1. Art and Diseño

General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller
VFW Post 1503
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
FEB
14631 MINNIEVILLE ROAD
DALE CITY, VIRGINIA 22193
703.670.4124
www.vfwpost1503.org
2015
CANTEEN HOURS:
Sunday / Monday / Wednesday 12 Noon - 11 PM
Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday 12 Noon - 12 Midnight • Friday 12 Noon - 2 AM
COMMANDER’S CORNER
Comrades and Sisters of
“TEAM CHESTY PULLER”,
POST OFFICERS
Post Commander . . . . Randy Coker
Senior Vice . . . . Sterling Moninghoff
Junior Vice . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Bennett
Quartermaster . . . . . . . . . Jim Spiker
Judge Advocate . . . . . . Tom Gimble
Surgeon . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Powell
Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Lovett
3 Year Trustee . . . . . . . John Dodge
2 Year Trustee. . . . . . . . . Ron Laney
1 Year Trustee . . . . . . . . Tim Brown
Adjutant . . . . . . . . . . Ralph Steinway
Service Officer . . . . . . . Mark Marth
Past Commander . . . . . . Jim Martin
I would be remiss if I did not mention the
outstanding service of our VFW catering staff and
volunteers that made the 2015 New Year’s Eve Party such a huge
success this year. Shelia and the Catering & Kitchen Staff and the
Decorations Committee transformed the A & B Hall into a
beautiful celebration hall. The food selection and service was
great and the music and entertainment kept everyone on the
dance floor from 2014 until 2015. Thanks to everyone who made
this year’s celebration one to remember. The Membership and
Volunteer Appreciation Party was fun and very well attended by post members. Every member of
this post is important to the success of this organization and this event was a way of saying THANK
YOU for a great year!! Anybody desiring to attend the next concealed carry class, it is being held at
the VFW on March 14th during the next gun show. You can sign up and pay for the class at the
following web site. www.girlonfiredc.com/#!VFWPost1503/c1tch
ATTENTION!! If you are an annual member and you have not renewed your membership, now
is the time. If you renew your membership before February 15th, you will be entered into a list of
names eligible to win a LIFE MEMBERSHIP. The drawing will be held on February 18th at the
membership meeting. To WIN - you MUST be present at the meeting when the drawing is held.
One of the best ways to stay informed about events around the post is with the “Constant
Contact” emails. If you are not receiving emails from the Commander about upcoming events,
please stop by the canteen and drop off your email address in the contact bucket, or email the
Commander from the Post 1503 website. You will start receiving these notifications.
It has been brought to my attention that some individuals feel as though they have certain
priorities in ordering and being served during wings on Saturday nights because they are an officer
or they hold a position on the board. This information is false, no officer, board member or any staff
member has priority over anyone else in this post. This is not up for discussion.
Anybody ever wonder where that money for “unmet needs” goes, when we donate it… below is
Over ´
a great story of why it is important to keep these programs strong.
Another Success Story about the VFW’s Un-met Needs Program
America promises to take care of its veterans, but too often, many of them fall on hard times
following their service. When that happens, the VFW is ready to step in and take action. After
suffering an injury during a temporary duty assignment for the Army, Richard Sanders lost his civilian
job. Unable to make ends meet, he took on other work to supplement his income, but it wasn’t
enough. Running out of options, he resorted to selling his personal items to cover basic necessities.
Richard felt angry and abandoned. While researching alternatives to Army Emergency Relief, he
stumbled upon the VFW Unmet Needs program. The program would allow Richard to catch his
breath. He was approved for an Unmet Needs grant, and things began to turn around. He took the
opportunity to hit the reset button and make a fresh start, which meant moving to a new location
and starting a new job. “My experience has been stellar, I was set up for success, and I am now in a
position to pay it forward,” said Richard. He is now a VFW Life Member and regularly participates in
fundraising events and races to raise money for various organizations that help veterans. “I'm forever
indebted. The VFW proves to me my fellow veterans will not leave me behind. I can't think of better
words,” he said. Richard’s story is one of success which was made possible by the VFW Unmet
Needs program.
POW/MIA Mission Reorganization Moves Forward
The nation’s largest war veterans’ organization is hopeful that the impending merger and
realignment of several Defense Department organizations and functions will produce the necessary
synergy to achieve the fullest possible accounting of missing service personnel from all wars.
