News

Post member Mike Reagan has drawn over 3,100 portraits of KIA’s, primarily those lost who have lost their lives over the last decade.  During that time, he has invested 3,500 hours annually and incurs approximately $25,000 in expenses without taking a salary.  Our Post has chosen to support this project, not because Mike is member, but because we know what Mike gives to those who have lost a loved one in combat or to combat such as suicides following deployment.  We are coming up on the holiday season, and I would like to suggest that a donation to Mike’s foundation would make a perfect gift to one of those people who have everything.  So rather than buying another hammer or beer can airplane for a buddy, make a check payable to:

The Michael G. Reagan Portrait Foundation
7106 175th Place SW
Edmonds, WA  98026

Do it the name of someone you want to give a gift or do it the name of a friend you lost.  Either way, it will help a family who has just lost a loved one.

This months Nov Meeting I would like to invite all the spouses of the Veterans of Post 8870 to come and attend the Ladies Aux meeting.  We are trying to generate new members and new interest in our club.  They may join us for lunch and then attend the meeting.  We’re all just starting to get to know one another and it’s a good time to join.

Its an important time of the year and we all need to be reminded to vote.  Vote early if you can.  Vote for the party of your choice but VOTE.

Remember veterans that you can go to any VA Health Center with your DD214 and get a free flu shot?  Its true.  Protect yourself and others, get your flu shot.

President, Ladies Aux, Post 8870

Arlene Endresen

You don’t have to be a principal or teacher to nominate a teacher.  If you have a teacher that your kids (or in most of our cases grandkids) had who you think exhibits the qualities that reflect VFW standards, by all means nominate them or bring them to the Post’s attention and we will do the paperwork for you.

If you haven’t signed up yet for Buddy Poppies, Bob Crawford has the signup sheet and will be at the October meeting so look him up.  We do well every year but a couple of folks pull all day shifts because of a shortage of help.  If you are physically able, please consider pulling at least one shift.  Remember, all the good we do for our fellow veterans, promoting democracy, and supporting students through scholarships comes from 4 days out of 365 days of the year.  So consider helping out.  Even if you haven’t attended meetings due to work, we will be handing out Poppies on Saturday.  If nothing else, you can avoid a day of “honey do” chores.

Rock Roth maintains the list of members willing to speak to schools and classrooms.  This year will be particularly busy so we need to get our ducks in order earlier than usual.  His email address is [email protected] or catch him at the October meeting since our November meeting has been postponed until after Veterans Day (more on that later).  Rock’s list will indicate if you just want to show up and look pretty, will speak to a classroom, or will speak to an entire student body.  Not everyone is comfortable with public speaking so we can fit your comfort level.  If you do go out to a school, wear your VFW cover.  I have found that taking out my dog tags which are still imbedded with red clay dust to an elementary school class is a big hit while the older kids you can just kickback and talk to them (I know everyone is careful, but nothing too vivid.)

Most of you will read this newsletter on our Post’s website.  Take some time to look around.  We have updated it to be more user friendly.  If you have any suggestions to improve it, let us know.  It’s there for our members and your suggestions are welcomed.

Please save Campbell Soup labels to help get the seventh van for the home.  (We need 200,000 more to get the seventh van).

Order Life Memberships for $35.00.

Order Bricks (more on this at a later date).

Send .25 per member (to National not Department) for Health and Happiness Christmas Cheer now so that they will have the money for Christmas.

By Ruth Herren, District Chairman

Start your program this year by paying your $2.00 donations for Cancer from your Auxiliary.  This is based on your June 30, 2012 membership total.

Don’t forget to order Cancer pins for $2.50 each by sending your money to Department.

Plan to attend the Cancer Seminar October 13, 2012 at Everett Post Home in the basement.  You can bring your members, friends, family and community.  Just let Barbara Miller (425-314-8078 or 425-252-1906) know how many are coming.