Post Bulletin History

January - February 2010

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
Hope everyone's holidays were safe and enjoyable. If you are receiving this newsletter, that's a good thing because that means you are still a part of the Finest Veterans Service Organization on Planet Earth. Thank you! With a brand new decade upon us we have the opportunity for a fresh start. What can be done this decade that makes your Post better than the last? Although last decade was great, we can make it better. What would it take to get more members and participation at our monthly meetings? What would it take to get more members and participation at our many functions? What would it take to keep membership up? From the last newsletter you know that we are not "Just a bar", we are here to help Veterans and be a positive role model for the community. There are a lot of you that have some great ideas on what can be done to make YOUR Post better; the only problem is we don't know what those ideas are. Please, let me know your thoughts and ideas, I am open to suggestions. Or you can talk to any of your line ot1icers and let them know what's on your mind. Better yet, come to a monthly meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month and share your ideas. Remember, this is YOUR Post, help keep the momentum going. Thanks to all the volunteers we have had, for all your hard work and dedication. Your service to our Veterans and commu¬nity is invaluable and GREATLY appreciated.
Are you having trouble getting around or have you had a recent injury which impairs your mobility? Did you know you can get items such as walkers, canes or wheelchairs at our Post? We even have a hospital bed. If you can use any of these items, come down to our Post and see what we have available. There is a small deposit required.
Firearms Safety classes are starting again on March 2nd with registration starting at 6:00 pm and classes going from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The classes will continue every Tuesday for the next 7 weeks from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Post home. If you want to hunt in the state of Minnesota, you need to have com-pleted this Firearms Safety course to be able to get a hunting license. The only age requirement is that the student has attained the age of 1 I prior to starting the course.
And for those who were waiting for year end to pay your dues, the year is over. Please get those dues payments in as soon as possible. We are close to being 100%, in fact, for Post members; there are only 25 who still have to pay their dues. Mail it in, walk it in or have someone bring it in for you, let's get those dues in. And for those who have paid your dues all ready, THANK YOU!! And thanks to our Life Members who don't have to worry about being reminded to pay dues anymore. They know the cost savings and benefits of being a Life Member. If you're not a Life Member, let me know so you can be one today.

Happy New Year Everyone

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

Happy New Year!! Where did 2009 go?? As we start the new decade, our Ladies Auxiliary has attained 100% in membership ... Thank you sisters for your continued support!!
Thank you to all who attended the first annual Christmas Tea. We had a lot of fun and the consensus of the 30 who attended was to do it again next year. We had a wonderful luncheon, a fundraiser raffle for cancer aid and research, exchanged gifts, played bingo and had prize drawings. A very special thanks to the VFW Post for paying for the entire event - without the support of the VFW Post there would be no Ladies Auxiliary. Also, special thanks to co-chairman Lil LaVoy and Shelly Nelson for organizing this event.
In January we will be holding a hot dish/salad fund raiser for the National Military Assistance Program, which umbrellas many of the VFW programs including Operation Uplink (phone cards for veterans), Unmet Needs (assistance for mil-itary families) and is the Department Commander, Don Nix's special project for the year. Auxiliary members will be asked to donate a dish to share or cash for this fundraiser so expect a phone call.
The annual kids Christmas Party was held on December 20th with many area youth and their parents enjoying the games, crafts, cookie decorating, a magi-cian and Mr. & Mrs. Santa were there to hand out treats. Again, a huge thank you to the VFW Post for their assistance and financial support of this annual project. Also, a huge thank you to Kathy Peterson and Lois Frey for organizing this event.

DID YOU KNOW that the VFW Hall and kitchen is available to Post and Auxiliary members free or at very affordable rates to hold any type of celebra¬tion?? Birthday, anniversary, wedding, class reunion, family reunion, bridal or baby shower, or retirement party .... just to name a few. The hall is always appropriately decorated and there is also catering service available either through the Ladies Auxiliary or the catering service the rents our kitchen. So the next time you are planning an event, or just want to have a get-together with family and friends, how about using the VFW Post Home as a gathering spot. ... we support our veterans by supporting the Post Home.

In closing - welcome to our new members to the Ladies Auxiliary. We are so very pleased that you have joined us and we look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Thursday, January 14th - dinner at 6:00 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any of the Auxiliary officers listed below.

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and the start to a Great New Year! Make one of your New Years' resolutions to get more involved at the Post. We need new people, new ideas, and new energy to keep the Post moving forward. To quote Auxiliary President Joanne Douglas, "A helping hand will not be refused". If you have thoughts, ideas, or common sense to promote more Post/bar business, PLEASE speak-up!!
Please let your friends, family, classmates, and the general public know about are facilities for rent. Our hall is excellent for almost any event. Now is the time to schedule for class reunions, family reunions, wedding recep¬tions, birthday parties, anniversary parties, and any other event that fits your needs.

As always keep those memberships up to date.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Free Hall & Kitchen Rental Jan-Feb-March
Birthdays - Anniversaries - Meetings - Class Reunions
Any Party Weddings will have a charge of $50.00 Deposit

November - December 2009

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
This will be my last newsletter of the year and of the decade. To recap this past year, I’d say it was a fantastic year. Our Burger Nights have been by far a huge success. Our Fish/Steak fry’s have been incredible and have been talked about throughout the state. Our annual Smelt fry’s are always a huge success. We have had fundraisers for post members stricken with cancer; cancer aide and research; a member that lost his home in a fire; and youth sports, to name a few. We catered luncheons for Post/Auxiliary members that have passed. We hosted one of the State Recruiter Team visits that made the front page of the Gopher Oversear. We honored Vietnam Veterans and had a State Senator as our Guest Speaker. We honored Korean War Veterans and had a Members Appreciation picnic. We sponsored the State Golf Tournament for the 2nd year and have one more year to go. We put flags out at our local cemeteries on Memorial Day to honor our fallen heroes and we usually have participation from the community, for instance, this year the Girls Softball team provided assistance. We go to the nursing homes and play Bingo with the residents. We have our annual Buddy Poppy distribution day and solicit donations for our relief fund so we can continue to help Veterans in distress. We started having a POW/MIA Recognition day to honor our Veterans who were Prisoners of War and who are still Missing in Action and to promote public awareness so our comrades are not forgotten. We’ve donated flags to schools. We maintain the upkeep of Veterans Memorial Park. This summer we hosted the 8th District meeting. This year we had our VFW and Ladies Auxiliary birthday celebration, a celebration that we haven’t had in a long time. We recognized our Past Commanders and Past President’s by having a Banquet in their honor. We work closely with other community organizations by hosting Pool Tournaments, Bowling Banquets, Deer Hunters dinner, Kiwanis breakfasts and Youth Gun Safety courses by approved DNR instructors. Biweekly we are having either a senior dance or retired men’s dinner, these events are open to all members and guests. And don’t forget about our annual Kids Halloween party. And our Combined Veterans Honor Guard continues to be relentless in honoring our deceased Veterans by presiding at Veterans funerals (post members or not) and leading parades and flag presentations at various community events. So, if you were thinking that the Veterans of Foreign Wars was just a bar, you are missing out on a lot and what the VFW is all about, “Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living”. Help yourself and your fellow Veterans – Get involved.
Coming up, we are having our Veterans Day dinner on November 11, a Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 14, a Lutefisk dinner on November 20 and our annual Children’s Christmas party on December 20. If you are interested in finding out what else is going on at our Post and want to get involved, visit our website at www.vfw3979.org or come by the Post Home, we have a 3 month calendar of events posted for your information. There are even sign up sheets so can get in on the action. The next newsletter will be the first of a new decade.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

The Holidays are rapidly approaching and our Ladies Auxiliary will be trying something a little different for our annual Christmas party. Be sure to mark your calendar on Saturday, December 12th from Noon to ??? for our first annual Christmas Tea. The members at the last meeting chose to have our party during the day in hopes that it will enable more to attend. There will be no charge for the meal and a $5.00 gift exchange is optional. Plan to come and spend a relaxing, fun afternoon with your Auxiliary sisters.
Those who choose to pay your dues annually, please do so as soon as possible. Our Auxiliary is very near the 100% goal and the December 31st deadline is rapidly approaching. If you know of anyone experiencing financial hardship and that are unable to pay their dues, please contact either myself (384-4426) or Lil LaVoy (879-3224).
Ladies please continue to save your grocery coupons to be shipped to our troops. Either drop them off at the Post or bring them into a meeting. We also collect pop can tabs, box tops for education, Campbell soup labels and milk caps for our youth programs. We learned at our last District meeting that the auxiliary will continue with the postage stamp program so you can go back to saving those as well.

Due to the newsletter going out every other month there are activities going on at the Post Home that may not appear above. Check at the Post Home for other events happening.
October 24th was "Make A Difference Day" and this year we visited 46 veterans in area nursing homes and assisted living facilities and presented each with a lap robe and a thank you for serving our country card.
October 25th was the annual Kids Halloween Party. We had 58 area youth and many, many parents attending. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Post and their Gambling Manager for making it possible for this event to happen every year!!

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

Every year we are constantly bombarded by our National, State and District Organizations concerning membership. Yes, we do need to keep our membership levels as high as possible and we are trying to reach those goals, but, we first need to sell OUR Organization and its programs of helping Veterans and OUR Community.
We need to "toot" our own horn. Our community needs to know all the good deeds done on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. We are not just a bar where "Old Vets sit and tell war stories." Think of all the good deeds we have done over the years without bringing attention to ourselves. We need to "brag" a little so that the general public/community knows WHY, we are a Great Organization.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris one day by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carryon. ''You have been to France before, Monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. "Then you should know enough to have your passport ready." Then the American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it," "Impossible. Americans always have to show their passports on arrival in France!" The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. The he quietly I explained, "Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country I couldn't find a single Frenchman to show a passport to.”

September - October 2009

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
It's hard to believe summer is almost over and school will be starting soon. Where did the summer go? Soon it will be time to send the kids to school, harvest the crops, and get ready for winter. And if don't have a garden or your kids are all ready grown, that's great for you, it'll give you time to come down to the Post and join in the fun and camaraderie. We can always use your help and your friendship. Just check out the website at www.vfw3979.org  to find out all the events that's going on. And as long as you're dropping by, might as well pay your dues if you haven't all ready done so. Membership dues are DUE NOW!! Don't wait until next year, or until you get around to it, next thing you know the year is over. Make your dues payment today!! If you have paid your dues, THANK YOU! If you are a life member, outstanding!! If you're not a life member yet, but want to be, let me know so we can get you there. If you think you can't afford a life membership, come down and see how we can work with you to get your life membership paid so you can rest easy and not worry about paying dues every year. It's that simple.
Congratulations to all that participated in this year's State Golf Tournament. For those that weren't able to attend the tournament or the last post meeting to hear who the champions for each flight are, I have posted the rankings on the website. Our Post had a lot of 1st place champions this year, like the Team Champions, Medallist and State Champion, to name a few. Special thanks go out to Dave Burgett and Louie Hubbell and all those that helped make this year a huge success. Thank you very much; you all did a GREAT job!!
Upcoming events include the Retired Men's dinner which will be starting on September 9th and running the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Burger nights are also starting on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. We are also having a POW/MIA Recognition fundraiser on September 18th. And don't forget about the Auxiliary Steak/Fish Fry and Country Store on the 25th to raise money for Cancer Aide and Research. These are all events that require the 3 P's, Preparation, Personnel and Participation. We welcome anyone who is willing to lend a hand and join in the fun. Also coming up is the Department Fall Conference being held in Wilmar on September 25th - 27th. Make your reservations now before it's too late. And for October we have the Past Commanders / Past Presidents Banquet on the 10th and the Kids Halloween party on the 26th to name a few. See you there.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

I am proud to announce that our Auxiliary received 21 awards from Department for program participation for the 2008-2009 year and our Department President, Terri Fenn received Outstanding Department President from National Headquarters. Thank you Auxiliary sisters for making this happen. The current 2009-2010 program year is starting out equally great with over one half of the annual dues paid and plans are beginning for fundraisers to support our Auxiliary and VFW programs.
YOUR help is needed as volunteers to assist in any way possible ... the only way we can continue the fund raisers for out Auxiliary is if we get more volunteers to help with them. Please members ... we need you to step up and relieve our senior members who have volunteered for many years to see to it that we continue our service to the veterans, their families, area youth and the community. As was stated at our August meeting ...• if the volunteers don't step up the fundraisers and program participation will go away!!" We all joined this organization to assist veterans, their families, area youth and the community.... NOW IS THE TIME TO PROVIDE THAT ASSISTANCE. Our senior members are a fountain of information and willing to assist new volunteers in an\y way they can to ensure our service continues.
How can you help?? The list is on-going. but there is always a need for help in the kitchen; cooks: bakers; ticket sellers; servers: table set-up and clearing; dish washers; etc. The dinners we serve don't just magically happen! Please sisters.... You are needed to step up and assist.
Our Auxiliary has regularly scheduled events that happen monthly. The first Monday is the bingo at 1he Cloquet Nursing Home at 1:30 p.m.; Retired Men’s Dinners are the second and fourth Wednesday with prep at 8 a.m. and serve at noon; and our Auxiliary ‘meeting is the second Thursday, dinner at 6 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m.

