

Johnson County veterans are now eligible to ride to the Roudebush VA Hospital five (5) days a week (Monday through Friday) via the Johnson County Veterans Van. You must have a scheduled appointment and have your letter in hand to board the van. Call Access Johnson Co. Public Transit at 317-738-5523 at least 48 hours in advance for a reservation. The van to the VA is now running five (5) days a week. Ask the VA to schedule your appointments between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 noon whenever possible. The Patient Response Center at the VA, 317-988-4498 will help you with this. When you call the VA to make your appointment, please tell them that you ride the VTS Van from Johnson County. Pick-ups are done at American Legion Posts 233 in Edinburgh; Post 252 in Greenwood; Post 205 in Franklin; VFW Post 5864 in Greenwood; and VFW Post 6978 in Whiteland; and DAV Chapter 60. The Veterans Van is sponsored by: Franklin Elks Lodge 1818; Lincoln Charitable Foundation; Johnson County Community Foundation; Access Johnson County Public Transit; Greenwood Legion Post 252 Color Guard; the Washington-Jefferson Williams Fund; our veterans and the many individual and anonymous donors.

VFW, Ladies Auxiliary meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday

The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. The VFW meets in the canteen and the Ladies Auxiliary meet in the Banquet Room. Members are encouraged to attend and find out what’s happening.

VFW Men’s Auxiliary meet 2nd Tuesday

The VFW Men’s Auxiliary meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Are you interested in starting a poker game?

Poker games can be played at our VFW, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Due to our other gaming events, this is the only time we can hold a poker game. Please send a request to Steve Milbourn – [email protected]

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6 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Tidbits from the National VFW

Here is some information taken directly from the National VFW’s web-site. If you have a question, please send the question to Steve Milbourn – [email protected]

-- Does the Post Commander have a vote on all committees? -- Yes. Section 218 of the Manual of Procedure stipulates the Commander shall be a member of all commit-tees and is thereby entitled to a vote unless otherwise provided for . . . -- Can VFW members attend any House Committee meeting? -- Yes. If the individual is a member in good standing, they are entitled to attend any meeting held by the VFW for any reason. -- Can a Post Commander appoint himself to the Post House Committee? -- No. Under Section 218 (a) (1) (e) of the National Manual of Procedure, the Post Commander is a member of all committees by virtue of his office. -- Can the Post Adjutant publish and distribute the minutes of the prior meeting in-stead of reading them to the body? -- Yes, if the Post Commander and the membership so rule. -- What is the rule concerning the displaying of pins and badges on the VFW uni-form and official cap? -- While there are no regulations for displaying pins and badges on the official cap . . ., one must always wear and maintain the uniform of the organization with proper decorum. -- If the present Commander is running for re-election and there is a tie vote, who breaks the tie? -- Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law provides that the chair has the right to vote on any issue or question the member can vote on unless the Post By-Laws specifies otherwise. Demeter's further recommends that in the event of a tie vote, the

By-Laws of the unit should provide for dealing with deadlocks. If such provision is not covered by the By-Laws, the candidates or their representatives may draw lots or decide the election by a flip of a coin. -- Are Post Commanders and Quartermasters voting members of the Post House Committee? -- Yes, all committee members shall have a voice and a vote.

VFW’s Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

The VFW’s weekly Bingo games continue to grow at the Post. However, there is a need for additional workers in order to keep things flowing and keep the attendance up. Bingo begins each Wednesday with an “Early Bird” game at 6:30 p.m. Bingo is open to the public and provides a good time out for the evening. If you are interested in helping, please contact Bill Clark to get signed up! Bill’s cell phone is 317-442-7086 or e-mail his is [email protected] or stop in the Post and leave your name and phone number.

1st Annual “Sandbox Reunion” is August 15

The first Annual “Sandbox Reunion” is scheduled for Saturday, August 15 at the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization located at 8313 E. 400 S. (8 miles east of Kokomo on St. Rd. 26) in Greentown, Indiana. Opening ceremonies will begin at 12 noon. Bands will play until 11 p.m. Primitive camping will be available. All veterans are welcome to attend. Veterans and immediate family get in free. The public is welcome and there is a $5 charge with all proceeds going to next year’s Sandbox Reunion.

