Comrades:

Our Veterans program was Friday, and if you didn't make it the ceremony was a very heart touching experience. Now for many years Carmen Silbernick directed the choir and Randy Resley directed the band. They always do a spectacular job and we appreciate and think our school has been blessed by their talent and direction they give their students. They made a special day even more special! Because of all the post and auxiliary members that participated it also made this day special. I can truly say well done. I even had a few calls and lots of comments telling me how great a job everyone did.

This month should be another busy one. We will have our normal meals as well as our Christmas party and Tom and Jerry night. So check your calendar for dates and times. It would be fun to have everyone enjoying this holiday season with us.

The memorial park is ninety nine percent finished. I hope by December 1st it will be complete, a big thank you to Darrin and Becky Hensley and the 3 girls for keeping the secret which surprised us by paying for our new mural display. It is a 24 foot mural that is beautiful. Go look if you have a chance before the snow covers it up. That is if we have snow this year!!

Our editor of the newsletter is in Texas for a few months, so if there is something special you want put in newsletter let Mike Kral or Shelly Schnitzler know and they will make sure Jan gets it.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Commander Chub Hensley

Auxiliary Members,

Welcome new member Theresa Sonterre!

November meeting was held with 11 members present. Thank you to those whom could attend and to those who served the food.

Donations voted on were: Christmas at the Home/Hospitals, National Children's Home, Armed Forces Service Center, and Jingle Bells.

VFW Post 7902 Christmas decorating will be November 28th at 1:00 p.m. Come share the fun!! Our member Christmas Dinner/Party will be held December 3, 2016. Social @ 5 p.m., dinner @ 6 p.m. Please plan to attend our December 21st meeting @ 7 p.m. in the VFW 7902 banquet room. In lieu of our gift exchange, members voted to donate to the Todd and Douglas County food shelves. Please bring a food item to donate and a treat to share at the meeting.

Servers for December are Linda B. and Judy J.

Your Auxiliary President,
DeLores Butkowski

December Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following December birthday celebrants: Denise Barsness, Gus Berninghaus, Thomas Costello, Lenore Davis, Steven Ehnes, Jan Flolid, Jessica Gomez, Minnie Jezierski, Vicky Loften, Karen Maher, Roman Meier, Scott Morrisette, Jim Norberg, Karen Olek, Wayne Olson, Pat Ostrem, Jeremy Pederson, Marlene Rekedahl, Shirley Robischon, Mike Rooney, Donald Schlosser, Connie Sell, Penny Shaw, Bruce Sonterre, Celia Tengwall, Judith Tomford & Bev Tweedt.

Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage. Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859- 4384) or Mike Kral (320-859- 5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction. Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing. The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.

Remodeling Fund

Thanks to all who continue to respond when called to help with our many volunteer activities. Fundraisers for the month of December are: fish fry on the 9 th , & roast beef dinner on the 30 th . We’re still looking for enterprising individuals to start a new monthly activity. A monthly chicken dinner would be fantastic. Once per month is not a great commitment and being involved with projects usually is satisfying and fun.

Comrades:

This has been a great month for good food at our post. As usual Mike has had his wings and wedges. There was a roast beef dinner put on by Shelly and Jeff , a fish fry dinner put on by Jerry Kral and of course all their helpers. A spaghetti dinner; that Mary George cooked with volunteer helpers. A big thank you to everyone. This was a good way to make the public aware of our mental health issues of our veterans. We were able to make a donation to the Eagle Nest in Sauk Center. This is a great place.

Veterans Day will be here soon. I hope you can join us for this special day; to honor our veterans. I hope to get a closure to our Armed Forces memorial. We have a few more small jobs to do to make it one of the nicest memorials in the state. Thanks to Kearny Frank for his dedication to making sure it is always swept off and nice and clean.

Make sure to look at your newsletter calendar of events this month. There will be a number of events to enjoy.

We work hard to make our post a nice place to visit. If you have any concerns or suggestions we welcome your comments.

Our snowbirds are heading south so have a great winter and we will look forward to see you in the spring.