To those of you who have paid your annual dues, thank you.... to those who have not, please do so as soon as possible. We would like to be 100% before Fall Conference. If you know of anyone experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay their dues, please call either myself or Lil LaVoy (879-3224).
Call me at 384-4426 or 591-5727 leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

The 40th Annual State V.F.W. Golf Tournament is now in the history books. We hosted this event for the second of a three year commitment. Many thanks go to the Black Bear Golf Course and Hotel/Casino for providing a great venue for this event. The Golf Course was in GREAT condition. Our Tournament was the most secure of any of these events ever. We shared the weekend with the Hell's Angels and Law Enforcement.
104 golfers entered the tournament. Qualification took place on Friday and Saturday to determine your flight. 12 were in the Championship Division, 12 were in the Sr. Division with 2 flights, 8 in the Commanders Division, and 72 in Flights 1 through 9. Both, State Commander Don Nix and 8th District Commander Darrel Lindgren participated.
At 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning the final round began. Mother Nature cooperated and we finished, dry, at 2:30 p.m. Here is a list of VFW 3979 members that placed in the top 3:

Saturday Medallist--"Dapper" Danielson with a score of 75
Team Champion-VFW 3979 Cloquet
State Champion-"Dapper" Danielson
2nd Flight 1st Place-Dave Burgett
8th Flight 1st Place --Louie Hubbell
2nd Sr. Flight 1st Place-Gene Lavan
4th Flight 3rd Place-Steve Obeidzinski
1st Sr. Flight 3rd Place-Harry McCuskey

I would like to give special thanks to Chuck Smith / FDL Veterans for all that you did to make this a successful event. Special thanks also to Lou Hubbell for doing a lot of the behind the scenes work that is needed.
Thanks to all that helped make this a very successful event. We made our Post look very good to the rest of the state.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

The second year of the State VFW Golf Tournament was, again, a big success!!! We haven't heard many negatives but hundreds of positives. We need to thank all those who helped make it a great success. Without you, it could not have been done! Congratulations and Thank You!!!
Thanks to: Richard Chasse, Don Douglas, Joanne Douglas, Chuck Smith, Beth Anderson, Fond du Lac Honor Guard, Dave Cahill, Mary Touve, Laura Crosby, and Terry, all 3 from Humana, Louie Hubbell, Shelly Nelson, Sharon Moehrke, Anna Lind , Lil Lavoy, Jamie Psyck, Sharon Hubbell, Dapper Danielson, Harry McCuskey, Alma Ojala, Jim Burman, Betty Lavan, June Lembke, Lois Frey, Donna Burgau, Duane Hilton, Cindy Hilton, Alvin (Tilly) Tilman , Valerie Roberts, Kathy Peterson, Marlene Salo, and Terry Salo.
Thanks to the hole sponsors: Humana, B & B Market, Pete & Sons, Premier Theater, Sammy's Pizza, Community Printing, Ken Muckala C.P.A., Lift Pro, Carmen's Dry Dock, Fond du Lac Veteran's, DAV, 8th District VFW, Cloquet Ford Chrysler and Wal-Mart.
If we missed you, we apologize. To put on this tournament, you need the cooperation of many many people. Thanks to all of the above from the bottom of our hearts.

Until next year, August 6,7 & 8, 2010,
Dave and Paula Burgett

July - August 2009

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
This is the start of a new VFW year where membership and reports are at a new beginning. We have done an outstanding job on timely reporting so far, and membership for the Ladies Auxiliary was exceptional. However, membership for the post was good but we can do better. We ended the year with 95.71 % in membership, which is about 20 members short of 100%. This year we will strive for that 100% (or more) in membership. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization. Without our members, it is more difficult to help fellow Veterans and their families and be able to maintain the rights we so deserve. Membership will be a high priority, along with participation. And speaking of participation, I’d like to see some new faces at the monthly meetings. The meeting goes on the 2nd Thursday of each month. at the Post Home, at 7:00 pm with a free meal served at 6:00 pm. Come down, enjoy a meal and camaraderie, attend the meeting, find out what's happening at your post, in your community, and what changes are happening that could be affecting you and/or your family.
We received quite a few awards and certificates this year at the Department Convention in Rochester. We are just that good. I want to thank all who participated and helped us receive recognitions for all those accomplishments. We just received the awards; you are the ones that earned them. Congratulations on a job well done! One of the awards was our website being voted the Best Veterans Website in the state of Minnesota for the 3rd year in a row. Let's see what we can do to keep it on top and maybe even make it better'. Go to our website at www.vfw3979.org and send the webmaster an email with your comments. Let me know what you think. By the way, you will be able to see all the awards we received from Department and National on the Accolades page of the website as soon as I can scan them in.
Don't forget about the VFW State Golf Tournament at the Black Bear Golf course starting on July 31st through August 2nd. If you haven't all ready signed up to participate, time is running out, send in your application to the post ASAP. If you need an application you can download one from our website, the link is on the home page.
Thanks again for all your help and support with all the projects and functions to help make our post the best post in the District. And to show our appreciation, I am inviting you to a Membership Appreciation picnic on July 26th at Veterans Memorial Park. It will also be a day to honor our Veterans who served in Korea and to show them our appreciation for their dedication and sacrifices as well. I look forward to seeing you all there. Until then, stay safe and help a Veteran when you can.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

We have just returned from the Department of Minnesota June Convention in Rochester and I want to express a HUGE THANK YOU to the members of Post and Auxiliary # 3979 for your assistance, support and dedication to the veterans, their families and the programs for the past year. Post and Auxiliary # 3979 received many, many awards (too many to list here), however there are two that stand out. Commander Rich, for the third year, took top honors in the state for the website he developed and maintains; and Auxiliary # 3979 received the Outstanding Auxiliary President award (only 10 were received state wide). This award is presented based solely on the hard work and dedication of the membership that supports their President. All awards received will be presented at the August meeting. Thank you Auxiliary Sisters and I look forward to serving as your President for another fulfilled year.
With the start of a new program / membership year comes renewed energy and dedication to our veterans, their families, community and youth activities and promoting Americanism! It also brings a new membership year and those who pay their dues annually are encouraged to do so as soon as possible (or consider buying a life membership); those who already are life members, remember to get your cancer insurance paid as soon as possible. Checks can be mailed to lil laVoy, Treasurer, 321 8th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720 (879.3224).
July is our quiet month and will be spent preparing for and organizing the activities calendar for the upcoming events.
August starts with the Department VFW Annual Golf Tournament, then moves right in to hosting the 8th District meeting the following weekend. I encourage and invite everyone to attend both events and participate in the scheduled activities. All members are welcome.
August also holds a time for the Auxiliary to have their annual cancer aide and research fundraiser with a Fish/ Steak Fry and our traditional 'Country Store'. A letter will be forthcoming with information on this event. The co-chairs for the Country Store are Velda Beck and Betty Lavan and the Fish Fry co-chairs are Shelley Nelson and Kathy Peterson. Thank you ladies for stepping up!!

If any of you have suggestions for activities or projects please feel free to give me a call or bring it up at the next meeting. I can be reached at 384-4426 or 591-5727 most of the time, leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

July 1st marks the beginning of the VFW year, so get those memberships in ASAP!! Our VFW Post will host the State VFW Golf Tournament again this year. This is a great opportunity to "show off" our Post and community. We will need some help.

Schedule of events:
Friday July 31-Registratlon at Golf Course, -Golf, ---Burger Nlte 4:00-7:30.
Saturday August I-Registration at Golf Course, -Golf, ••• Fish/Steak 4:00-7:30.
Sunday August 2-Golf, -Hole events, --Awards ceremony.

Workers/Help needed:
Friday July 31-Registratlon-l; 3 hr. shifts. 3 or 4 per shift. Burger Nlte-3 or 4.
Saturday Aug 1 -Registration same as Friday, -Fish/Steak-6 or as many as possible.
Sunday Aug 2--Raffle ticket sellers-l hr. shift-2, Hole events-Hole in 1, 2 shifts of 2, 50/50 Hole, 1 shift of 3, Vacation Hole, 2 shifts of 2.

Lou Hubbell has stepped up again to lead, hole sponsorship/advertising sales. Please contact Lou to help him as this is a very important part of this event.
Post 3979 is the defending Team Champion. Please help in making this a successful event.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies glow In Flanders fields.

Canadian physician, Lt. Col. John McCrae, wrote this poem on May 3, 1915, after he witnessed the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, only 22 years old, the day before.

May - June 2009

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
Congratulations to the newly elected and appointed officers (Post and Auxiliary) for 2009 / 2010. These will be historic years as we close out the first decade of the new millennium and introduce the next decade with renewed enthusiasm. We will continue to make our mark and set the pace for others to emulate. We have the drive and the passion to make our post the best in the District and the State of Minnesota. I know that together, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to and this year we will accomplish many things. I have enjoyed working with all the current Officers and appointed Chairs and look forward to working with the incoming regime with eagerness and fervor.
As I come to the end of my first year as Commander and reflect upon all the accomplishments we’ve made over the past year, I can truly say how proud I am to be a part of this post and a part of the “Finest Veteran’s Service Organization on Planet Earth!” From hosting fundraisers for many worthy causes, honoring our WW II Veterans, and serving Veterans on their way to/from Vets on the Lake, to the long awaited welcoming home of our Vietnam Veterans and sending Troop Boxes to our Veterans currently serving our country overseas, it has truly been a remarkable year.
To highlight some of the tasks we face ahead, we will continue to focus on membership since membership is the lifeblood of our organization. Without our members, if is more difficult to help fellow Veterans and their families. Membership will be a high priority, along with participation. There are many ways to participate in VFW functions and activities that you will be made aware of and you are probably all ready doing and didn’t realize it.
A few reminders, Buddy Poppy Day is May 8th, it’s not too late to lend a helping hand with poppy distribution. Contact your Poppy Chairperson (Leo Grochow and Lil Lavoy) and let them know you are ready and willing to help. For more events that are coming up, visit our website at www.vfw3979.org And if you still have not paid your membership dues, please do so as soon as possible. Continuous Membership goes from July 1st through June 30th each year. Let’s keep those membership dues up to date!
Thank you for a great year and I look forward to seeing more of our members this coming year. Stay safe and thank you for the sacrifices you made for your country so Americans can enjoy the many freedoms we have today.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

The 2008-2009 year is winding down, the year-end reports are done and election for the upcoming year is completed. Our Auxiliary has gained nearly 20 new members this year and we continue to grow.
We continue to work on the various programs and want to remind you that the Buddy Poppy cards are still available. The collection of can tabs IS on going, as well as the collection of UPC labels from Campbell's products and cancelled postage stamps. We are also collecting vendor coupons for the veteran families overseas who shop at the base exchanges. Coupons can be dropped off at the VFW Post Home.

Officer installation will take place at our May 14th meeting.
Newly elected officers are:

2009 - 2010 Officers:

A huge thank you to the member that assisted in shopping, preparing, serving and clean-up for the anniversary party, bowling banquets and retired men's dinners. Without your support and tireless effort we would not have been able to get them done. THANK YOU!
Buddy Poppy Day is Friday, May 8th. PLEASE step up and volunteer a couple of hours for this worthwhile project. Contact Leo Grochow or Lil LaVoy to sign up.
The School Safety Patrol Pizza Party is scheduled for Monday, May 11th. This is an annual event to honor the elementary students who serve as crossing guards at area schools. This is a joint effort with the Post and they will assist us with the program.
Members, thanks to your dedication we have accomplished a great deal in the past year. I have no doubt we will continue to do the same in the upcoming one. With your continued help and dedication Post # 3979 and its' Ladies Auxiliary will once again be known throughout the state.