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7 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

VFW hosts Healing Touch at 2 p.m., August 10

Healing Touch providers will make their monthly appearance at the VFW on Monday, August 10 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program was previously held at Camp Atterbury before the U.S. Army began to reduce the number of soldiers stationed there. The VA Hospital in Indianapolis has referred veterans who suffer from PTSD and other mental, physical and emotional issues to the Healing Touch Providers. This is a free service to current and former military and civilian first responders. Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing, energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Healing Touch works with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. It is safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care. Research suggests there are a number of benefits. Kathy Kuhn, Mary Covert and Tamra Bissett are the primary providers. Additional sessions are available at a cost and you are welcome to talk to the ladies on Monday, August 10. They will have flyers and other information explaining their program. You may enter through the Banquet door where a banner will be posted.

News from the Ladies Auxiliary

Cancer Insurance Reminder – Even though you may be a Ladies Auxiliary Life Member, there is still a $5 Cancer Insurance fee that is due each year. We are accepting these payments for 2016. You must have paid the Cancer Insurance fee in order to be eligible to receive a Cancer Grant from the Auxiliary. Cancer Grant applications are available at the Canteen in the Post or you can contact a Ladies Auxiliary officer for one. The Grant application is then sent to National. Once approved by National, a copy of the approval can be given to our Auxiliary for an additional grant.

Ladies Auxiliary to host Rummage Sale Saturday, August 1 – The Ladies Auxiliary will host a Rummage Sale on Saturday, August 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will be held in the Shelter House at the Post. Anyone wishing to donate any item for the Rummage Sale can drop it off at the Post prior to that date. The funds raised by this sale will go to purchase the Post a set of “Covers”. Early Bird Price for 2016 Annual Dues -- From July 1 to September 30, 2015 the Ladies Auxiliary annual dues for 2016 will be a discounted rate of $15.00. After September 30, the price will increase to the new rate of $20.00. Stop by the Post and renew your dues now and be an Early Bird!

2015 Fish Fry -- The annual Fish Fry was a success, regardless of the foreboding clouds and weather forecast. Attendance was down, but the VFW’s reputation and the great fish pre-vailed and a profit was made. Total profit from the fish fry was $2,125.02. We would like to thank all of the Ladies Auxiliary, Men’s Auxiliary and VFW Post members who donated time, labor and baked goods. We couldn’t have done it without you.

VFW Post 5864’s Indiana Gaming License Numbers are:

Bar Bingo and Bingo is # 135271

Raffle is # 135272

Charity Game Night is # 135273.

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8 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

VFW votes Ladies Auxiliary to just Auxiliary

From National VFW Headquarters – Courtesy of Britton Shoellhorn from the National VFW Convention. Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S. Auxiliary shall be limited to spouses, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren of a person who was or is eligible for the membership in the VFW. Persons eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall not be eligible for membership in the Auxiliary; however, members in good standing of the Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States prior to August 20, 2015 may retain membership in both. Note: All changes take effect August 20, 2015 and the name Ladies Auxiliary will be changed to Auxiliary. As of this date, the Men's Auxiliary is unaffected, however it is expected that a VFW committee will review the Men’s Auxiliary and report at next year’s convention.

Free mail authorized for troops in Iraq, Baltics

Free mail has been authorized for U.S. service members and Defense Department civilians serving in support of operations Atlantic Resolve in the Baltic States and Inherent Resolve in Iraq. Under a policy announced May 15 by Army Postal Programs, free mail of 13 ounces or less can be sent from Estonia, Latvia and Iraq by the authorized personnel. To use the benefit, mailers must hand write the word "Free" in the upper right corner of the items mailed from the various designated locations.