Your commander
Chub Hensley

Dear Auxiliary Members,

October meeting was held with 11 members present. Thank you to those in attendance and those who served food. Discussed flag etiquette for young members of our community. Two flags were purchased and donated to the Osakis Athletic Field. A $100 donation was motioned/approved for the Osakis After Prom Party. 

Open welcome to attend The Veteran's Day Program at 10:15 a.m.; on Friday, November 11, 2016 in the Osakis School Auditorium. 

Last year there was not a November meeting of the Auxiliary because it would have been the same week as Thanksgiving. This year we WILL BE having a November meeting. Please plan to attend our next Auxiliary meeting 7:00 p.m., November 16, 2016 in the VFW Post 7902 banquet room.

Servers for November are Carolyn H., Laurie N., and LeAnn R.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween :)

Respectfully,

Your Auxiliary President,
DeLores Butkowski

November Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following November birthday celebrants: Dorothy Bandas, Lance Barrett, Lillian Clark, Jacke Crotteau, Jake DeLisle, Shane Edenloff, Paul Faris, Sheilah Howard, Monica Jicha, Dan Kakac, Audrey Maxwell, Ryan Meyer, Lois Neumann, Carol Oelfke, Willian Schillnger, Patricia Senger, Swor, Jim Tenhoff, & USA Marine Corps.

Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage. Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859- 4384) or Mike Kral (320-859- 5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction. Also, all Vets &; Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing. The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.

Remodeling Fund

Thanks to all who continue to respond when called to help with our many volunteer activities. Fundraisers for the month of November are: fish fry on the 11 th , & roast beef dinner on the 25 th . We’re still looking for enterprising individuals to start a new monthly activity. A monthly chicken dinner would be fantastic. Once per month is not a great commitment and being involved with projects usually is satisfying and fun.

Comrades:

Another four days at the Douglas County fair parking cars is behind us. Mike Kral lined up a great group of volunteers again this year. We had all ages of volunteers. Older guys and young people all working together and enjoying it the whole time. I think there was 25 people in all that helped. The money we receive is split with our Boy Scouts and the Post. The post earnings go toward the memorial park fund.

A few of our members were at the Fall Conference in Mahnomen this month. As usual we got some good information and helps make us more aware of how and why our VFW is so important to our members as well as our community. Our charitable gambling makes many donations to our city, school and families that are in distress. So this part of our giving is awesome to be a part of.

Members are so very important to all VFW organizations, so if you know someone that is eligible to be a member please encourage them to join.

Strength is in numbers. I saw this first hand this year when veterans went to the Capitol to speak on issues concerning veterans. I saw how retired military personnel get tax relief on their pensions.

We could use a few more events at our post each month. If you could come up with a few suggestions let us know, and we will try our best to have it happen.

It is that time again when our snowbirds will head south. So we will have to do without a few of our good members for a few months. If you know who they are tell them to have a good time but to hurry back, as we will miss them.

Commander

Chub Hensley

Auxiliary Members,

Welcome new member Patricia S.!

The new VFW calendars are available for purchase. They make great gifts! For $20 here are daily chances to win $$; and your name goes back into the drawing, so you could win multiple times. Contact Auxiliary Member Cindy Eischen to get your calendar. Fall is upon us and the colors are spectacular!

Please plan to attend our next meeting, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. Servers are Pat M., Harriet S., and Joyce W.

Your Auxiliary President,
DeLores Butkowski

Military funeral honors were held for Frank Murphy on Aug 20, 2016 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church and cemetery in Belle River. Frank served in the Army. Honor guard members present were: Jerry Kral, John Pallow, Rob Matheny, Lance spychalla and Gary Mikkelson.

Remodeling Fund

Thanks to all who continue to respond when called to help with our many volunteer activities. Fundraisers for the month of October are: fish fry on the 14 th , Mental Health Awareness spaghetti dinner on the 15 th , &; roast beef dinner on the 28 th . We’re still looking for enterprising individuals to start a new monthly activity. A monthly chicken dinner would be fantastic. Once per month is not a greatcommitment and being involved with projects usually is satisfying and fun.

Comrades:

July has certainly been a busy month so far. We had a great day at the West Union 4th of July parade. Spent a few days helping the construction crew at the Memorial Site. Also with the lawn mowing and checking on the new storage shed. A few unexpected jobs came up after the power outage. We lost a freezer, a motor in the kitchen and could possibly have more things come up. Mike Kral and Rick Loxterkamp have done a great job making sure things are in working order at all times.