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

We returned from Arizona and were greeted with some great weather for a day or two. Then we got back to spring in MN. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable stay in the Desert Southwest. Our plans are to do this again next year for an even longer stay. So, we need to find someone who will fill the role of Asst. Quartermaster while I am gone. I will help whomever and do the bulk of the work. The job is not that complicated! Please give me a call if you are interested.
We need helpers for the State Golf Tournament to be held at Black Bear on August 1 & 2. If you helped out last year and want the same jobs please give me a call. Louie Hubbell was fantastic as a co-worker last year. You can contact him also!! Helping hands are always welcome.
Let's make our Post 100% in membership!! Get your dues in if you haven't done so already.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

The American Flag & Military Funerals (continued)

Have you ever noticed the Honor Guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but it's not. Read on to learn.
The 8th Fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th Fold is a tribute to womanhood and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, their loyalty. and their devotion, that the character of the men and women who have made this country great, has been molded.
The 10th Fold is a tribute to the father, for he too has given his Sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th Fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The 12th Fold represents an emblem of eternity, and glorifies in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The 13th Fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are in the uppermost, reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded, then tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded, and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love, and all others who love the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom'"

March - April 2009

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
It's not too late for those who have not yet paid your membership dues. If you want to avoid the hassle of paying your dues every single year, it's time to consider making that life long commitment and pay for a Life Membership. If you want to make payments to achieve that goal, call me, you'll realize it's a better deal. Lets do the math, based on the average life expectancy of approximately 75 years, and you are a 50-year-old veteran, which means you still have about 25 years of life to look forward to. If you continue to pay $25.00 per year (current rate) for 25 years, you'll end up paying $625.00. If you pay for the life membership at age 50, your total cost is only $375.00. That's a saving of $250.00. There's no telling when the dues will be going up again so call me now to get that life membership started. If you still rather pay the yearly amount, that's fine too, but you need to get your payment in as soon as possible to continue receiving your VFW benefits. You earned that right to be a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thank you for your commitment to being part of the Finest Veterans Organization on Planet Earth.
Firearms safety classes are starting up again on March 3rd 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Post Home. The firearm safety class consists of a minimum of 12 hours of classroom and field experience in the safe handling of firearms and hunter responsibility. The field experience allows students to learn and demonstrate commonly accepted principles of safety in hunting and the handling of firearms. It includes live fire on a rifle range. Upon successful completion of this course, students receive a temporary certificate. This certificate will allow the bearer to purchase a hunting license in Minnesota and other states where certification is required. Bottom line - if you want to hunt, you need a Firearms Safety certificate to get a hunting license, regardless of your age!
The Buddy Poppy campaign will be underway soon. Did you know that in 1923, the VFW was the first organization to promote a nationwide sale of Poppies made by disabled and needy veterans. The inspiration came from Col John McRae's famous poem 'In Flanders Fields'. The Poppy has become traditional as the Memorial Day flower and as the symbol of remembrance for the men and women who have lost their lives or their health in the defense of their country. Its significance has spread throughout the world. Please be kind (and generous) to the hard working volunteers distributing the Poppies. If you want to volunteer to distribute Buddy Poppies, please tell your Poppy Chairperson Leo Grochow or Lil Lavoy.
Loyalty Day (May 1st) is right around the corner. I'm sure that some of you only associate Loyalty Days as the last hoorah for the District Commander and Auxiliary President. However, that is not the case. The two events just happen to coincide with each other. Loyalty Day originally began as "Americanism Day" in 1921 to counter the Communists May 1 celebration of the Russian Revolution. On May l, 1930, 10,000 VFW members staged a rally at New York's Union Square to promote patriotism. On May 1, 1949 it evolved into Loyalty Day and in 1958 Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on our nations' calendar. So do something patriotic on that day and show your pride to be an American.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

Attention Program Chairpersons: The year-end reports are here and need your attention. There will be a meeting for that purpose on Thursday, March 12th at 5:00 p.m. If you feel you need the blank forms prior to that please give me a call and we'll make arrangements.

Attention Post Members and Auxiliary sisters who are unable to attend the meetings: The Post Appreciation Dinner cancelled on February 14th is rescheduled for March 14th. The sign-up sheet for Post members wishing to attend is posted at the Club. Sisters, this is an opportunity for the Auxiliary to express our gratitude to the Post for allowing us to be a part of their organization and assisting us in too many ways to list. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve the meal.

I encourage all of you to attend the March and April meetings. At the March meeting the nomination of officers begins for the upcoming program year. At the April meeting nominations will continue and election will be held. Please note ANY MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING (dues paid) is eligible to hold an office in our Auxiliary, either elected or appointed. I encourage our new members to attend and take part in our organization.
Thank you Auxiliary sisters for promptly paying your dues. Our Auxiliary has now surpassed the 103 % mark in membership and we continue to grow. Auxiliary #3979 has gained many new members this year, and with the assistance of our long-standing members has become well known throughout the state for our accomplishments.
It appears the calendar of auxiliary activities is going to be quite hectic for the next two months ... they are as follows:

At every meeting and in every newsletter a request for volunteers to assist with the fundraising activities is made; unfortunately the response has always been the same people stepping up to help. We are over 230 members' strong ladies ... and your help is needed!! If we can't get volunteers we may need to look at canceling future fund raisers. If you are able to spare a couple of hours we could use some help for the activities listed above ... give me a call. (384-4426.)
Spring brings on the time to work on our scholarship program for area youth. We are in need of a committee to judge and select applicants to receive these scholarships. If anyone is interested on serving in this capacity, give me a call.

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

Now is the time to start thinking about Golf!!! We will be hosting the VFW State Golf Tournament again this year and next year. The tournament is held the first full weekend in August. Friday July 31, August 1 & 2 will be the dates of 2009 Tournament. Golfers are needed! We will need lots of help again this year. Please contact me 879-5187 or Lou Hubbell 879-3127 if you are able to contribute in any way. We will not turn anyone down. Thank you!!
Keep looking for new and reinstate members. We still offer a 25% reduction in Life Membership dues. That is a great deal for you!!

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

The American Flag & Military Funerals

Did you know that at military funerals, the 21 gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the Honor Guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but it's not. Read on to learn..
The 1st Fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd Fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd Fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th Fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
The 5th Fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our Country, right or wrong."
The 6th Fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th Fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through them that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries or our republic.
To be continued in the next newsletter. (8th fold - 13th fold)

January - February 2009

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone’s New Year was safe and enjoyable. As I reflect over the past year, I’ve come to realize even more how great this veteran’s organization is. From helping veterans from the Twin Cities on their way to their fishing trip at Veterans on the Lake to honoring World War II Veterans; hosting a State Golf Tournament to having children’s Halloween and Christmas parties and all of the Burger Nights, Fish/Steak fries and fundraisers in between, we have accomplished a lot in 2008. It has been a great year. I want to commend everyone for their hard work, dedication and commitment to helping veterans in every way possible. Thank you to all the Post members and Ladies Auxiliary for your many long and laborious hours volunteering for the numerous functions and community service for our post.
I also want to give special thanks to the Combined Honor Guard. You are not forgotten and are greatly appreciated. What you do for our fallen heroes is exemplary. Through all kinds of weather you put your personal comfort aside to make sure our comrades are honored with dignity and respect. You are leaders in the community as evident by leading and setting the pace for every parade; to presenting our nations colors at funerals and other community events. Your dedication and steadfast call to duty is second to none. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting year awaiting us. Coming onboard is the start of the Men’s Auxiliary to our post. We are excited about the challenges and rewards this new arm will bring to our post and the new members of this Auxiliary. Congratulations and welcome aboard. Also coming up is the Mid Winter Conference in St Paul on January 16 and 17, the Fish/Steak Fry on January 30 and February 27, the Post Appreciation dinner on February 14, the 8th District meeting in Duluth on February 21 and 22 and the Certified Recruiter Team visit on February 28.
One more and important thing to mention is for those who still need to pay their dues. Let’s get those dues in as soon as possible so you can continue to be a member in good standing. Why not make it a life membership instead? If you need assistance with that, let me know. Thank you and see you soon.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

Hope everyone had a safe, healthy and happy Holiday season!!

The fundraisers held in November and December enabled our Post and Ladies Auxiliary to meet and exceed VFW and Ladies Auxiliary program expectations. A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you for supporting them. Thanks to you and the community support we were able to raise over $500.00 for troop box supplies; over $500.oo for our local homeless veterans program (MAC-V); over $700.00 for Veterans on the Lake Resort; $1,000.00 for phone cards for the troops and receive recognition in the community for our efforts and dedication to the veteran programs. VFW Post and Ladies Auxiliary # 3979 members share a reputation for stepping up and getting the job done! Again ... THANK YOU !!

The calendar of Auxiliary activities is going to be calming down for the next two months ... they are as follows:

January		February
5	BINGO at the Nursing Home	2	BINGO at the Nursing Home
8	Meeting Night	11	Retied Men's Dinner
14	Retired Men's Dinner	12	Meeting Night
16	Mid Winter Conference	14	Post Appreciation Dinner
17	Mid Winter Conference	21	District Meeting - Duluth
28	Retired Men's Dinner	22	District Meeting - Duluth
		25	Retired Men's Dinner

If you are able to spare a couple of hours we could use some help for the dinners listed above ... give me a call. (384-4426 or 591-5727) or send me an email through our website (www.vfw3979.org).

Our next fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, March 13th. We will have a Hot Dish / Salad Supper to raise money for our relief fund, which we sue to assist local veterans and their families. Please contribute time, food, supplies or cash to support this effort.

Our Auxiliary is very close to achieving 100% in membership. Sisters, if you have not yet paid your annual dues, please do so ASAP. Also, if you know of anyone experiencing a hardship that makes it difficult to pay their annual dues, please contact Lil LaVoy (879-7493) for assistance.

Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

I hope that you all had a happy Christmas season. I also want to wish you a successful and prosperous New Year.
Our Ladies Auxiliary has done an outstanding job this year. They have initiated fundraisers, benefits, and many other events. These functions have promoted Veteran issues, youth activities, and our Post. Joanne Douglas and her crew deserve a huge pat on the back for a job well done!!
Burger nights continue to be a big hit. Shelley Nelson and the rest of the Burger Babes really do a great job. If you have not attended a Burger Night mark it on your calendar now and make sure you try it out.
Remember that VFW stands for Veterans of Foreign Wars. We are a select group of individuals. Take great pride in that fact. Our goal is to help Veterans. Not all of us made it home. So in memory of those who paid the ultimate price, let's make sure that we never forget all our Veterans. Come to meetings and get involved. That is how we/you can continue to make this the Greatest Veterans Organization in the World.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

The Story of Taps
Why the name Taps? The most likely explanation is that the name was borrowed from a drummers beat. The beating of a bedtime roll-call called Tattoo by the drum corps would be followed by the Drummer of the Guard beating three distinct drum taps at four count intervals for the military evolution Extinguish Lights. Following the call, three single drum strokes were beat at four-count intervals. This was known as the "Drum Taps" or in common usage of soldiers "The Taps" or "Taps".
It is not clear how or why Taps became associated with funerals. However, its earliest official reference for use at military funeral ceremonies is found in the U.S. Army Infantry Drill Regulations for 1891.
As soon as Taps was sounded that night in July 1862, words were put with the music. The first were, "Go to Sleep, Go to Sleep." As the years went on, many more versions were created. There are no official words to the music but many popular verses exist today. www.tapsbugler.com

November - December 2008

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
It's coming up on the end of the year and it is still GREAT to be a part of the Finest Veterans Organization on Planet Earth! We are the only organization in the nation that can say we are Veterans of Foreign Wars. We have earned that title and that honor and I thank you. I thank you, not only for what you have done to earn that respect, I thank you for what you continue to do as Veterans, as members of this great organization and as pillars of the community. Together we will not let our brothers/sisters in arms go hungry, go homeless or go without care. We help one another and work together for the benefit of our country and for the men and women who fight for this nation. "Together we stand, divided we fall." There is truth to the saying that there is strength in numbers. We need your membership to stay active so together we can continue to help our fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. So, don't hesitate, pay your dues now, stay active, stay involved and continue to show our fellow veterans that we will stand by them, no matter what.
We, as Veterans of Foreign Wars, can't do it all alone. We are fortunate to have working with us the Ladies Auxiliary. These ladies work tirelessly to ensure our mission is accomplished in helping veterans and the community. They are always there to lend a hand and continue to show support in every way imaginable. Their untiring devotion is second to none and is greatly appreciated.
All this community involvement and helping of Veterans has prompted another entity to want to be a part of this great organization. It is with great honor to have been approached by members of the community who also want to respect their family members that have served. There is a great interest from the community in starting a Men's Auxiliary at our post. Therefore, we invite all members interested in the formation of a Men's Auxiliary at the Post Home in Cloquet to the November meeting for discussion and a vote as to the formation of this supporting arm of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I urge all members to attend and add to the discussion and vote.
It was passed at the last post meeting that there would be a fund set aside for any branch of the Armed Services to have a Birthday Ball. Therefore, there will be a Marine Corps Birthday Ball held at our post on November 8th. If you are interested in attending, please let me know so we have enough meals. I challenge any other branch to celebrate their birthday as well. It was also voted that volunteers who help with post meal functions pay ¥2 price for their meal. It was discussed that "volunteer" is an unpaid event and a meal is considered payment. However, only paying ¥2 price for the meal was considered reasonable. It was also passed at the Department Fall Conference that Minnesota VFW would no longer accept any pins, hats, clothing or other items made in Communist countries going forward. It is contradictory of the VFW to fund these countries or to proudly wear these items. And coming up in January is the start of the Fire Arms Safety classes sponsored by our post. You'll need this certification in order to hunt. Don't be caught without it. See the calendar or visit the website at www.vfw3979.org for upcoming events.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

The Auxiliary will be holding an election at our November meeting to fill the position of # 2 Trustee. Contrary to rumors, the position does not need to be filled by a past president. Any Auxiliary member in good standing can be elected to fill any position in the Auxiliary.
With the Holidays rapidly approaching the next two months are proving to be quite busy.