“There's always been strong unity of purpose when it comes to recovering, identifying and returning
fellow Americans to their families,” said John W. Stroud, national commander of the 1.9 million
member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliaries, “but what’s been lacking is
unity of command and direction, which is what the VFW is hopeful this reorganization will achieve.”
The decision to merge three organizations was made last year by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
after the accounting community came under intense congressional scrutiny.
Being merged are the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting
Command, and the Air Force Life Science Equipment Laboratory. The consolidation will include
policy guidance, archival research and analysis, and worldwide field investigations and recovery
operations. Also being realigned is the scientific element of the mission, which moves JPAC’s Central
Identification Laboratory under the Armed Forces Medical Examiner. Included in the new look will be
a centralized budget, a consolidated case management system, and expanded public-private
partnerships.
The new organization has yet to be given a new name, but interim leadership was announced at
a Pentagon meeting the VFW attended last week. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Franken will be the
agency’s interim director. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, JPAC’s current commander, will serve
as deputy director. “Mission accomplishment is what’s important to the VFW," said Stroud, "and we
look forward to working with the new leadership to help keep America’s promise to our military and
all their families that we will not leave a fallen comrade on the battlefield.”
NOTE: The February membership meeting will begin AT 1900 with a Joint Opening
Session, with the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men’s Auxiliary. There will be a presentation of a donation
to the American Wartime Museum. Just as a reminder: At the membership meeting on March 18th
we will be holding nominations for Post Officers for the 2015-2016 year. If you are interested in
running for an office, please make sure that you send me an email with your information and your
letter of intent before the March meeting. If you would like to put a short write-up in the March
newsletter please email me that information before February 14th.
Yours in Comradeship, Randy Coker
Post Commander 2014-15
[email protected]
LADIES’ AUXILIARY
LADIES’ AUXILIARY
President . . . . . . . . . Regina Meehan
It's hard to believe that February is here
Sr. Vice President . . Linda Steinway
already. Hearts, flowers, cards and love notes will
Jr. Vice President . . . . . Judy Bridges
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Gimble
be exchanged among friends, families and loved
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . Karla Coker
ones. During this month, please also remember
Chaplain . . . . . . . . Joyce Del Vecchio
to extend your appreciation to our Veterans.
Conductress. . . . . . . Laura Anderson
Send them a card, give them a phone call, or at least a loving Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamia Smith
"thank you." And don't forget their spouses for their dedication 1st Yr Trustee . . . . . . . Sarah Dugas
and support to our veterans. Our veterans are why we are in this 2nd Yr Trustee Rebecca Moninghoff
organization, and they all need to know how much we appreciate 3rd Yr Trustee. . . . . . . . Joyce Gibbs
Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Gibbs
them.
Patriotic Instrctr . . Ernestine Jenkins
Our visit to Williamsburg for the Department of Virginia Winter
Council was an exciting event. This year our Auxiliary was
awarded a $25 check for our efforts in recruiting members. Congratulations also to Joyce Gibbs and
Karla Coker who each received a certificate and a monetary award from the Department
Membership Chairman. Great job, ladies. The awards were presented to Joyce and Karla by our
Department Auxiliary President, Ellen Carleton, at our January meeting.
On January 24th the Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Guppie Tournament, chaired by Linda Steinway.
The proceeds from the tournament will be used to buy a lift chair for one of our World War II
disabled Veterans. Thanks for the generosity of all who played, and to Joyce Gibbs, Mary Smart, and
Barbara Barnes who worked the event. It was a fun-filled afternoon, and we plan to repeat it again in
April. Stay tuned for the date.
Welcome to our new members: Brooke Bloxton, Sarah Peterson, Patricia V. Wootten, Patricia Q.
Wootten, Deborah Ford, Deborah Desiyets, Karla Davis, Marcella Norris, Jean Marie Lowery, and
Chrystal Butler. Great to have you aboard. If you see any of these ladies in the Canteen, please give
them a warm welcome.
Our next planned ladies auxiliary event will be the Children's Easter Party on March 29, 2015.
Stay tuned for the details next month.
Have a great month, be safe, stay healthy, and please pray for our Veterans, our Military and their
families. God bless you all and God bless America!