The Viet Nam Memorial wall was in Sauk Centre the 14 - 17th. Our color guard was on hand for the opening ceremony on the 14th. My nephew's name is listed on the wall so that made it a little emotional for me. If you have never seen it in Washington DC or on the traveling wall, you have missed such a special memorial. If you ever hear of it being close at all I would suggest you try to visit, you won't be disappointed. August has some special days too. One is the salad luncheon, always tasty salads and fun too!! We have our post picnic on August 14th. Also the regular fish fry on the second Friday. And of course our regular post and auxiliary meeting.

Mike Kral will be looking for volunteers for help parking vehicles at the county fair. Fair board members really appreciate this job our post helps with.

Have a cool and fun last half of summer.

Commander
Chub Hensley

Dear Sisters:

At the July meeting $500.00 was donated to St. Cloud VA for the veterans recreation program. $250.00 was donated for grocery cards and Rainbow Rider cards to be given to area veterans who need assistance through the Alexandria VA Clinic.

Upcoming – Salad Luncheon will be held on August 11 th , from 11 am – 1 pm cost is $6.50 per person at the VFW post 7902. Also don’t forget the Post and Auxiliary Picnic on August 14 th , from 11:30 – 12:30.

Next month’s meeting is August 17 th at 7 pm, Lunch committee is Kathy F, Vickie L and Ardell S.

Sincerely
DeLores Butkowski
President

Hello Comrades, Brothers and Sisters:

We wanted to update the members about how well our poppy sales have done this year. Several of us went to the Twins Game for Armed Forces Day at the Park. We arrived about 1030am got together when the gates open up at 11am. We did wonderful this year. We had several new people there working hard for our veterans. Of course our Mike Kral was again the big winner. See below for Twins Game Totals. Mike Kral $516.75 Donny Neumann $296.80 Kathy Fystrom $225.12 Bruce Johnson $178.64 and Sharon Johnson $144.00. Grand total for the Game $1361.31 the best we have ever done. Thank you to all who helped especially our new people Donny Neumann, Bruce and Sharon Johnson.

Here are the final total for our poppy campaign for 2016 mailing $1,084.00 Poppy Cards $466.00 Poppy Day $830.88 Twins Game $1361.31 Grand Total $3742.19. We are $606.00 above last year’s totals. As Mike said we are setting a higher standard for ourselves. You know what that is wonderful.

Thanks to all Kathy and Denny Fystrom
Co-Poppy Chairman.

Remodeling Fund

Thanks to all who continue to respond when called to help with our many volunteer activities. The storage shed on the east side of the club is complete except for the ramps into each door. A decision on the purchase of a Club lawn mower will be made at the July Post meeting. Fundraisers for the month of August are: fish fry on the 12 th & roast beef dinner on the 26 th . We’re still looking for enterprising individuals to start a new monthly activity. A monthly chicken dinner would be fantastic. Once per month is not a great commitment and being involved with projects usually is satisfying and fun.

Thank You & Congratulations

Thank you Ginny Earl for your undying dedication to Post 7902 and its Auxiliary. Ginny just completed her eighth consecutive year as Auxiliary President and previously served as President from 1988 through 1991 for a total of twelve years. During those years, in addition to her many duties as President, she also coordinated Voice of Democracy, Patriots’ Pen, numerous other Americanism projects, spearheaded many Teacher of the Year sponsorships and more often than not when a great meal was served from the kitchen, Ginny was at the helm as head cook. Thank you Ginny and it is hoped that there is still some enthusiasm left in the tank and Post 7902 and Auxiliary will be the beneficiary. Also, congratulations Kathy Fystrom on your installation as Department of Minnesota Auxiliary President. Kathy has been a dedicated Post 7902 Auxiliary member for many years and only those who have served in her current capacity as Department President can appreciate and know the dedication and commitment Kathy will experience during the next year. Post 7902 and its Auxiliary are truly proud to be home Post to the Department of Minnesota President. Good luck, Kathy, during your year of service to the Department and thank your for all you’ve done for Post 7902.

August Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following August birthday celebrants: Timothy Aaser, Rose Alcott, Everend Anderson, Nancy Baufield, Kathy Berg, Jo Berninghaus, Tom Beyer, Larry Bruzek, Dean Chapman, Kerry Drabek, Timothy Earl, Babe Greiner, Andrew Herickhoff, Russ Hevern, Gill Hillesheim, Philip Jensen, Lauren Kennison, Kathy LaFrenz, Joyce Lenz, Dan Rooney, Dick Vangstad, & Joyce Watson.

Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage. Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859- 4384) or Mike Kral (320-859- 5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction. Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing. The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.

Congratulations to Commander Chub Hensley and Quartermaster Jim Tenhoff for receiving White Hat All State Awards at the VFW Awards Ceremony at the Spring Convention in Rochester on June 10th. 

​Commrades:  

   This newsletter is number two of twelve. A few members spent four days at the VFW Convention in Rochester this last week. It was rewarding to hear post 7902 called out for a number of awards. One was for Mike Kral for the best newspaper article for a veteran, in the state, published in the Echo Press of Alexandria.  Mike was surprised as well as all of us that were there. Great job Mike!! Another award was for continued growth for the post. A safety award and an outstanding quarter master award for Jim Tenhoff. He has done a great job for many years. Thanks!! Once again thanks for all those who have helped with the safety award. 

     Representing our auxiliary, Kathy Fystrom was elected state president for the coming year. For someone to accomplish this speaks well for her hard work and dedication. Congratulations Kathy, we are so proud of you!! 

     June has started off with a bang. We had a huge turnout for the last fish fry. Thanks to Jerry Kral and his gang that are so dedicated to help him every time.  The Osakis parade on June 26th.  We will have our flag retiring ceremony that Jim Tenhoff and Jerry Kral do every year at this time. We have a post membership volunteer dinner on June 29th.  So you can see why I say June is a very busy month. Along with all these events is the job of mowing the lawn. The following people have taken turns mowing: Mike Kral, Mike Rooney, Chad Gulbranson and myself. 

     I'll say it again, June is a busy month !! And July will be even as busy. So please help in any way you can. There is something for anyone who can help. It would be so appreciated. Most of our snowbirds are back and already been helping us. We also have help from people that aren't even members. 

     Don't forget the replica of the Vietnam Nam wall will be in Sauk Centre at the Eagles Nest, from July 14 - 17th. Hope you can visit this awesome display. 

Your Post Commander
Chub

​Dear Sisters,

     Happy Summer!! School is done and all the summer activities are in full swing. Vacation time and all the summer fun is about to begin. Enjoy, before long and it will over.

     The ladies attending our meeting voted to spend $100.00 for the Osakis Festival Parade.

     This is the last meeting for me, Delores starts at the next meeting. Please everyone, step up and help her out as you have helped me. Thank you everyone, for all your support and help over the years. My officers are super, they make it so easy. Thanks so much. It has been a good memory!

     Next meeting is July 20, at 7:00 pm Servers are Jan F., Lyla E., Shelly T.

Loyally,
Your Past President- Ginny Earl

July Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following July birthday celebrants: Erma Ahrens, Lucille Barber, Alice Bladt, Gene Boisvert, Lloyd Campbell, Sandy Chapman, Alton Fiskness, Ryan Fraser, Betty Hinrichs, Carolyn Holty, Phillip Jence, Allan Karl, Joe Ketelboeter, Brenda Kral, Mike Kral, Nick Krebsbach, Fred Larsen, Rose Larson, Richard Loxtercamp, Connie Maxey, Helen McLain, Joan Melchert, John Pekar, Joan Pollard, Shelly Schnitzler, Dennis Tomford, Calvin Uhl, & Myron Wegener.
      
Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage.  Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859-4384) or Mike Kral (320-859-5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction.  Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing.  The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.  

Remodeling Fund

Thanks to all who continue to respond when called to help with our many volunteer activities.
Membership has voted to construct 10 X 20 foot storage shed on the east side of the Club. This building
will be used for general storage and to house a Club lawn mower the purchase of which we are currently
researching. Building will start ASAP. Fundraisers for the month of July are: fish fry on the 8 th & roast
beef dinner on the 29 th . We’re still looking for enterprising individuals to start a new monthly activity. A
monthly chicken dinner would be fantastic. Once per month is not a great commitment and being
involved with projects usually is satisfying and fun.