November		December
3	BINGO at the Nursing Home	1	BINGO at the Nursing Home
11	Veteran's Day dinner	5	MAC-V Fundraiser - Honor Pearl Harbor Survivors
12	Retired Men's Dinner	10	Retired Men's Dinner
13	Meeting night	11	Meeting Night
14	Veterans on the Lake Fundraiser	12	Hot Beef Fundraiser (Troop boxes)
21	Lutefisk/Meatball Dinner	13	Auxiliary Christmas Party
28	Hot Beef Fundraiser (Troop boxes)	21	Kids Christmas Party

We are in need of volunteers in any and all capacities to help with these activities....don't be afraid to step up!! A chairman is needed for the Dec. 10th Retired Men's... please call....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

The POW/MIA fundraiser enabled us to make a $300.00 donation toward that effort. The Hot dish/Salad supper fundraiser enabled us to provide over S700.00 toward the purchase of phone cards for the troops. A huge thank you to all Post and Auxiliary members as well as patrons that donated food, cash and time to help fulfill our obligation to those programs and to our veterans, past and present.
Please continue to support the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary in our efforts to fulfill all of the program obligations.
The Retired Men's Dinners are going well and their attendance is rising. Anyone interested in helping out with these dinners, please call (384-4426 or 591-5727) or send an email through the website (www.vfw3979.org).
The annual Christmas Party is scheduled for December 13th. Sisters, if you plan on attending you MUST make reservations no later than December 8th to allow the Post enough time to plan accordingly. Please call (384-4426 or 591-5727).
Our Auxiliary is very close to achieving 100% in membership. Sisters, if you have not yet paid your annual dues, please do so ASAP. Also, if you know of anyone experiencing a hardship that makes it difficult to pay their annual dues, please contact Lil LaVoy, (879-7493) for assistance.

May this Holiday season bring peace and bring our troops home!!
Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

Membership is the buzz word all the time with the National and State VFW. We have a great organization. Our local Post is top notch. So, you would think that eligible candidates should come knocking on our door to sign up. That does not happen all that often. WE must go looking for these eligible candidates and bring them into our extraordinary organization!
When most people hear the name VFW they think bar. We must emphasize that VFW stands for Veterans of Foreign Wars. We as Veterans of Foreign Wars have unique experiences that no one else in our society can relate too. Our organization provides a place where we can meet and relate with other Veterans. We don't brag or talk often about our Veteran experiences, but we are the HEROES of our society. Yes I said HEROES!!!
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded to help Veterans. That should remain the primary goal for our organization. Veterans helping Veterans is what we do!!
Stand tall Veterans for you are Americas HEROES!!

Keep those memberships up to date!!

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

The Story of Taps Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting and the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy.
Taps began as a revision to the signal for Extinguish Lights (Lights Out) a bugle call that was used as the final call of the day and as the name implies, it was a signal to extinguish all fires and lights. Up until the Civil War; the infantry call for Extinguish Lights was the one set down in Silas Casey's (1801-1882) Tactics, which had been borrowed from the French. The music for Taps was adapted by Union General Daniel Butterfield for his brigade in July 1862.
As the story goes. General Butterfield was not pleased with the call for Extinguish Lights, feeling that the call was too formal to signal the days end, and with the help of the brigade bugler, Oliver Willcox Norton, wrote Taps to honor his men while in camp at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, following the Seven Days battle. These battles took place during the Peninsular Campaign of 1862. The new call sounded that night in July, 1862, soon spread to other units of the Union Army and was reportedly also used by the Confederates. Taps was made and official bugle call after the war. www.tapsbugler.com

September - October 2008

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
Where has the summer gone? Soon it will be time to harvest the crops, send the kids to school and get ready for winter. And if that isn't enough to keep you busy, we have a lot of things planned at the Post. And if you don't have a garden or your kids are all ready grown and on their own, that's great for you, it'll give you more time to come down to the post and join in the fun and camaraderie. We can always use your help and your friendship. Just check out the website at " www.vfw3979.org " to find out all the events that's going on. And as long as your dropping by, might as well pay your dues if you haven't all ready done so. Membership dues are NOW DUE!! If you have paid your dues, THANK YOU! If you are a life member, outstanding!! If you're not a life member yet, but want to be, let me know so we can get you there. If you think you can't afford a life membership, come on down and see how we can work with you to get your life membership paid so you can rest easy and not worry about paying dues every year. It's that simple.
Congratulations to all those that participated in this years State Golf Tournament. For those that weren't able to attend the last post meeting to hear who the champions for each flight are, I'll be posting the rankings on the website shortly. Special thanks go out to Dave Burgett and Louie Hubbell and all those that helped make it a success.
We recently had veterans from the Minneapolis Veterans Home come through our post on their way to Veterans on the Lake Resort in Ely. They had a great time, and listening to their stories on their way back, they caught a lot offish! We are looking forward to the veterans from the Hastings Veterans Home to come through Monday September 8th on their way to fun on the lake. They'll be coming back through on Friday September 12th. Come down to the post and give us a hand and enjoy the fun and excitement these veterans bring with them. These guys are great.
Upcoming Events
The Retired Men's dinner will be starting up again on September 10th and will be running the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Burger nights are also starting up on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Also in September is the Honor Guard Banquet on the 14th and Past Commanders/Past Presidents Banquet on the 20th. And don't forget about the Post Fish Fry on the 26th. These are all events that require Preparation, Personnel and Participation. We welcome anyone who is willing to lend a hand and join in the fun. Also coming up is the Department Fall Conference being held in Alexandria on September 26th - 28th. Make your reservations now before it's too late. And coming up in October is the Kids Halloween party on October 26th. See you there.
And last, but certainly not least, is the need for an Assistant Gambling Manager. Marc's last day was at the end of August and we need a replacement NOW! The Gambling Control Board mandates the importance of keeping and maintaining internal controls. By having an Assistant Gambling Manager keeps us in line with preserving more accurate record inventory and reporting. The Gambling Manager can't do it all and shouldn't. We need someone to step up to the plate and be a part of much needed position at the post. Please call me if you are interested. Thank you.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

We have gained 12 new members since our year started...welcome sisters!! Thank you to all those who have paid their annual dues so far; and those of you who have not, please try to do so before September 20th. Our Auxiliary could be in the running for some outstanding drawings on the Department and National levels.
The next two months are just as busy as the past two.

As usual, we are in need of volunteers in any and all capacities to help with these activities....don't be afraid to speak up!!
DID YOU KNOW: During the 2007/2008 program year the V.F.W and Auxiliaries in Minnesota volunteered a staggering 2,155,996 hours totaling a monetary worth of $ 6,982,165.00. Think of how many volunteer hours there would be if each of us reported ALL of them!! If you are one of us that don't keep track and don't report, think about starting to do so. If you are unsure if an activity counts, report it anyway; Alma Ojala, Community Sen/ice Chair (879-4432) has all of the guidelines. Let's see if we can surpass last year's reports.
DID YOU KNOW: The ladies auxiliary collects Campbell soup labels; we collect postage stamps (also metered mail stamps); and we collect aluminum can tabs. We also send care packages to our troops serving overseas and hold fundraisers for calling cards as well. Any of these items can be dropped off at the Post Home at any time; or can be turned in on meeting night. The postage stamps have to be trimmed 1/4 inch around the stamp; if you are unable to do this, please make sure you leave enough of the envelope to accommodate the requirement. For each 1,000 stamps we send in we earn $ 25.00 toward our community service.
The best way to accomplish something is to first be receptive....! am always open to new ideas and simplified ways of doing things.... Sisters, I am available 24/7 for questions, comments, concerns, criticisms etc. Please do not hesitate to call (384-4426 or 591-5727) or send an email through to our website.
Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

We hosted the State VFW Golf Tournament on August 1, 2, & 3. There were 123 entries for this tournament. The weather cooperated for most of the tournament. There was a slight rain delay for about 1 hour on Sunday. The Black Bear Golf Course was in excellent condition. Thanks to the Black Bear staff for providing a great golf venue for the tournament.
YOUR VFW 3979 won the First Place TEAM Trophy! Congratulations!!!
Individual winners from VFW 3979 included; Dapper Danielson 2nd Place Championship Flight, Mike Peacock 1st Place Commanders Flight, Dave Burgett 3rd place Commanders Flight, Chuck Smith 3rd Place First Flight, Louie Hubbell 2nd Place Third Flight, Duane Brownie 3rd Place Eleventh Flight, Harry McCuskey 1st Place Senior Division First Flight, Orv Swenson 3rd Place Senior Division First Flight, Gene Lavan 1st Place Senior Division Second Flight, and Don Seabury 2nd Place Senior Division Third Flight. Great job golfing VFW 3979!!
Our first venture at hosting this tournament was very successful. We had big business nights at the Post Home and the meals were AWESOME. It takes quite a bit of work, effort and time to make this event happen. I would like to give special thanks to the following that really went the extra mile to make this a success. Louie Hubbell worked his tail off, helping us get donations. He was always there when I needed help with any thing. Chuck Smith and the Fond du Lac Veterans provided tremendous support. Black Bear Casino & Golf Course allowed us to use their GREAT facility.
We have a three year commitment to host this tournament. Next year will even be better. Tournament dates are schedule for July, 31, Aug. 1 & 2, 2009.

Keep those memberships up to date!!

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

It takes a great time and effort by many to host a State VFW event such as the Golf Tournament. Here is a list of all the people and businesses that made this State VFW Golf Tournament a success. THANKS TO ALL!! "If I missed you, please accept my apologies."

July - August 2008

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
I want to thank all of you for having the trust and confidence in me to be your Commander for VFW Post 3979. It is an honor and privilege to serve in the Finest Veterans Service Organization on Planet Earth! This year will be challenging yet rewarding with all the activities we have planned. I look forward to giving you my best and honest effort in following in the footsteps of great previous commanders and hope to live up to the high standards of this great organization.
I want to thank Commander Don Douglas for opening the door to getting this post on the map by all of his achievements as Post Commander and 8th District Commander. Ending his tour by having Loyalty Days at our post not only showed the 8th District that we are the best; we also portrayed our pride and dedication at the Department level as well. Achieving 100% membership put the icing on the cake, so to speak, in solidifying our reputation as leaders.
I also want to thank our Auxiliary President Lorraine Laine for all her hard work and devotion to, not only the Ladies Auxiliary, but to the community as well. Her leadership was instrumental in also achieving 100% membership and a lot of accolades from the 8th District and Department officers, as evident on the accolades page of our website (vfw3979.org/accolades.htm). My sincere thanks for a job well done.
One of the challenges we face right out of the starting block is finding a new assistant gambling manager. This is an important and much needed position for our post. Due to circumstances beyond his control, our current assistant gambling manager, Mark, will no longer be able to devote the time needed to successfully maintain the duties of this position. However, he will make time to train his replacement and assist when needed. To qualify for this exciting and rewarding position, you must be a post member in good standing for at least 2 years and be able to devote just a few hours per week for administrative duties. This is a paid position. You can contact any post officer or me if you are interested. We MUST fill this position.
The officers and staff of VFW Post 3979 wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer. "A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken." - (James Dent). I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

Respectfully,
Richard Chasse, Sr.
Commander VFW Post 3979

AUXILIARY NEWS

Ladies Auxiliary Article - July and August, 2008
Thank you ladies, for allowing me to be your representative as president for the 2008-2009 year. With assistance from all of you, this will be a fun and memorable year.
Thank you to the VFW Post for allowing us the opportunity to aid them in fulfilling programs and activities that are so vital to helping our veterans. THANK YOU POST 3979 MEMBERS! Without your support, the Ladies Auxiliary would not exist.
Thank you to our long-standing Auxiliary members for your may years of dedication and service to veterans. With your continued guidance, the programs and activities will continue to be fulfilled and our new members will have a wealth of experience to learn from and rely on. Many of you have indicated in one-on-one conversations that you would like to see some changes; new faces; new ideas; special projects; less bickering, etc. etc.
None of this can happen without being brought up at our meeting and voted on by the membership. Remember....ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!
Upcoming Events
July 12th - 50th Class Reunion - Lorraine Laine will chair and also cook.
August 9th - 40th Anniversary - Lorraine Laine will chair and also cook.
August 11th & 15th - Minneapolis Veterans Home here for lunch - chair and cook needed Volunteers?????
August 29th - Country Store / Fish Fry - This is our annual fund raiser for our cancer programs. Chair, cooks and workers are needed for this. Volunteers?????
On-going Activities
1st Monday of each month - Bingo at Cloquet Nursing Home 2:00 p.m.
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (beginning Sept - May) - Retired Men's Dinners
Are there members out there that would be available to cook and/or serve at this function periodically? Please give me a call to be put on the rotation list.
Membership Dues
With the start of the new fiscal year comes the time for our annual members to pay their dues. We achieved 100% in membership this past year and I would like to surpass that this year.
Motto: A helping hand will never be refused; we are all here to serve our veterans.
Phone #'s: 384-4426 (home) or 591-5727 (cell) if I an unable to answer, PLEASE leave a message.

Joanne
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

Greetings to the NEW VFW year. The VFW operates on the July 1 to June 30 calendar year. So the current year will cover parts of 2008 and 2009. As always the big push from the National VFW is membership. So get those dues in early! Let's have another great year!!
We need some volunteer help for the State VFW Golf Tournament that we are hosting. The dates of this event are August 1,2,3, 2008. Please give me a call at 879-5187 if you can help in any of following:

Registration Table:  Friday August 1 and/or Saturday August 2.
Hamburger Night:  Friday August 1 (4:00-8:00)
Steak / Fish Dinner:  Saturday August 2 (4:00-8:00)
Shuttle Car Driver:  Friday August 1 and Saturday August 2 (Times TBD)
General Helpers:  Friday August 1, Saturday August 2, and Sunday August 3.