Gina Meehan
President, Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 1503
[email protected] • 703-670-9675
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
At the beginning of each New Year, experts give their predictions about the economy, politics,
will there be war or peace? People still have hope, prosperity, not stagnation, people everywhere are
hoping that this year will be better than last, but no one knows what will happen. There is however,
something we can be certain about. A guest speaker at my church suggested that when we ask if
the world will be better or worse, the answer is Yes to both. Paul told Timothy, “In the last days,
perilous time will come. Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse deceiving and being
deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of,
knowing from whom you have learned them.” The inspired Word of God instructs, corrects, and
encourages us as we follow God’s path. J.B. Phillip described the scriptures as our “comprehensive
equipment that prepares us fully for all branches of God’s work.” As the spiritual darkness of our
world grows deeper, the light of Christ shines more brightly through all those who know and Love
Him. Jesus is joy and hope - today, tomorrow, and forever! Heavenly Father, the trouble in this
world can divert our eyes from you. Thank you for words that help us stay focused. May we find our
delight in your Love and share it with others today. The powers of evil around you are no match for
the power of Jesus within you.
PRAYER: Dear God we thank you for your Love. Help us to try to Love others as You Love them.
Amen
James Lovett - VFW Post 1503 Chaplain
Call me anytime (703) 590-9371 or (703) 551-1166
RAFFLE WINNER
Congratulations to Andrew Ryan, a member of VFW Post 1503,
who was the Winner of the Henry Golden Boy Military Tribute
Edition of the Legendary Golden Boy Rifle which was raffled off by
the VFW Department of Virginia.
Sunday
1
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00
Wednesday
4
BINGO
7:30
Boy Scouts
7:30
Thursday
5
Friday
6
BINGO
7:30
7
Dinner 5-9
DJ Danny
Karaoke
8-12
8
9
10
Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00
BINGO
7:30
11
MOCA 7:00
MOC 7:30
Boy Scouts
7:30
12
BINGO
7:30
Saturday
13
DJ Carol
Karaoke
Breakfast
9-12:30
WINGS
Weekly Drawings
Queen of Hearts
14
Dinner 5-9
DJ Bertus
8-12
Valentine
Dinner Dance
Pam Pelano
Breakfast
9-12:30
WINGS
Weekly Drawings
Queen of Hearts
15
16
Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00
BoD
Meeting
17
BINGO
7:30
President’s
Day
22
23
Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00
24
BINGO
7:30
18
SPECIAL JOINT
OPENING TIME
Ladies Aux. 7
Mens Aux. 7
Post Meeting 7
Boy Scouts 7:30
25
Boy Scouts
7:30
19
BINGO
7:30
20
21
Dinner 5-9
DJ Danny
Karaoke
8-12
26
BINGO
7:30
27
Dinner 5-9
Heart
Breakers
Band
Purple
Heart Mtg.
DJ Carol
Breakfast
9-12:30
WINGS
Weekly Drawings
Queen of Hearts
28
DJ Bertus
Breakfast
9-12:30
WINGS
Weekly Drawings
Queen of Hearts
LUNCH SPECIALS PREPARED DAILY – (703) 670-9002
FACILITY HAPPENINGS
Here it is February already. Don't forget to sign up for the SUPER BOWL POT Luck. Sign up sheet
in the Bar by the front door. Please be sure to fill in what you’re bringing so we can make plans
ahead of time for space needed to set up. This is one of our best parties every year. Everyone has a
favorite dish and it's a good way to meet and greet members. Please have your food here by 4:30
for set up and we would like to start serving by 5p.m.
Sips and Dips was scheduled for this month, but has been postponed until some time in April.
Additional info when available.
VALENTINES DAY DINNER DANCE on the 14th in the Canteen. See flyer elsewhere in this
newsletter for additional info.
BINGO SOCIAL February 21st , 6pm dance floor area.
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION Party on February 4th. If your in the area stop by after 7 if you
would like to meet the staff who makes all the great things happen here every year out of their work
environment to say Hi/Thanks.
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS - Served 5 pm to 9 pm. DJ or Band follows.
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE V - WINGS, QUEEN OF HEARTS, WEEKLY DRAWING 6 pm to 8 pm.
DJ CAROL or a BAND EVERY SATURDAY.
John Meehan
Facility Manager
MILITARY ORDER
OF
THE PURPLE HEART
Patriots:
We had a low turnout at our January meeting and was not able to do much needed planning for
our Chapter for 2015! There are a lot of meaningful events in 2015 to include fundraising events to
support the scheduled National MOPH Annual Conference in our Commonwealth in 2016 and
supporting our wounded veterans and their families! I look forward to start this planning at our next
Chapter meeting on February 21st. We did approve providing a $1,000 Scholarship to a JROTC
cadet at Quantico High school this year.