Comrades, 

This week was another first for me. I was asked to show my support by handing out poppies to the public. What a nice feeling that was to see young and old stop by and pick up a poppy and to say thank you for all we do. So next year if any of you can follow the example of Pat Mohor and many others who have done this for many years, I'm sure Kathy and Denny Fystrom would thank you as well.

​We will install our elected members once again. Offices are about the same. So therefore it shouldn't be hard to remember. I will be commander once again for ONE more year. Also, with the help of Mike Kral, Jan Flolid, Tune (Donald Tonn), Steve Mihalchick and Jim Tenhoff and all the others that do so much for our Post, we will move forward.

We had a large turnout for our Fish Fry and Seniors dance. We really need to show our appreciation to the workers that do this every month. If you have never been to a fish fry I would suggest you do!! Stop by and watch the crew at work.

I hope this information gets to you by Memorial Day so everyone can be reminded the service will be held at the Armed Forces Memorial Site. We will honor our fallen veterans

Shelly (Manager of our club and her crew are working hard to make sure our club is a nice and friendly place for people to visit and relax and enjoy themselves. (Thank you Shelly).

Keep a close eye on your June and July calendars as we will be having a number of events coming up that we would like everyone to attend.

This is my first of twelve newsletters for the second year. If you would want me to include something in the newsletter, contact me and either me, my wife or daughter will get it in the newsletter.

Don't forget a very important event going on , June 11th come help our Manager Shelly and Jeff Schnitzler celebrate their SPECIAL day !!!!

​Dear Sisters,

     What a beautiful day and evening we had, maybe the cool weather is behind us now.
Got your flowers planted?; Some of your garden?   Had to mow lawn a few times already too. Things always look so nice this time every year, and thinking forward to planting at the grave sites, and getting ready for Memorial Day.

     This year it is going to be held at the Veterans Memorial Site, south of town. Cindy Eischen and crew will have lunch following at the Post. Please bring a pan of bars to share. It will be appreciated.

     For business- installation of officers was held, monies spent was $50.00 for St. Judes Bike Ride, going for children's cancer centers. Also $200.00 was sent to Todd County for Battle Point. They are raising money to put a paved walk to the fishing pier, so easier to get to the pier.

     It was stated in the last magazine from National, that the dues probably will go up. So ladies hurry and buy a life membership at this years prices!!

     We also voted to accept 2 new members to the Auxiliary, one of them being a male. Good job Cindy! The husband and wife saw the sign over the bar area and started to ask questions, loved the area and our organization and want to be a part of it. 

     Next meeting is June 15th at 7:00pm. Servers are Barb T., Tammy E., and Carol K.

Loyally,
Ginny Earl 

June Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following June birthday celebrants: Jesse Becerra, Chelsy Butkowski, Pat Cahill, Vance Emerson, Cole Erie, Denny Fystrom, Mae Garvin, Hope Helms, Gladys Henderson, Peter Klick, Bernard Kreemer, Delores Macy, Sandy Maher, Carol Marthaler, Michael McCurdy, Sheryl Mostad, Ron Nelson, Laurie Neumann, Leann Repp, Shelly Triebenbach, & Mike Yurecko.
      
Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage.  Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859-4384) or Mike Kral (320-859-5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction.  Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing.  The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.  

Hello Comrades and Sisters:

We finally got some summer-what a joy

Here are some Totals for our Poppy Campaign for 2016. Poppy Day $830.88 Poppy Cards $466.00 Poppy Mailing $954.00 Grand Total of $2250.88 This total is $40.54 higher than last year. However it is the best poppy day we have ever had. All these funds will be spent wisely on Veterans Programs. Thank you again to all the volunteers that helped with this program. A special thanks to our Cindy Eischen for filling in for us this year. If you have forgotten to mail in your donation it can still be done. Just mail to the club marked Poppy and we will get it.