Affordable Care Act for all military members

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Americans including all military members (active duty, retired, Selected Reserve, or Retired Reserve) and their eligible family members must have health care coverage that meets a minimum standard called minimum essential cover-age or pay a fee. Tricare coverage meets minimum essential coverage requirements. "The term "active duty" means full-time duty in the active service of a uniformed service for more than 30 consecutive days". Beginning in January 2016, DFAS will be providing IRS Form 1095-C to all U.S. military members, and IRS Form 1095-B to all Retirees, Annuitants, former spouses and all other indi-viduals having Tricare coverage during all or any portion of tax year 2015. An IRS Form 1095 documents you (and your family members, if applicable) have the minimum essential cover-age. More information will be forthcoming about the delivery method of these forms. These forms will document the info that DFAS will provide to the IRS on yourself and your authorized family members. The forms will be required to be reported with your 2015 federal tax return. DFAS will pro-vide you with IRS Form 1095 no later than Jan. 31, 2016.

Presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange

VA to pay benefits to C-123 veterans exposed

The VA has announced a new decision that could benefit as many as 1,500 to 2,100 Air Force and Air Force Reserve personnel who might suffer from any of 14 presumptive medical conditions that have been determined to be related to Agent Orange exposure aboard con-taminated C-123 aircraft. The decision was made following a 2015 report by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine. All airmen who were assigned to flight, ground or medical crew duties at Lockbourne/Rick-enbacker Air Force Base in Ohio (the 906th and 907th Tactical Air Groups or 355th and 356th Tactical Airlift Squadrons), at Massachusetts’s Westover AFB (the 731st Tactical Air Squadron and 74th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron), or with the 758th Airlift Squadron in Pittsburgh, during the period 1969 to 1986, and who may have developed an Agent Orange-related disa-bility, are encouraged to file a disability compensation claim through the VA’s e-Benefits web portal at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/.

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8 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Honor Guard seeks a few good team members

The Honor Guard team which is made up of members from New Whiteland VFW Post 5864, Greenwood American Legion Post 252, and Greenwood VFW Post 5864 has a few openings for Post members who have some extra time to spend for a service of which they can truly be proud. Whether you’re working or retired, you have an opportunity to be part of a special group of men and women that have a common goal in mind. That goal is to provide Funeral Honors to our area veterans, in a way that leaves a lasting memory for their family and friends. A simple service that demonstrates how important it was to our country and our community to have honorably served their nation in the military. We’re not looking for those who only feel this is a good idea. We’re looking for those who can, at times, stand in the cold wind or in deep snow; can handle sweating in 90 degree heat or in the rain when you can feel the water running down your neck and along the small of your back. And probably the worst of it all is the standing around and waiting. Yes, at times these types of experiences can bring back memories of our past service but that’s also the time when you know you can get through it because you’ve been there. Some on the team are in their 30’s and several are in their 80’s but all are strong minded individuals. Ask an Honor Guard member what it’s like during the good times as well as the bad. And, of course, you’ll be called many times over the year to participate. You’ll also be asked to a few Color Guard presentations too but you might find out in due time that doing this sort of thing, giving back, is important to you as a service veteran. Call Bob Tuttle at 888-5617 to find out more.

Greenwood VFW earns $1,370 at Freedom Fest

Greenwood VFW earned a total of $2,190 for beer sold at the Greenwood Parks Depart-ment’s Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 27. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds earned by the Post went to the Parks and Recreation Dept. A total of 438 tickets for beer were sold at $5 each. The VFW also earned $295 in tips and for Poppies that were offered that day. Volunteer bartenders that day included: G.K. Puckett, Charley Hylton, Hollie Shoellhorn, Cindy Coram, Lisa Tiedemann, Bill Clark, Will Hodges and Steve Milbourn. The Post is extremely thankful for these volunteers who made it possible for the Post to generate money with no cost in payroll. The VFW also had applications for membership available and spoke to around 15 veter-ans. We were able to get two members to transfer to our Post and two new members joined the Post.