Our Post is also sponsoring two teams in the Veterans on the Lake Golf Scramble to be held at Black Bear Golf Course on July 26, 2008. If you would like to participate please give me a call. The first 8 members that contact me will be in.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Our VFW Kitchen is second to none. Good food doesn't just happen or come by chance. Good food is made with love and caring. Here at VFW Post 3979 we HAVE good food. Tell all your friends and relatives to come and enjoy a delicious meal or a delicious burger. Many VFW members and VFW Ladies Auxiliary members especially, PAST and PRESENT, have contributed to provide excellent food from our kitchen. The VFW APPRECIATES you and NEEDS you!!! Stop and look at the new fryers or the new refrigerators or the new ice machine or the new stainless steel tables. All were made possible by the Auxiliary Kitchen Fund, and Post and Bar sponsored events.
Just some of the events happening in our Post Kitchen recently: Smelt Fry, Walleye or Steak Dinner, Burger Nights, Retired Men's Dinner, Taco Night, numerous Bowling Banquets, Loyalty Days luncheons and dinners, and free Friday appetizers, all made possible by our kitchen. The VFW Post kitchen has had and continues to have numerous Auxiliary and Post members and volunteers who have worked their magic in the kitchen. KUDOS to you ALL!!!!! We couldn't do it without you!! PLEASE keep up the good work!!

May - June 2008

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades and Sisters,
The 07/08 year is coming to the last quarter and there are lot of things left to be done before the new commander comes to power. I would like to call on all Cootie's from the old pup tent 59 to come forward and join me in the fight to get the pup tent started up again in Cloquet. I have filled the Seam Squirrel position and CCDB/Adj position, but need more to help the rest of the positions. Please contact me if you are eligible or a former member. 218-384-4426; leave a message.
We are trying to start a Men's Auxiliary also. The signup sheet is at the post home, if there are any questions on eligibility please contact me or any of the line officers at the post.
Loyalty Days , the last 8th District meeting for my year, will be held at the Cloquet VFW Post Home. It would be a wonderful gift to me to have a good showing of VFW members from the Cloquet Post at this meeting. The Agenda for functions going on for these 3 days will be posted at the post home, come take a look.
We have reached 100% in membership in both the Post and Auxiliary. It makes me extremely proud to let everyone know that I belong to Post 3979 and our members stand behind the Post and Auxiliary. Please make time to come down to the post during the upcoming Loyalty Day meeting. "It's your Post, use it!!!!"

The new Officers for Post #3979 are as follows:
Commander - Richard Chasse
Sr. Vice Commander - Hilary Dembiczak
Jr. Vice Commander - James Burman
Quartermaster - Dave Burgett
Chaplain - Tony Jurek

Anyone wishing to help in the setting up of the Men's Auxiliary or Cooties's please fell free to contact me.
Poppy day is Friday, May 9th - we need members to help in the sale of poppies. If you wish to help, contact Leo Grochow and he will coordinate the schedule (879-7480).

Don Douglas,
Commander

AUXILIARY NEWS

Dear Sisters,
Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers of the Auxiliary to the Hebert Kennedy VFW Post 3979.

We are going to be very busy in the next few weeks.

There should be more information soon for the Memorial Day Program and Cemetery Visits.
We have sent 6 more care boxes to the troops in Iraq. Donations are needed to allow us to continue this very important project.
$765.00 was raised and sent to Operation Uplink to purchase Phone Cards for the troops in Iraq.
We have Patterns available for knitting slippers for clients in Silver Bay Veterans home (no wool please). Call Lorraine Henchal for information on this project.
We can be very pleased to report that the State VFW Auxiliary is 95.5% in Membership.
I wish to thank each of you who have worked so hard, supported me, and made this a Great year.

Loyally Yours,
Lorraine Laine
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

All members of the Post should make sure that they have contacted their County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). Duane Brownie is the Carlton County CVSO. He is one of the very best in the United States. Please hook up with him to find out what Veterans' benefits are available to you.
Members interested in playing golf or working at the VFW State Golf Tournament hosted by OUR Post, please give me a call for details. Thanks!!

Great Membership Year-- -Way to Go VFW 3979!!!

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Loyalty Days
What is Loyalty Days? Loyalty Day originally began as "Americanization Day" in 1921 as a counter to the Communists May 1st celebration of the Russian Revolution. On May 1,1930,10,000 members staged a rally at New York's Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1st evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began in 1950 on April 20th and climaxed May 1st when more than five million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 100,000 rallied for America. In 1958 Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the Nations Calendar.

March - April 2008

COMMANDERS NOTES

Comrades,
I need 6 good members to stand up and pay their dues, which would make us 100% in membership. If you are one of these members please get your dues into Dave Burgett as soon as possible. I would like to thank all the members that have recruited the many new members we have had the honor of receiving this year. It's good to see new faces in the chairs of the post meeting; I hope to see more as the year goes on.
March, April, and early May will be very busy months at the post as they prepare for the 8th District Loyalty Days meeting May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and the post home. A call for help was sent out with very few responses received back. We need your help to make this meeting a great success. Several loyalty day committee meetings have already taken place and their will be more right up to the day of the meeting. If you can help please contact the post home to inquire about the date of the next meeting or if you wish someone can contact you sooner.
Needed: post members to help fill positions at the post home. Want to fill a position just let me or one of the present officer know and we will be more than happy to help you achieve this dream. It's not too late!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gun Safety classes will be offered again at the post home on March 4, 2008, for registration call Joe Turcott at 727-7110 or register on 3/4/08 from 6 PM to 6:30 PM.
Spring is just around the corner and poppy cards will be available soon at the post home stop by and get them early and beat the rush.

Don Douglas,
Commander

AUXILIARY NEWS

Dear Sisters,
Our auxiliary has been busy with all of the regularly schedule and special events for this time of year.
At the last count given, we have sent out 58 servicemen boxes to a unit in Iraq.
The nursing home Lutefisk and meatball dinner was very successful. We served 49 meals to residents at the Cloquet Sunnyside Convalescent home. This was twice as many as have been served in the past.
The Retired Men's Dinners have been well attended and received.
We had 24 men sign up for the Men's appreciation dinner. It was a very nice social time for all.
I have been in contact with the two scholarship winners from last year who did not take the scholarship money. They will be sending transcripts as soon as possible so scholarships for the past year will be paid. The new applications for scholarships will be presented to the schools very soon. I hope to see the same great participation that we had last year. We have some great kids out there who are very deserving of our help.
Plans are in the making for the school patrol party. Funding was approved at the last house committee meeting so we can move right along with the plans.
Plans for Loyalty Day are moving right along.
Life members, if you have not paid your cancer insurance premiums please do so now as they are due.
We are working together with the post to hold another salad and hot dish luncheon to raise money for the phone cards for veterans. Please help with this project. The Auxiliary has an ongoing program of buying phone cards for "Operation Uplink", these are made available for veterans also. We have been involved in giving to "Operation Uplink" several times each year.
Many thanks to Alma Ojala for the great job she has done on the Family and Veteran Services report. The job couldn't be done without your outstanding effort.

March and April Events

March 12	Retired Men's Dinner
March 13	Auxiliary Meeting and Bakeless Bake Sale, (proceeds for Political Action Committee)
March 15	Post and Auxiliary Salad and Hot Dish Luncheon
March 26	Retired Men's Dinner
March 28	Fish Fry
April 9	Retired Men's Dinner
April 21,22,24	Bowling Banquets
April 30	Retired Men's Dinner

Help will be needed for all of these events. I will be calling you for help.
Yearend reports were handed out at the last meeting. They need to be sent in by March 30th. Please bring them to the March meeting, have them fill out as much as you can.
Elections will be coming soon. Give some hard thought about assuming an office. We need your help to make the program work.
Thanks for all the great help and support these past busy months. Keep up the good work.

Lorraine Laine
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

We will have reached 100% membership this year by the time you read this report. Thanks to all of you!! We still need to find and recruit new members.
The VFW State Golf Tournament will be hosted by OUR Post for the next three (3) years, the first full weekend in August. We will need lots of help! Please contact me if you would like to help in any way. My home phone number is listed at the bottom of this newsletter.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

VFW Post 3979 is a better place today because of Nick Burggraff. Nick has been involved in so many things at the Post, we cannot do him justice in this small space. Therefore, following, are just a few:
He was there in the beginning, starting up the Honor Guard with the Legion. He has been a member since then and now co-Captains with Marc Raihala. Nick has done most of the small carpentry in the building. He designed and made most of the frames in our Post including the new picture frames with past Presidents and Commanders, of which he is one. He took on the Commandership under adverse conditions and weathered many storms.
Nick was instrumental in getting Veteran's Park ready for the Military Tank and the two cannons along with all the planning and organizing of the moves. He also changes the flag at Veteran's Park and the Post Home with Tony Jurek.
Nick was a key player in the planning of the VFW float that you see in all the parades. Along with that, goes getting the float in and out of storage, every time.
Nick enlisted in the Army before he graduated from high school, to serve his country during time of war. He is very proud to have been an airborne soldier. Many years ago, Nick was in the first group of WWII Veteran's to receive honorary diplomas and recognition from Cloquet High School. Congratulations Nick.
Nick has done his share of cleaning and cooking at many VFW events. Now, you can see him patronizing the VFW at Retired Men's Dinners, Steak Fry's or Burger Nights.
To list the things Nick has done for Post 3979 is minor compared to his humility, kindness and generosity. Thanks Nick, for all you have done and continue to do, from the bottom of our hearts.

January - February 2008

COMMANDERS NOTES

Dues are due!!!!!! Tis the season!!!! Tired of hearing about yearly dues? Shed yourself of this burden, the Post home will pay 25% of your life membership to help you get rid of burden every years end. The Cloquet Post 3979 is presently at 93.51% from reaching 100%, if you haven't paid your dues yet please do so.
January 8th 2008
Fire Arms Safety classes will be available to all ages 11 and up. The cost is $7.50 and the course is 8 weeks long. Registration will be at 6pm on the 8th or call 879-2447 or 727-7110 (Joe).
Have a computer!!!!! Check out the post website. It supplies information on post functions and happenings. We have also added a link to the District Website which has information about happenings in the district. Check it out. Be informed.
*WANTED*
New talent, old talent, any talent to assist with Post functions. Cooking, cleaning, supervisor and all talents in between. I have started a call list for people whom wish to be asked to work different functions. Call me and I will add you to my list so that you don't get left out.
LOYALTY DAYS 2008
Loyalty Days - May 2,3 and 4 will be held at the Cloquet VFW Post 3979. We need help with the many tasks required involved in making this work. If you feel you can assist call Rich Chasse - Sr Vice Commander - Chairman Loyalty Days committee and let him know you have a little, a lot, whatever amount of free time to assist him in making this date special.
The new year has began and I would like to send everyone best wishes for the New Year from myself and all the Staff of Post 3979 Veterans of Foreign Wars

Don Douglas,
Commander

AUXILIARY NEWS

Dear Sisters,
It has been a very uneventful month. We accomplished all of the activities scheduled for the month and paid all of our yearly assessments. I want to thank all of the Auxiliary sisters and Post members who assisted in the Lutefisk Dinner for Hope Lutheran Church. We served 231 meals plus fed all of the workers. We turned a healthy profit, which will go to a mission project.
You can turn in your hours worked on this project for community service as no monies are kept for any use other than the missions. Many thanks go to Joe Turcott and his helpers for the nice meal served for the Auxiliary Christmas Party. The number attending gets smaller every year, but it was a nice party.
Good Job People! Many thanks until you are better paid.
The Children's Christmas Party went well. Thirty children were entertained by Santa Claus, and a magician hired from the community. A lunch, and candy was served by Auxiliary members.

Events coming soon:

January 9	Retired Men's Dinner
January 10	Post and Auxiliary Meeting
January 18-20	Midwinter Conference
January 23	Retired Men's Dinner
January 25	Fish Fry
February 9	Post Appreciation Dinner (tentative)
February 13&27	Retired Men's Dinner
February 16 & 17	District Meeting
February 29	Fish Fry

I wish each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Quartermasters Report

We have added quite a few new names to our Membership since July 1, 2007. Please Welcome these new/transfer members. Show them why we are working to help all Veterans. The new/transfer members are as follows; Davalance DePoe, Lawrence LaVeau, Glen Koski, Keith Fogelberg, Clyde Markon, Jeff Hall, Michael Schmitz, Jessie Bailey, Justin Butkiewicz, Robert Hecht Sr., Dennis Wiita, Dale Roman, Richard Johnston and Bruce LaDuke.
New/transfer member Richard Johnston is in the active military and was recently promoted to Brigadier General. Congratulations Richie (that was his Scanlon name)!!
We are about 30 members short of being 100%. If you haven't paid your dues please get them in ASAP. If you know of any eligible candidates please encourage them to join this great organization.

Happy New Year!!