Loyally Submitted-Kathy and Denny Fystrom

​Comrades:

     I am sorry I neglected to inform all of you , that our dear friend and longtime member
Roy Helms passed away. Roy was a big supporter of our post whether in Alaska or in Osakis. Roy and his wife Hope were visitors to Osakis area two or three times a year. His pleasant and friendly smile will be missed by all. .

     This month has been a time to make all of us proud to be a member of our VFW Post. I saw a church group and many other workers come together for a family in need. Our community responded so well. I have seen this same response for other families or organizations in the past. I am so thankful we have a nice building to hold these events. The members of our post have been a great asset to our community, always willing to provide to our community. Thank you everyone who has helped in any way. 

     It is time to elect members to fill our commanders and other offices in our post. It would be appreciated to see A few new faces in these jobs. But if not we will do what we have done in years past. We will do the best we can and be thankful we have the same ones step up once again. These people don't do this for fame and fortune but rather they do it for the pride 
and dedication to our post. We need more help to make sure it stay that way. 

     With the hard work of all the people that take care of our charitable gambling, we have been able to donate about $65,000 to many good causes. Whether you believe in the charitable gambling or not at least part of the money is used for many good causes. 

     I hope you will continue to support our post.
Commander:
Chub Hensley 

​Dear Sisters,

     This meeting had lots of sisters turning out for our April meeting. It was a great night and a great meeting! With summer coming and nice weather, let’s get our sisters out for the evening.
Monies were spent to the following, annual bike rodeo-$125.00 and Department President gift-$25.00.
     For business we draped the charter for Doris Harth,  The Osakis Brownie Troop gave several cookies (girl scout cookies), several cases to be given to Veterans in St. Cloud. It was a "Give Back" project.

     Silent auction items are wanted for a money making dinner for "Meals on Wheels". May 15th will have a dinner at Community Center to raise monies for the program. Please donate items for this event. It will go for a good cause.

     Election was held and the following people said they would hold the office. President-Dolores Butkowski, Sr. Vice-Carolyn Holty, Jr. Vice-Kathy Fystrom, Chaplin-Marty Kern, Treasure-Cindy Eischen, Conductress-Barb Neumann, Guard-Lois Neumann, Trustee-Ginny Earl.
Thanks to all the ladies who stepped up to take an office. We want this great organization to continue and we have the ladies to do it!! 

     Next meeting is May 18th at 7:00 pm; servers will be Marty K., Vicki H., and Janice H.

Loyally,
Ginny Earl

May Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following May birthday celebrants: Muriel Bonner, Phyllis DeCann, Lee Christopherson, Joseph Dietrich, John Flolid, Kearney Frank, Francisco Gomez, Geri Grossell, Ken Grossell, Chad Gulbranson, Don Jensen, Gearld Johnson, Julie Kakac, Polly Kallhoff, Benjamin Kral, Jerry Kral, Chuck Maher, Ruth Meier, David McLain, Roland Musolf, Erika Niehoff, Brenda Nelson, Richard Patrick, Dorothy Paulson, Lindell Quam, Harriet Siebell, & Skip Stirzl.      

Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage.  Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859-4384) or Mike Kral (320-859-5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction.  Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing.  The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.  

  

Comrades:

March has been a busy month for a few of our volunteers. Thank goodness for a few of our dedicated volunteers. Thank goodness for these workers that does so much for us. There are a few snowbirds that are back and more to come real soon. Even when they are gone we have many volunteers that help out.  A lot of good things get done for our post.

We are hoping that real soon we will have a head cook at our post. That could take some pressure of the volunteers. Some of our women and men have worked so hard time and time again

Every spring there is a lot of work to do and this year is no exception. So if there is something you could help with like for example, the grass needs to be mowed each week. The biggest project will be all the work to do at the memorial site. We have to work on our new expansion. Clean up all the pavers that are there now.  We can use whatever help we can get. The memorial needs to be completed this summer just give Mike or myself a call. 

My year as commander is close to an end and we really need some new ones to step up. Too many times the position has been handed to the old ones, new and young ones would be greatly appreciated. We have received so much valuable information from our young vets and we really value that. If you know any of them thank them and 
recognize all they have done. Please come to our next meeting and meet everyone. 