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9 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Three $1,000 scholarships presented at Post

Scholarships in the amount of $500 each were presented to three worthy candidates on Tuesday, July 21 prior to the regular meeting of the VFW. The balance of $500 to each will be presented in January 2016 once the students provide proof of their grades for the first semester and their enrollment in the second semester of the college or institution of higher learning. The recipients are: Mitchell D. Sims, Emily A. Key, and Eric D. Townsend, all of Greenwood. There were six total applicants. Mr. Sims is a 2015 graduate of Roncalli High School and plans to attend Purdue University. Ms. Key is continuing her education at Franklin College. Mr. Townsend also is a recent graduate of Roncalli High School and is enrolled in Trine University in Angola, Indiana. The judges for this event were Ralph Schuster, chairman; Erik Klasnick; and Dr. Gregory Clapper, PhD, all members of VFW Post 5864. The scholarships are named for a former Greenwood VFW Post Commander, District and State Commander, Ralph D. Napier. Ralph served in Korea and became eligible when he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with five bronze stars. Napier, now deceased, was born in 1932 in Three Point, Harlan County, Kentucky. He was the 10th of 12 children. He was urged to quit school at age 17, joined the Army and spent 17 months in Korea. When he returned home, he married Ponciana (Garcia) Napier. They were parents of a son, Bradley; and two daughters, Teresa and Rita. Ralph was the first Cub Scoutmaster of Troop 260 in 1960 and in 1965 was the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 266 earning numerous awards for his efforts. Also in the early 1960’s he was one of the founding fathers of the Greenwood Little League. He and the other founding members cleared the raw land, put in ball diamonds, fences, building dugouts and also coached. Mr. Napier stayed with the Little League long after his own children moved on and then he became President of that organization. Ralph was a very active veteran. He was a member of American Legion Post 355; Indianapolis Masonic Lodge 514 and the Scottish Rite of Indianapolis. A long-time member of VFW Post 5864, he was also the Post Quartermaster for 7 years. According to his son Bradley, “He had that ‘never give up attitude’ and the foresight to always give back to the people that meant the most – God, family and the youth of the community.”

Scholarship Recipients

Recipients of the 2015-2016 Ralph D. Napier Scholarship are from top left -- Mitchell D. Sims with Ralph Schuster making the presentation of a check and a certificate. Top right is – Todd Townsend, father of Eric D. Townsend receiv-ing a check and certificate from Dr. Gregory Clapper, PhD. Eric was out of town. And bottom left – Emily A. Key receiving a check and certifi-cate from Erik Klasnick. Schuster, Klasnick and Clapper all served as judges for this event.

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10 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Post Honor Guard, Color Guard remains busy

Honor Guard and Color Guard Bob Tuttle reported for the month of June 2015 the group attended 13 funerals with 78 Post members in attendance. A total of 158 man hours were expended and a total of 848 miles were driven by Post members. The Post Color Guard participated in two activities during June – a presentation of Colors, State and Service flags for the National Anthem at Garfield Park on June 25 to open the Patriot’s Concert. The second activity was participation in the Greenwood Freedom Fest by marching in the parade with Colors, State and Service flags and the POW / MIA flag.

District 7 campout is August 15, 16 and 17

The 2015 District 7 Campout will be held Friday, Aug. 15, Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17 at Lake Melissa. All visitors must stop to register at the office. The owners have asked all campers to please watch their speed. The menu for Friday evening will include a campfire at the Shelter House. Bring your own hot dog buns. Saturday night a dinner will be held at the Shelter House beginning at 5 p.m. Please bring a covered dish. The meat will be provided. Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. a pitch-in breakfast with gravy supplied will be held. A Camper’s Association meeting will follow breakfast. There will be a $10 Registration Fee per camper 16 and older and includes a Camper’s T-Shirt. Please call to make or confirm your reservations. Camping sites are limited. The phone number is 765-537-2596.

National Home bus trip is set for Sept. 26-27

The annual bus trip to the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. The cost of the trip is $110 per person and will include the bus trip from Greenwood VFW Post 5864 to Eaton Rapids, MI and return and the motel room for Saturday night. The bus will leave at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday from Greenwood VFW 5864. Money for the trip must be paid by August 26 to secure the bus. The cut-off date for the trip is September 7. The bus will stop for lunch in Auburn, Indiana where there is a Ponderosa, Taco Bell and several other restaurants. The motel is in Jackson, Michigan at Country Inn & Suites. The hotel has an inside pool. Drinks will be served on the bus for $1 each. Once the group gets checked in at the hotel, a hospitality room will be set up with snacks, etc. There are also several places within walking distance for supper. Greenwood VFW Post 5864 will be serving breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. the morning just prior to the bus leaving. The cost is $7 per person. If a room is needed for Friday night in Michigan, please let Loretta Shonk know. Her phone number is 317-881-6434 and the Post phone number is 317-888-2488. Checks should be made out to Loretta Shonk with “National Home Trip” in the memo and mailed to 8835 St. Peter St., Apt. # 5, Indianapolis, IN 46227.