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Post 3979 Auxiliary Buddy Poppy Chairman is Lil Lavoy. Lil has had this position for 3 years and serves, as such, at the District level. She believes very strongly in promoting patriotism in the community. She is also the Auxiliary Treasurer and has been for the last 8-10 years along with being the District Treasurer. Lil has worked for Bingo and Meat Boards at our Post for 15 years. During this time, she has also worked her way up the chairs on the Local, District and Department levels and in 2004-2005 was the Department President for the state of Minnesota. Also, Lil is the current Department Historian and Photographer.
Lil has had three National VFW Auxiliary appointments. She was the National Big 10 Hospital VAVS Chairman for 2005-2006. In 2006-2007, Lil was the National Big 10 Americanism Chairman and this year serves as the National Big 10 Veterans and Family Support Chairman. Lil sees these programs as directly working and caring for veterans. This is our goal to support and honor the veterans who gave so much.
She has a definite soft spot in her heart for the Silver Bay Veteran's Home. You can see her sign for ice cream sales at many of the Post and Auxiliary functions. All proceeds go to the Silver Bay Veteran s Home and Veterans on the Lake.
Lil has had the privilege of \isiting many other Auxiliaries and Posts during her time in offices. She has discovered the Post/Auxiliary who worked together were the most successful in supporting our veterans. Thank you, Lil, for your hard work and dedication to the Veteran.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007

COMMANDERS NOTES

The months of November and December bring with them cold weather and holiday festivities:
November 3rd: Salad / Hot dish *Pot Luck* supper (bring a dish to share). Proceeds go to Operation Uplink (phone cards for our troops).
November 11th: Veterans Day Dinner - All veterans are welcome.
November 30th: Lutefisk Dinner
December 8th: Annual Auxiliary Christmas Party - Served by the post membership to the dedicated members of the Auxiliary to Post 3979 in honor of there dedicated support of our post. POST MEMBERS DO NOT FEEL SHY ABOUT SIGNING UP TO HELP OUT AT THIS ONE.
December 16th: Kids Christmas Party * 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A magic show and Santa are scheduled to attend. Come join the fun!!!
December 31st: New Years Eve Dinner (prime rib). Reservations are required.
If you have time on your hands and wish to spend it helping post and auxiliary members accomplish the many projects we have taken on, please feel free to contact me or any of the post or auxiliary officers. Phone numbers are on the newsletter. I look forward to working with both post members and auxiliary members at *ALL FUNCTIONS* during the course of my term as post commander.
Membership; membership; membership. Dues are again in the news. The post offers a wonderful program to help pay life membership. Contact one of the post officers and check it out. For annual dues members it is time, please take measures to pay your annual dues.
At a recent function at the post I had the pleasure of meeting a past command of the post that I had never met. It made me feel sad that he felt that he was too old to be of any value anymore to the VFW. Such a waste of talent and valuable information, it is a shame that as commander I do not have his guidance to help me through my year as commander.

Don Douglas,
Commander

AUXILIARY NEWS

Dear Sisters,
The activities of the Auxiliary to V.F.W. Post 3979 are progressing nicely.
The Veterans Care Boxes continue to be sent to the unit in Iraq. The project will continue until December 1st at which time we will ask the Post to continue on this important and worthy cause.
Make a Difference Day is coming up. We will be bringing staple foodstuffs for the Outreach Center. Please do not send home made food, as they cannot accept it. A representative from the Center will give us a presentation about the facility and it's needs.
We have a very busy schedule for the next two months. It reads as follows:
1. A hotdish, salad, desert potluck fundraiser will be held on November 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00. We need donations of food for this to come from as many of you as possible as the proceeds for this event will go for phone cards for our veterans.
2. The joint V.F.W. - American Legion Veterans Day Dinner will be held on Sunday, November 11th. Please volunteer your services for this dinner. Veterans will eat for free, guests are $4.00.
3. The November Retired Men's Dinner will be held on November 14th. Your help is always appreciated.
4. The annual Lutefisk Dinner will be held on November 30th from 4:00 to 7:00. We need a lot of help for this dinner as it is a lot of work. Call me at 729-8077 to let me know if you can help.
5. The Auxiliary Christmas Party will be held on December 8th from 6:00 til ??. Contact Ester Pastika at 879-7877 for your reservations.
6. The December Retired Men's Dinner will be held on December 12th, please lend a hand for this, we need your help.
7. The Kids Christmas Party will be held on December 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Post Home. We need lots of help with this, (no home cooked treats please).
As you can see this is going to be a very busy and exciting time for us. With your help it will be a lot of fun as well.
I wish each of you a blessed and Joyful Holiday Season. Stay healthy and safe.

Loyally yours,
Lorraine Laine
Auxiliary President

Quartermasters Report

YOUR VFW has many options that will benefit you. You can take advantage of these benefits by reading the information in the VFW Magazine. You can also check our VFW 3979 website (vfw3979.org) to find links to your questions.
Duane Brownie and Rich Dumancus our Carlton County Service Officers located on the First Floor of the Courthouse are the BEST!! If you have ANY Veteran issues contact these guys. You will not find anyone better at their jobs. They can be reached at (218) 384-9173. They WILL get back to you if you leave a message.
November and December are very busy months. Please check the Post Calendar to find out what Veterans/Post events have been scheduled. Membership is always on the front burner. If you have paid your dues, Thank You, if not then get them in ASAP. We have quite a few "new" Veterans returning to our area and community. Please let them know the value of belonging to a Veterans organization. Our goal is to help all Veterans!!

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Post 3979's one and only POW/MIA Committee Chairman is Tony Jurek. Tony, also, is the 8th District POW/MIA Chairman and has been for many years. Tony has also served as the State POW/MIA Chairman. As a Korean War POW, Tony speaks to many groups including the Cloquet Senior High School. He informs the groups about the Korean War and America's hand in the war. He fields many questions about his incarceration there. He feels strongly that the public needs to be made aware of how other countries (at the time, Communist countries especially) treated their POW's.
Tony, with the help of Nick Burgraff, changes the Post's American and POW flags when necessary. They also change the flag on the Veteran's Perpetual Flag Pole in Veteran's Park every other month.
Tony served Post 3979 as Commander during our 50th Anniversary year, 1994-1995. He serves the Post now, in our Honor Guard and as our Chaplain. If you have any concerns that the Chaplain should know about, feel free to call Tony at 879-5886. Thank you, Tony, for your dedication and hard work.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2007

COMMANDERS NOTES

Fall is upon us and the Post is gearing up for all the activities that go along with it. This time of the year we are on the move. The Post website has a complete list of activities going on, as well as the dates and times.
Membership recruiting and membership dues are high on my list of things I wish to stress at this time. Without recruiting new members and getting membership dues paid up we will have no Post. I also wish to stress that the 2007 - 2008 membership dues are NOW DUE.
The Hastings Veterans Home is having their annual fishing trip to Veterans on the Lake Resort the week of September 10th -13th. They will be stopping at the Post on the 10th for lunch (provided by the Post) and again on the 14th (provided by the Auxiliary). Please contact myself or Auxiliary President, Lorraine Laine if you can provide assistance for this worthy group of veterans.
The Labor Day Parade will be on September 3rd. I would like to see all members stop down in a show of numbers to enjoy the parade.
September 12th we have the website meeting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Post website and get suggestions for improvements. If you have any ideas or things you wish to see added to the website, stop down. Your input is needed and everyone is welcome to attend.
September 13th is meeting night. This newsletter is my personal invitation to attend this meeting; and it is also your right to attend....please use it!!
September 22nd is the Past Commanders and Past Presidents Banquet. This is our way of honoring our past leaders. If you can assist, please feel free to call me or Auxiliary President. We need your assistance.
September 28th - 30th will be the State Fall Conference at Grand Rapids, MN. I have a complete agenda of training seminars and meeting schedules available as well as housing forms. Please feel free to call me if you wish to get this information.
October 13th and 14th will be the 8th District meeting hosted by Post # 2720, Deer River. I encourage all members to make an effort to be at this meeting. A lot of good information is shared at the these meetings.
October 27th the Post and Auxiliary will be holding a fund raising dinner at the Post Home. The menu is not set at this time, but we hope to see all members and their guests attend for good food, conversation, old fashioned fellowship. See you there!
October 28th is the annual Kids Halloween Party. Help is needed...and you need not have prior experience to volunteer.
October 31st is the annual Silver Bay Halloween costume and bingo party. Your presence at this function is a pure honor and a way to show our veterans that we care enough about them to honor them by joining hands with our comrades and sisters to make this a success.
All updates and changes will be available on the Post website (vfw3979.org) as well as at the Post home.

Don Douglas,
Commander

AUXILIARY NEWS

Dear Sisters,
We are already well into the busy year that we have planned for us. By the time you receive this newsletter we will already have held our annual Fish and Steak Fry and Country Store, which is dedicated to cancer aid and research.
A yearly calendar has been made and will be presented for your approval at our September meeting.
We served lunch for the Minnesota Veterans Fishing Trip on August 17th.
We will serve the lunch for the Hastings Veterans Fishing Trip on September 14th.
The Past Commander and Past President's Banquet is going to be held on Saturday, September 22, pending your approval.
The Fall Conference is going to be held in Grand Rapids starting September 28.
I am waiting for information regarding the Retired Men's Dinner to find out if we are going to be hosting them this year. I will notify you as soon as I find out.
We are working hard on our membership drive and it is coming along nicely.
We are going to be putting together care packages for the Soldiers in Iraq. We will be sending them to a designated unit. There will be containers for both money donations as well as comfort items that will be in the packages at the Post Home. This project will continue until December 1st, 2007. At that time the items will be sent out. More information will be passed on as the project progresses. Please take part in this most important support of our troops.
I would like to thank each of you that have helped to make these events a success. If we keep working together, we should have a good year!

Loyally yours,
Lorraine Laine
President

Quartermasters Report

Get those dues in as soon as possible. Life Memberships are still available. We will pay 25% of a Life Membership with a wide variety of payment options. Give me a call if you have any specific questions.
Here is the Dues breakdown for 2008: National & State....$18.50, Local....$6.50 = $25.00
The $6.50 of your Local dues is divided into two categories, Relief Fund and Dues Reserve Fund, $3.25 to each. The Relief Fund is used to help "needy vets", funeral expenses ($100 per member), Get Well cards, mileage for cancer treatment and any other situation that falls in this category. The Dues Reserve Fund is used to help members in financial trouble or medical situational times, pay dues. Call if you have any questions.
The 3979 Golf Team made an impressive showing at the VFW State Golf Tournament held in Mankato in early August. "Dapper" Danielson finished in 4th place of the Championship Flight. "Sgt." Mike Van WON the 3rd Flight. (Congrats Mike, although the term "Sandbagger" was mentioned). Lou Hubbell and Duane Brownie placed 3rd in their respective flights. Rich Dumancus finished 2nd in his flight. We finished 3rd overall as a team. Side note: We had some competition within our own team. I am sad to report that the SEMPER FI boys edged the ARMY by 1 stroke in service branches contest.
REMINDER: The State VFW Golf Tournament will be hosted by Post 3979 the next 3 years at Black Bear Golf Course.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Feature Article

Our Americanism chairman is Velda Beck. Velda is starting her 28th year in this position. She has presented flag etiquette, flag history and other programs to schools, youth and community groups. Due to Velda's vigilance, Post 3979 has been awarded many honors for Americanism. She was instrumental in setting the awaiting table for our missing P.O.W./M.I.A. at the Post Home. Velda was a key player in the development of Veteran's Park and the lighting of the Veteran's Perpetual Flag Pole.
Velda accepts deceased Veteran's flags and dedicates them on Memorial Day. The flags are received and stored at the VFW to be flown over Veteran's Park in the order they were received. A new flag flies every 2 months. The names are posted in the Park, at the Post, over CAT-7 and in the newsletter. If you would like to have your deceased Veteran's flag fly over Veteran's Park, please call Velda at 879-5206, Tony Jurek 879-5886 or Dave Burgett 879-5187, for details. Thank you, Velda, for your dedication and hard work.

JULY - AUGUST 2007

COMMANDERS NOTES

The new year is upon us and I would like to express many thanks to our Past Commander, Mark Raihala and Past President, Sharon Jones for the outstanding jobs they performed over the last year for the veterans of this organization and their dependents. Their dedication to this organization is inspirational to all of the upcoming officers and hopefully will be the mark of the upcoming year.
The club is now smoke free in accordance with new state and county regulations. I hope this increases the number of members that come to the club, but does not decrease the number of members presently active at the club.
The 1st district meeting will be at the International Falls post #2948 on July 28th and 29th. Plan to attend, it should be a good meeting.
The Post now has a website (VFW3979.org). Those of you that have a computer should take the time to check it out. Also the newsletter and all updates are listed on this site. If you prefer not to receive a paper newsletter, just call the club or contact one of the post officers and we will take your name off the mailing list. I will be instructing the website manager to add a suggestion box to the site. All suggestions will be addressed and appreciated by the new officers.
The '07/'08 membership year has now officially started. My goal for this year will be 100% by December 31st. It has been many years since Post #3979 has had bragging rights in this area. I ask you all to please help achieve this goal; I can't do it without your help.
This year a further goal is to get Post #3979 on the map again, but I will need the help of all members. Service to our country and this organization is a life long commitment; may it be forever.