If you bought a raffle ticket for our calendar I can say for fact you have a good chance of winning. I know this because I just signed a check for $50.   You might just have a check in the mail!!

Our club is an important part of our community, so I sure hope we can be an important part to our club, come and enjoy.  We have a lot of special events or a nice evening out with friends. We want everyone to enjoy coming to our club and will have a good experience.

These letters are not my favorite part about being a commander.  But with help from my wife (Janie) and daughter (Christa) I think I can put together a few more letters!!!! 

Thank you 
Commander 
Chub Hensley

​Dear Auxiliary Sisters,

Hope every one of you have had a great Easter. Hope Spring is here to stay and soon we will see green grass growing.

We had a few faithful members present for our March meeting, but got very important business done. I have put in my notice of "not cooking after June 1st". So the ladies voted to hire a new cook, wages starting at $15.00 an hour. Message- Cook Wanted- Starting at $15.00 an hour starting soon!! Get the word out to everybody. Apply at the bar..

Ladies also voted to spend $50.00 for the Marcella Arnold Nursing Scholarship and MN Soldier Scholarship, department programs for the VFW Auxiliary.

Next month will be time to vote for the new officers of the Auxiliary. I will not be your next President. Someone else needs to step up to the plate. So Sisters, be visiting with each other and find a new president. I am retiring, I will be around to continue to help the Veterans, but in other ways then cook or President.

Sisters please turn out for the next monthly meeting, bring someone with you, younger generation please! There are changes being made, please be a part of them. This last meeting, was a "round table" meeting. Everyone there thought it was a great improvement. So next month we will do it again, maybe a change that will march on with the next President.

Next meeting April 20th at 7:00 pm. Servers Carol K., Julie K., and Joan M.
 
Loyally
Ginny Earl 

Thank you Joe Ketelboeter, Sandy Ketelboeter, Chub Hensley, John Pallow, & Cal Uhl for helping unload and set up the new dining room tables.  They much enhance the decor of the dining room area.

“Wanted a Cook" (male or female) wages at $15.00. Events would be all weddings, class 
reunions, open houses, etc.  The cook would be ordering food, cooking the meal, clean up and 
some paper work. Volunteers would be helping with serving and clean up. Please apply at the  
VFW Post 7902 Bar.

April Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following April birthday celebrants: Paul Ahrens, Myron 
Barber, James Barrett, Linda Blake, Cleo Carpenter, Randy Decker, Ginny Earl, 
Kathy Fystrom, Scott Joarnt, Enier Johnson, James Johnson, Carol Kral, Barbara 
Nass, Don Newmann, Tim Norton, Ray Olsen, John Pallow, Sally Rem, Judy 
Thornbloom, Gary Tvrdik, Christina Uhl, Kay Vangstad, & Cassie Walsh.      
Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage.  
Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859-4384) or Mike Kral (320-859-5643) if 
your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  During this time, 
alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent 
reduction.  Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary 
meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting 
until closing.  The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price 
break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.

Comrades:

February has started off with a few great events for our club. One was our wings and wedges night, another was our fish dinner, Super Bowl party, and our Valentine’s dinner. There were additional events that have been a big boost for our club. I can only say thank you to those people that work so hard to make all these events go so well. Thank all of you that help us time and time again! Coming up we have a chicken dinner and a roast beef dinner that I look forward to. 

Our membership drive was a new and rewarding experience this year. We had two young vets come in with their suggestions on things we can do in the future and also ways to welcome new vets. That evening was a great experience for me and others that were there. Thank you Jamie and Cassie for all your input and new ideas. Cassie W. has recruited a few business people to sponsor a vet. With the donations from the Sargent family we were able to help a few young vets to become life members. 

Thank you Mark’s Welding, Bob Walsh, and Cassie Walsh for your help in sponsoring a vet. 

We may do some things that you or others don’t understand. There is a reason behind every decision that we make. For example, someone asked me why I don’t do this or that. They were shocked to hear me say our members on the committees make the decisions that affect all of us. Not me or any one person can or should do this alone. My first responsibility is to present an issue to the members that does not in any way influence or sway them on their vote. I have tried to do that every time. We invite you to come oversee our meetings and help us make good decisions for all of us. 