Let’s continue to be proactive in helping our wounded Veterans and their families!! Our Chapter’s
mission is to serve our combat wounded veterans and their families. I hope to see everyone at our
next Chapter Meeting @ 1000 on Saturday, February 21st. Call me at 703-878-7139 if you
have any questions.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Ron Laney, Commander
Semper Fi Chapter 1775
MOC / MOCA
I would like to apologize to Girl Scout Cadet Troop 3718 from All Saints Catholic Church for not
recognizing their troop for all of the hard work they have done to support the Veterans at McGuire
Veterans Hospital. These girls are the ones who give the Girl Scout cookies to the hospital visit and
they are the ones who prepared the 176 Christmas Stockings for the December visit to the hospital.
Lucy please ensure that they know we and the veterans appreciate everything they do.
PupTent 14 and the MOCA had a great Wing Night and a successful monthly meeting in January.
Wing Night for the MOC/MOCA will be Feb 6th please come out and help us or come and buy some
wings.
February11 is the MOC/MOCA meeting Ladybugs start at 7:00 p.m. The MOC meeting will start
at 7:30 p.m. It will be a busy night. We have Pup Tent 17 from Leesburg as our guests, we will also
have Nominations and Election of Officers, as well as performing the Third Degree onto Keith
Kennedy and anyone else that needs it.
THERE WILL BE A MCGUIRE HOSPITAL VISIT ON FEBRUARY 14TH!
The MOCA would like to welcome our new Lady Bug member Deena Estaban.
Ladies February is Election of Officers if you would like to be a officer in the MOCA please come
to the meeting and let it be known that you want a position. Better yet just come to the meeting we
would love to have you.
Since the week of February 8th to the 15th is Veterans Appreciation Week. The MOC and MOCA
need homemade Valentine Cards with appreciation notes to the Veterans. Please encourage your
child, grandchild or even your great grandchildren to make some cards. They really enjoyed the
cards the children have done in the past.
The MOCA wishes you a very Happy Valentines Day!
Keep them smiling in Beds of White!
Respectfully,
Sarah Dugas
MOCA President
[email protected]
Michael Del Vecchio
MOC Seam Squirrel, Pup Tent 14
[email protected]
MEN’S AUXILIARY
MEN’S AUXILIARY
President . . . . . . . . . . Milton Moore
Now that 2014 is behind us, I look forward to
Sr. Vice President . . . . . . Jim Moore
the New Year with some high expectations. My
Jr. Vice President . . . . Hillary Jenkins
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Pesce
goal is to have 350 members by the convention
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . Marty Heaster
in June. I am enjoying all the camaraderie at the
Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . Doug Parker
post and thank the officers for all they have done
Guard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Sears
to assist me and support the Auxiliary.
3rd Year Trustee. . . . . Ramon Ayala
I will be organizing a June outing with the local Potomac 2nd Year Trustee . . . . . . Earl Franks
Nationals baseball team. I will need a minimum of 20 people to 1st Year Trustee . . . . . John Childers
participate. The game will take place either a Saturday evening or Past President. . . . . . Gene Bellando
a Sunday afternoon. Please put your preference on the sign-up
sheet for which day I should book the event. The game will take place around Mid-May or the last
weekend in May. The menu will be The All American picnic which is an all-you-can-eat buffet. It
comes with Reserved seat tickets, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, slaw, baked beans, cookies and
brownies and soft drinks. The cost would be adults $25 and $20 for youths and a child under 6 will
be $7. All picnic members in attendance will receive an exclusive baseball cap.
Congratulations to the newest Men's Auxiliary members who were voted in at the January
meeting: Carl D. Bedford, Jeff D. Bloxton, Robert H.Carroll, David M. Deaton, Joseph M. Desilets and
William H. Norris Jr.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be a high priority to the men and women fighting for us
overseas. If not for these brave soldiers, who knows what our world would be like today. Past and
present soldiers are our true heroes. God bless us all and the United States of America.
On behalf of the Men's Auxiliary I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
Remember it is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice to someone. Our next
scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 @ 7:30 pm at the Post.
Hope to see you all there.
My contact number is 571-606-7490 or email
[email protected]
Milton Moore
President, Men’s Auxiliary
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
POST 1503
14631 Minnieville Road
Woodbridge, Virginia 22193
NEXT MONTHLY MEETING
FEBRUARY 18TH!
www.vfwpost1503.org