Loyally yours.
Don Douglas, Commander

AUXILIARY NEWS

Dear Sisters;
Our new year will be starting out with a bang as we celebrate Independence Day by participating in the July 4th Parade. Commander Don Douglas and I will be riding in the Parade, giving out candy and putting our best foot forward as we represent the Hebert Kennedy V.F.W. post and its Ladies Auxiliary.
We have quite a bit of work ahead of us as we still must fill some of the positions of the leadership in our Ladies Auxiliary. We need someone to step forward and assume the position of Secretary. Our meeting will be tape recorded so we will have an accurate record of all business. The former Rehabilitation Committee has no designated chairman, but several women have stepped forward to carry out various parts of this most important committee.
The date of our Annual Fish Fry and Country Store has been moved to August 24th. We are doing this so we have no conflict with the City of Cloquet activities that are planned for the last Friday of the month for the next six months. Mark your calendars and plan to support the Country Store and help with the Fish and Steak Fry. The proceeds from this event will be donated to the V.F.W. Cancer Aid and Research Fund.
The Commander and the Auxiliary President will be sitting with an ADHOC committee to put events on a yearly calendar. This will be presented to the Membership for approval. This will help us keep on track with events and activities we have planned for the coming year. I would like to thank each of you who have given support to the Auxiliary and it's elected leadership. If we work together we should have a great year. Thank you.

Loyally,
Lorraine Laine, Auxiliary President

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT

Welcome to the New VFW year. Congratulations to all Officers and Committee Members. Please give them all the support needed to make this another successful year for OUR Organization.
National dues were raised last January. We elected to wait until now to make the change. So that means that Our Yearly Dues will be $25.00. If you choose to go with a Life Membership we will pay 25% of the costs. This method can also be worked out on a monthly basis. Just give me a call to arrange a plan that works out best for you.
We have been approached by the local chapter of the DAV to help share information. We will offer them space in our newsletter to distribute information which will benefit veterans. Look for this info in following newsletters. Also check out our web site at VFW3979.org. You can find up to date info about YOUR Post and links are provided to other organizations that benefit veterans. Our new Commander Don Douglas is also the new 8th District Commander. He will be a busy man during the next year. Let's help Don show the 8th District why WE are the number ONE Post in this district.
Make sure you contact your CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer). Duane and Rich are two of the really good guys. They make helping Veterans their number one priority. Their record for helping Vets is second to none. Call them at 384-9173.
If you have any questions about our local VFW give me or any of the Officers a call. Our phone numbers are listed in this newsletter.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett, Quartermaster

May - June 2007

COMMANDERS NOTES

Since this is the last newsletter of my term, I do extend my thanks and appreciation to all the Post and Auxiliary Members and Brad and Shelley for all your good work to make the remodeling project a reality...
Our Post has been in existence for over 60 years and without volunteers we would not be one of the finest in the state. It has been a pleasure to work with all the officers the past two years. I wish the best for Officers in 2007-2008 who are:

Commander - Don Douglas
Sr. Vice - Richard Chasse
Jr. Vice - Kimberly Callahan
Chaplin - Tony Jurek
Quartermaster - Dave Burgett
Good Luck to all.

The Annual School Safety Patrol Pizza Party will be held on April 30th. Just seeing the kids will add years to your life - or is it the other way around? Be sure to make it down to the Club.
Poppy Day is Friday, May 4th this year. This is an important program since the funds are used for Post and Auxiliary Relief Funds. The Poppy Chairmen are Lil Lavoy and Leo Grochow. Even if you are unable to go out and sell poppies, buy one and wear it proudly.
The St. Cloud Vets Fishing Trip is May 21st, the Vets will stop for lunch. Come down and meet with the disabled vets and help serve them, and enjoy a good lunch.

Your Commander,
Marc Raihala

Remember, a stranger in the Club is just a friend you haven't met.

AUXILIARY NEWS

April has been busy for our Auxiliary. We have served dinner for a Bowling Banquet. A pizza party for Cloquet and Esko School Patrol Students. I want to thank all the volunteers for a great job.
Poppy Day is May 4th; all of the proceeds are used for Veterans Benefits. If you can give a few hours selling poppies it would be appreciated. The poppy cards displayed at the club are also very impressive. A poppy card can be purchased for a minimum of $5.00. Money can be sent to Lil LaVoy at 321 8th St., Cloquet, MN 55720 or left at the club for Lil.
Election for 2007-2008 has been held and congratulations to our new Auxiliary President Lorraine Laine and Commander Don Douglas. Installation will be held at the May meeting (May 10th). New officers will assume their duties after the June State Convention. Let us give them our support.
I want to thank all our Auxiliary members who donated so generously for our bake sales. It was a great success. A big thank you goes to Linda DeRusha and Dennis for organizing this great project. I also want to thank Marion Raihala, Sandy Hemsworth and Barb Grochow for volunteering to call Auxiliary members to remind them to bring baked goods.
New members are necessary to keep our organization viable. Tell a friend or relative about the benefits of the VFW and sign up a new member.
This will be my last newsletter and I want to take this opportunity to thank all the officers and committee chairmen for their dedication.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Jones, President

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT

Congratulations to the new officers at our Post! Please show them the support and respect that they deserve. They are working for YOU. Commander Don, Sr. Vice Richard, and Jr. Vice Kimberly will need your help as well as ideas. Please feel free to contact them.
Memorial Day is rapidly approaching. This is the time to honor and remember our fallen veterans. Buy Poppies, attend Memorial Day services, Remember our departed Veterans, are ways to celebrate this Holiday. These Veterans have allowed us to be free so that we can have this day. Say a prayer for our Soldiers who are now stationed away from home protecting our country. May those Soldiers return home safely.
The membership year will end on June 30, 2007. We have 28 members who have not paid their 06-07 dues. Please check to make sure this number doesn't include YOU! Don't let your membership lapse.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Burgett, Quartermaster

March - April 2007

COMMANDERS NOTES

The Ladies Auxiliary gave the Post Members a very nice appreciation dinner. The food was good, table setting attractive, and the serving was much appreciated. Those who missed the dinner were the losers. Thanks Ladies.
Passed at the last meeting: The Post will give $1,000.00 to the family of a Post Member killed in combat. I pray we never have to write a check for this, but we do support the troops. Currently when a member dies for any reason we pay out $100.00 to the family.
The voice of democracy contest winner was Andrew Korby of Cloquet. His well composed entry won third place in the 8th District. The District gave him a jacket and $50.00. Our Post prize was $150.00 for first place. Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for their work on this project.
Nick Burgraff has remodeled an old frame to replace the one that was stolen. There is still a need for military patches to complete the work. Any patches donated, will be displayed proudly.
Our pulltab gambling will have some changes as of March 1st. The gaming board is enforcing a limit of 60% expense. The rules are complex and I will not go over all the rules but it boils down to the Club going to sales of pulltabs behind the bar and the pulltab machine. The cuts will make the tickets available, with a person selling, for more hours per day and we hope a better gambling operation.
Our membership is still less than one year ago. If you haven't paid your dues, please do, if you know anyone eligible, sign them up.
The March post meeting will have nominations of officers for the coming year. Think about showing an interest in getting more involved by taking an office. New ideas are always welcome. The second session of the youth gun safety classes are scheduled and registration is still open to youths 12 years old or older.

Help a Vet today.
Marc Raihala
Commander

CHALLENGE

Chuck Johnson will match up to $400.00 in contributions toward the Honor Guard Van.

AUXILIARY NEWS

I want to thank all the Auxiliary Ladies for making the Post Appreciation Dinner a success.
Ladies remember our bake sale during the Fish and Steak Dinner, Friday, March 30, 2007. Every member is asked to bring a plate of baked goods to the Post by 3:30 p.m. Linda DeRusha has volunteered to handle the bake sale; any questions please call her during evening hours at 879-4798. I also want to thank Marion Raihala for volunteering to call on some of our members to remind them of this bake sale. All the proceeds will go to our relief fund.
At our April meeting we will be holding election for 2006-2007 offices.
The events we have coming up in the next few months are, Pizza Party for School Patrol Students and a date will be set in May for Poppy Day. Remember volunteers are always needed.
Our District (8) has put together a cook book. They can be purchased for $10.00; there are recipes from every Auxiliary in our district. If you wish to purchase one call me at 879-4345.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Jones,
President

We would like to apologize to Sharon Jones, for the typographical errors in her column in the Jan.-Feb. newsletter. Community Printing takes full responsibility for the errors, in no way should this reflect the professionalism of Sharon Jones. We hope this will never happen again, and again we apologize for all of the inconvenience this has caused.
Community Printing, Inc.
1306 Cloquet Avenue
Cloquet, MN 55720

COOTIE NEWS

The time is getting short. Auxiliary 59 will be closing soon. It is time to fill out your applications to Duluth #5. Applications can be picked up from either Lil or Alma. I am hoping that most will transfer. We will only have one more meeting to close out our business. Meetings at Duluth Flea Circus #5 will be at 4:00 pm on the second Tuesdays of the month, at Post 137. Please give filled out applications to either Lil or Alma. Our next meeting, we will have Pot luck lunch at 6:00 p.m. before the meeting. Hope to see you all then.

Alma Ojala,
President Noseeum's Aux 59

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT

Thank you to all the members that signed up for Life Memberships. At our last Post meeting, we voted to extend the 25% off deal on Life Memberships. Prices have gone up starting January 1st, but we can work out almost any payment plan to get YOU that Life Membership.
Duane Brownie and Rich Dumancus our Carlton County Veterans Service Officers are doing a SUPER job helping Veterans. If you have any questions or concerns as Veterans do not hesitate to give them a call. I can vouch personally for all the great things they have done for us Veterans. With that in mind, please contact your Carlton County Commissioner and let them know of the GREAT SERVICE provided by Duane and Rich. They are also looking for Volunteer Drivers to drive the County Van to the V.A. Hospital and back. Please call Duane and Rich at 384-9172.
If you would like to join the Honor Guard please contact any of the Post Officers. The feeling you get from providing military honors to fallen comrades is extremely rewarding. You once again feel the PRIDE of doing your duty for our country.

Respectfully Submitted,
David L Burgett,
Quartermaster

January - February 2007

COMMANDERS NOTES

Seasons Greetings and good wishes for the New Year.
The Post has an opportunity to improve our building. The Commander is working on a proposal for another grant. The hall still has water problems in the ceiling and we hope to have this repair added to the grant. Other areas of improvement would be expansion of the bar room, new front door, and possible new brick type front for the building. Do you have any good ideas for the grant?? Lets hear them now.
Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for the good work done on the Honor Guard Party. Alma was in charge and her additions added much to the party.
The Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Christmas Party for area children and I believe all the kids left happy. Great job ladies. Thanks to Leo and volunteers for a fine job of cooking and serving the Ladies Annual Christmas Party Meal, an excellent meal.
The Honor Guard Van is in the shop for much needed paint repairs. Thanks to the members that made their commitment to the project. See them listed at the Post. Additional cost for decals and letter painting will be needed, so if you haven't helped there is still time to do so.
Membership is still short and if you haven't paid your 2007 dues please do so to keep your benefits current.
Good news, Sr. Vice Commander Don Douglas ^made National Aide De-Camp for 2006 and 2007.

Respectfully, Marc Raihala

AUXILIARY NEWS

A Huge Thank You goes out to the Post for the excellent Christmas Party Dinner and friendly service. Thank-you to Leo Grochow and his kitchen help. A special thanks to Nick Burggraff for the beautiful poinsettia plants and to Marc and Marion Raihala and helpers for decorating our tables.
On Friday, January 12, 2007 the Auxiliary will be hosting a Lute Fisk Luncheon at the Sunnyside Health Care Center for the residents. Ladies remember our bake sale during the Fish and Steak Dinner, Friday, January 26, 2007. Every member is asked to bring a plate of baked goods to the Post by 3:30 p.m. Linda DeRusha has volunteered to handle the bake sale; any questions please call her during evening hours at 879-4798. All the proceeds will go to our relief fund.
The Auxiliary has planned a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for the Post Members, on Saturday, February 10, 2007 with social hours at 5:00 p.m. and sit down dinner at 6:00 p.m. It will be necessary to sign up for this event by Tuesday, February 6, in order to prepare the proper amount of food. A sign up sheet will be posted in the bar area or call me at 879-4345. This will be a time for camaraderie and fellowship. All post members are welcome.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Jones, President

AUXILIARY TO PUP TENT 59 COOTIE NEWS

Holiday greetings everyone. Shortly after the first of the year, look for a letter questioning your wishes as to joining another Auxiliary. We have until May to close, but the wheels grind slowly.
In January the sec/treasurer Lil and I plan on attending a meeting in Duluth. I will ask whether they would be willing to accept any of us who wish to transfer. That being done, will get letters out to our membership and contact the necessary officials to facilitate transfer and closing.
Those of us who go to the nursing homes will really miss this part of the organization. Bea Yanda puts in a lot of time and effort to make sure the dates are set up, workers there and the events run smoothly. Her reports reflect her dedication. Thank you Bea. We will continue to do visits until closed.