We have a great membership and my goal is to keep everyone in mind when something comes up that affects our post. Come get involved – Thank you. 
​
Chub Hensley 
Commander

Dear Sisters,

     Hope you had a great Valentine's day! We had a few very faithful members at our meeting. During Lent the numbers are always lower, but business was taken care of.

     A new member was accepted from a transfer from the Twin Cities area and $300.00 was being spent for blue jeans for St. Cloud VA.

     A special project is being done at the Post. Both "Post and Auxiliary members interview" it is being called. There is a form to fill out and it will be used for the Facebook page and/or the VFW website. It will tell the story of our members, so please fill out and turn in at monthly meeting. Cassie Walsh will do a great job! Give me a call or stop in the Post for a form. Smile and get busy filling out the form!

 Kathy Fystrom got 1st place with her Poppy Display, and she goes to National contest now. 

 Next meeting is March 16th at 7:00pm. Servers are Helen M., Carolyn H., and Sandy C.

Sincerely,
Ginny Earl

Happy birthday to the following March birthday celebrants: DeLores Butkowski, Brandon Crotteau, Judy Cunningham, Dusti Fetters, Harold Giesler, Dan Hewitt, Letty Jost, Ray Maher, Dale Maus, Jim Olek, Amanda Roos, George Williams, & Ron Watson.      

Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage.  Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859-4384) or Mike Kral (320-859-5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction.  Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing.  The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar personnel.

Remodeling Fund

Fundraisers for the month of March are: fish fry on the 11th, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on the 17th, & roast beef dinner on the 26th.  We are still looking for enterprising individuals to start a new monthly activity.  A monthly chicken dinner would be fantastic.  Once per month is not a great commitment and being involved with projects usually is satisfying and fun.  Call the VFW if interested in helping with any project or better still in starting a new fundraiser.

​

Comrades:

     A new year is here and I hope 2016 will be a good year for all of us.  We are off and running for a good membership drive. The future of the VFW organization is to get young and new vets involved. We can no longer be content with this in the way we have always done. Our growth will depend on new members. We have a great group of members that have done so much and so often. Many hours have been worked long and hard and we could use some help.  We are hoping a few more of our members can help us out this year. If you can help us with two to three hours a month, it would help all of us and our club. Everyone has a special talent that would help in one way or another so please step up and give us a call. 

     This has not been a big month for our club but February looks like it could be much better. So this could be the time to help in any way you can. No more than I do to help out, I get a good feeling knowing I did something to help out the VFW. We had our annual inventory Jan 1st and a small group did a good job. With this task Jim and Shelly 
have done such a great job. With everyone's help it went pretty darn smooth. One thing for sure after a year with more hands on I have learned to appreciate all the work the charitable gambling staff do for us. I don't think most members realize how important they are to our club. Thank every one of you. You have done so much for all of us. 

     Shelly is in Florida now and I am sure she is having a great time. It is my understanding when she comes back to work she will have a new last name, so make sure you give her and Jeff a good welcome back with congratulations. 

     We will be looking for new officers in a few months. So please step up and get involved. We could really use your help. 

Your Commander, 
Chub Hensley

February Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the following February birthday celebrants: Steve Arnold, Doug Cassman, Brittany Christopherson, Cindy Eischen, Lyla Engfer, Raymond Frie, Sherry Gulbranson, Jerry (Halsey) Hall, Judy Jensen, Clark Johnson, Joel Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Marlene Johnson, Steve Mihalchick, Gearld Mikkelson, Pat Mohror, Kelsey Nelson, Doug Pardo, Lorraine Nomeland, & Martha Wegener.      

Don’t forget to visit the Club on your birthday for a complimentary beverage.  Please contact either Helen McLain (320-859-4384) or Mike Kral (320-859-5643) if your birth date in not included.

Remember membership night on Fridays from 6:00 – 9:00 PM.  During this time, alcohol beverages will be served to all Vets and Auxiliary members at a fifty-cent reduction.  Also, all Vets & Auxiliary members who attend the Post or Auxiliary meeting will receive a fifty cent reduction on alcohol beverages after the meeting until closing.  The courtesy of displaying a membership card to receive this price break would be appreciated by the bar.