3-year House Committee position is available

The unexpired term for the 3-Year House Committee position held by Steve Keever is available. Keever tendered his resignation at the Tuesday, July 21 meeting after he and his wife completed a move to Kentucky to be closer to their children and grand-children. The House Committee meets every Sunday at 8 a.m. The Committee is comprised of 3 elected members which are staggered in 1, 2, and 3 year terms (each year only 1 House Committee member is elected); plus the Commander; and the Quartermaster. Nominations and the election for this position will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Post home. If a member who currently holds another elected position wins this election, nominations and an election will be held for that position on August 18, 2015 at 7:30 p.m..

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11 -- August 2015 Newsletter – Greenwood VFW Post 5864

Breakfast at VFW will begin Saturday, Aug. 1

For the past several years breakfast at the VFW Post 5864 has begun in late September or thereabouts and went until the end of April. This year the VFW, breakfast will begin on

Saturday, August 1 and may continue year-round. Some adjustments have been made to the menu and there has been a slight price increase. A breakfast consisting of two eggs, 2 slices of bacon, 1 biscuit and sausage gravy, potatoes, toast or biscuit and coffee or soft drink will cost $7. Sides, some of which have

previously been included in the entire breakfast will cost: Or-ange Juice or Milk, $1 each; 3 small Pancakes, $2; Donuts, $1 each; 2 eggs, $2; 2 Strips of Bacon, $2; and Sausage Gravy and Biscuit, $2; and Mush, $1. Western Omelets, Ham and Cheese and Mushroom and Cheese Omelets will be available for the first time this year for $7 and will include your choice of white, wheat or rye toast and coffee or soft drink.

Don Watts hired as chef at Greenwood VFW

Don Watts, a well-qualified chef was hired recently for the Greenwood VFW. He has attended Ivy Tech and has an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Culinary Arts; and was Baking certified last year. His most recent position was with the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Maumee in Indiana where he was responsible for the preparation of 250 meals for scouts and adults three times daily. His responsibility was not only to prepare the food but to order the food, make work schedules and supervise the kitchen staff. Over the years Don has also worked at National Vending Service and Cracker Barrel Restaurants. The House Committee wanted to bring someone aboard who could do the entire job – ordering, inventory, preparation and cooking of the meals as well as supervising any employees.” The House Committee had interviewed a number of candidates including one of our members. The position currently is around 15 to 20 hours per week. Watts has met with Cindy Coram, Teresa Daugherty and Steve Milbourn to discuss other possible meals for Friday evenings and various procedures. A salad bar has also been discussed. Breakfasts on Saturday will begin August 1 (see story above).

Vietnam 50th anniversary commemoration

Although the United States had around 21,000 advisors in Vietnam just prior to the beginning of ground operations, the first combat troops deploying to Vietnam in 1965 were

3,500 U.S. Marines who landed near Da Nang in South Vietnam. Other combat troops arrived shortly thereafter from the 173 Airborne Brigade, elements of the 9th U.S. Marines Expeditionary Brigade; 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. The VFW, through DOD’s Vietnam War Commemoration partnership program, is working in local communities to recognize the sacrifice, service and tremendous contribution our Vietnam War veterans have made to the security of our nation. The Commemoration will have ongoing events at more than 2,100

locations in local communities around the country. To learn more about where events are taking place or how to become a partner click here: http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/ .

Members Danny Lowhorn, Bob Dillon are ill

Danny Lowhorn’s brother called last week and said he was in Danville, IN at a St. Francis facility after he was hospitalized for a stroke. Bob Dillon has cancer. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.