Alma Ojala,
President

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT

I hope that you all had a Joyous Holiday Season; I also wish the New Year brings prosperity and good health to you and yours. Please check out OUR new website. Richard Chasse has put in quite a bit of time and effort to help bring OUR Post into the computer age. You can find out almost anything associated with OUR Post as well as State and National VFW. Richard Chasse deserves a huge round of applause from all of us. Way to go Richard!!! The website address is VFW3979.org If you have any ideas for OUR website please contact Richard or any other VFW officer.
Congratulations to all of our newest life members. We signed up 20+ new life members with our 25% off deal. The new life members are; Tom Telandro, Aaron Sanda, Brian Saaristo, Mike Haburt, Richard Tyypo, Don Seabury, Zane Gray, Gordon Stevens, John Vuchenos, Russ Garsow, Wd Wuollet, James Psyck, Robert Hecht, Ron Riel, Jim Nelson, Greg Miller, Adam Roberts, Gerald Hovis, George Zezulka, Kevin Amundson, James Christian, James Bassett, Harold Wallace, and Herb Kamunen. Sometime in the future hopefully we will renew this bargain offer.
If you are offered deals that are VFW sanctioned, double check to be sure that this is correct. I have heard of some Insurance deals that seem to have the blessing of the VFW, this is not always the truth. Remember if any deal seems too GOOD to be TRUE, then it usually is not true.
We have a friendly Post. If a stranger or new member is around please make them feel at home ASAP. This would be an ORDER!!
When you read your newsletter please consider giving a pat-on-the-back to Paula Burgett my lovely bride of 35 years. She is responsible for getting all the addresses to the publisher. This involves much time and effort. Thanks Paula!!

David L Burgett,
Quartermaster

November - December 2006

COMMANDERS NOTES

The fund for painting the Honor Guard Van is coming along well. Big thanks to Post and Auxiliary members and the Ladies Auxiliary who donated generously to the fund. There is still time to have your name listed on the chart in the Post Home, with a donation of $10.00 or more. Van painting will be done shortly.
Past Commander Fred Branham's donation of Military Flags for Veterans Park will be flown for the first time on November 11th, the flags include all branches of the Military.
The annual Veterans Day Turkey Dinner has been set for November 11th from 4:00 p.m. until the food is gone. The American Legion is in charge of arrangements and the meal will be served at the Post Home. If you can work give Jan Langenbrunner a call at 879-2705. The meal is free for all Veterans and $4.00 for guests. In past years over 400 meals have been served so help is needed, give Jan a ring.
The Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner is set for November 17th, serving from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For all Lutefisk lovers the cost is $11.00 per plate and the meatball dinner will be $7.00. Once again help is needed.
The youth gun safety training program will start on January 2, 2007 at the VFW. Youngsters 12 or older must be accompanied by a parent. Sign up will be at 6:00 on January 2nd. The cost for the 8 week class is $7.50. Joe Turcott, a Certified Instructor, will be in charge of the classes.
May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Respectfully,
Marc Raihala

AUXILIARY NEWS

Ladies please note: As per National convention Life Membership fees are going to increase as of January 1, 2007. If you have already purchased your continuous dues, you still can purchase life membership. Payment plans are available or payments by credit card accepted. Please call Lil Lavoy at 879-7493 for details.
A Halloween Party has been set for Sunday, October 29, 1 to 4 p.m., for area children 2 to 12 years. Lots of fun is scheduled with games and prizes and food.
Our Auxiliary will be inspected by our District President, Penny Siven, on November 9th. So let us make Penny feel welcome.
The annual Veterans Day Turkey Dinner will be Saturday, November 11, 2006, with serving from 4 to 7 p.m. at the post. The meal is free for all Veterans and $4.00 for guests. Volunteers are needed.
Are you a Lutefisk Lover? Lutefisk and Meatball dinner will be served Friday, November 11, 2006, with serving from 4 to 7 p.m. Volunteers are also needed for this dinner. The Auxiliary will be holding a bake sale during the Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner, every member is asked to bring a plate of baked goods to the post by 3:30 p.m. Linda DeRusha has volunteered to handle the bake sale. Any questions please call her during evening hours at 879-4798. All of the proceeds will be donated to our relief fund. The Auxiliary is also planning to have a bake sale during the Fish and Steak Dinners starting in January 2007.
A Christmas Party has been set for Saturday, December 2,2006, 1 to 4 p.m., for area children 2 to 12 years. Lots of fun is scheduled with entertainment, food and prizes.
Auxiliary Christmas Party has been set for Saturday, December 9, 2006. Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, December 4, 2006. I will be taking reservations, my telephone number is 879-4345, with social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. There will be a $3.00 charge for the meal. A fun time has been planned with an optional $5.00 exchanged gift. Remember all Auxiliary members are invited. Again this year bring a food shelf donation.
The Auxiliary will be in charge of the dinner for the December 14 meeting. This has been an annual event, the dinner will be potluck, so Ladies lets show our cooking talents and plan to make your favorite dish.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Jones, President

COOTIE AUXILIARY NEWS

Mews bulletin: From the office of THE SUPREME COMMANDER Ray Fern. The Auxiliary to Pup Tent 59 has been approved to function until the next Grand Convention in 2007. This will give us ample time to transfer our members to another Auxiliary should reactivation of the Pup Tent fail to materialize.
The Auxiliary will continue doing our visits, next one scheduled for Halloween Day at Silver Bay Veterans Home.

Alma Ojala,
President MOCA 59

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT

Life Memberships have increased since the last newsletter. Please take advantage of the 25% off the current prices. If you have paid your yearly dues we will subtract that amount from your already GREAT DISCOUNT. This is a good deal for you!!
Our Post was awarded the State VFW Golf Tournament for the years 2008-09-10. This event will be held at the Black Bear Golf Course. We will be calling for some help!
I am remiss for not mentioning the results of the most recent VFW State Golf Tourney. Dapper Danielson was runner-up in the Championship Flight. It was a close battle right to the last hole. Mike Van won the 2nd flight for the second time with some superb golf and excellent course management. Louie Hubbell powered his way through the 4th Flight and won for the second time in 3 years. Rich Dumancus placed 2nd in the 5th Flight and gratefully donated his prize to charity. The rest of us struggled with the near perfect conditions to register some not so great scores. Dave Burgett did win a raffle drawing to ease some of the heartbreak or playing poorly.
All members that have not contacted their County Veterans Service Officer should do so ASAP. Duane Brownie and Rich Dumancus, Carlton County, are THE BEST!!!!
If you have any questions concerning membership, golf tournament, or general questions please give me a call.

David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

Special Bulletin - Mid September 2006

NOTES FROM COMMANDER MARC

This is a good time to consider buying your life membership, before the large increases. If you have already paid your annual dues for 2007 and wish to upgrade to life membership, you will receive credit for the annual dues.
New or reinstated members are waiting to be asked to join, sign them up and receive a check for $10.00.
A Halloween Party is planned for Sunday, October 29th for area children ages 12 and under. Time is 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be a costume contest and other games and prizes. Food and treats will be served. Be sure to get the word out to your kids, grandkids and neighborhood children. If you have any suggestions to help make this a great party for the kids, give me a ring at 879-8807. I am looking for anyone that can play a clown. We do need a person to do face painting, if you know anyone, give me a call.

Best to All,
Marc

AUXILIARY NEWS

The Ladies Auxiliary will be holding the country store again this next fish or steak fry on September 29, 2006. If any member forgot to donate and or would like to donate again, please have your donations to the club by 2 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2006. The hours for the country store will be 4 to 7 p.m. All of the proceeds will go for cancer aide and research.
Major changes are being implemented to __- the Campbell Labels for Education Program. The biggest change in the program is Campbell's is no longer accepting labels. They are now taking the UPC Codes (bar codes) from the Campbell's product. This change will start immediately. We have a container at the post home where this can be dropped off. These labels or UPC are being sent to National Home for Education Programs.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Jones

COOTIE NEWS

The Cootie Auxiliary is still doing our Visits. Next one will be the Silver Bay Veterans Home. The date is September 23rd. Joe will be driving the van. Let Bea know if you will attend. The Grand officers have given advice and will continue to do so regarding our status. The Sr. Vice President of the Grand Auxiliary of MN, will be present at our meeting this month for inspection of our books, and will answer any further questions:

Alma Ojala
President MOCA Nosseums 59

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT F.Y.I.

National Dues Increase At the recent National Convention in Reno, Nevada, the National Organization raised Annual Dues, Life Membership Dues and Member-at-large Dues. Annual Dues are now $20.00. We at V.F.W. 3979 will not increase Annual Dues until July 1, 2007. The National will increase their portion of the dues effective January 1, 2007. We will pay that portion until July 1. That means the local will receive $1.50 per member. We receive $4.50 per member now. These are the funds that keep our VFW operation going. So, Please pay your annual dues before January 1, 2007!
Life Membership is another story. Last year we anticipated an increase in the dues but, the increase did not get the full 2/3 vote to pass. This year is a different story. The dues increased by an average of 78%!!! The following is a breakdown of Life Membership:

You can see that the increase is very substantial. We at the local levels don't seem to have much input in these matters. So with that being said, the membership at VFW 3979 is extending an offer that is very hard to refuse!!
We will offer a 25% discount from Current Fees for Life Membership until December 15, 2006. We can work out payment plans. Contact me and we can get the paperwork started.

David L. Burgett,
Quartermaster

September - October 2006

COMMANDERS NOTES

The following are facts from the August House Committee and Post Meetings. All members should be informed about post business. Upon questions from the Commander about high wages in the charitable gambling at the post home, Freeman Johanson, the gambling manager, said he gave himself a $200.00 per month raise about a year ago. The raise was done without any approval except Freeman. Last payroll Freeman decided he wanted 2 weeks vacation pay, so he gave himself a check for vacation pay. Freeman gave the information and admitted what he had done. He said if you don't like it he would quit the job.
At the Post Meeting a majority voted to forgive the $3,125.00 unauthorized payments, Freeman’s wages were reduced and he is responsible for any penalties that the State Gambling Board may levy.
The Honor Guard van has developed rust spots all around the van. The rust spots should be removed and the van painted. Estimated cost is about $1,800.00. The repairs must be made to prolong the life of the van.
All members should be working on membership. You will find many eligible people are waiting to be asked. Lets make the 100% again this year.
The new system for the flag pole was installed by Tony J., Nick B. and myself along with the high work done by Doug Plante and Shawn Crisen. The city donated the use of the sky hook. This means no more roof climbing needed to service the flag.
A group of Veterans from the Hastings Home will stop for lunch on September 11th and 15th. This is the annual fishing trip to Ely, come down to help and meet the Vets.
I have been working with Community Education and a 55 Alive Course has been set up at the Post. The basic, first time people course will be held on October 23rd and 25th. The refresher course will be held on the 26th of October. People that are 50 years or older may take the course. Details are with the applications available at the Post Home. Course cost is $12.00. These classes are very informative and upon completion, give your insurance company the certificate of attendance for substantial savings in your car insurance. A real bargain... The Past Commander & Past Presidents Dinner is coming up September 16th, 6:00 dinner, and 5:00 attitude adjustment hour. A very good Roast Beef Dinner will be served under direction of Chef Leo G. Time to come to greet old and meet new friends. The Post Fish or Steak Meals start in October and volunteers are always needed. Kids Halloween Party will be planned in October for area children.
BETTER TO DO THAN WISH IT DONE
Thanks to Bill Stolberg, who has come forward to take care of the Rose Garden at the Vets Park next year, we will have another year of flowers.

Your Commander
Marc Raihala

AUXILIARY NEWS

Ladies another reminder your 2007 dues are due. To remain a member in good standing and to prevent any lapse in your cancer grant coverage and insurance, dues must be paid before January 1, 2007. Life members your cancer insurance is due, which is $3.70 a year. The yearly dues are $16.00.
I want to thank the Auxiliary members who helped with the meals for the Veterans on their fishing trip. It is always a pleasure to serve our Veterans.
Past President and Past Commander Banquet will be September 16th, with social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. All members of the Post and Auxiliary are invited to honor these fine leaders. There will be a charge of $4.00 for others, who are not Past Presidents or Past Commander. Leo Grochow is our chef again this year. This is one night Past Presidents and Past Commanders will not be asked to help.
Reminder this newsletter is sent out every other month. If and when functions come up, a notice will be posted at the Post home.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Jones, President

COOTIE NEWS

The Cootie Auxiliary is still doing our visits. Grand Madam President Patches Presfield attended our August meeting, she explained our position, and had a question and answer session at that meeting. We visited Cromwell in August, and will go to Silver Bay Veterans home in September. Please pay your yearly dues of $8.00 to Lil if you haven't done so, and join us for visits and meetings whenever possible.

Alma Ojala, President
MOCA 59

QUARTERMASTER REPORT

3979 Members,
I would like to welcome the following new members to our post. Tom Telandro, Life Member, Aaron Sanda, Life Member, Brian Saaristo, Life Member, Gordon Stevens, Bill Schmidt, and Kory Haarsager. If you have any questions or concerns please ask. Hopefully you will become an active member.
We will be hosting a picnic for the Cloquet National Guard Unit on Saturday Sept. 9, 2006. We need to be there around noon to help get ready for this event. B & B will cater and we will assist them as needed. We welcome any help possible. Contact any of the Officers to sign up. Thanks in advance!
Life Membership is still the best option. We can work payment deals to get your Life Membership. Give me a call to work out a plan for you.
Our Post will be submitting a bid for the VFW State Golf Tournament at the Fall Conference at Moorhead. We have already made this proposal last year at the Mid-Winter Conference. The State VFW has asked that we present again this fall. When we receive this award it will be a three year commitment. We will need some help to run this tournament. I will be calling!!

Respectfully Submitted,
David L. Burgett, Quartermaster

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