VFW Core Values

Green Township Post 10380 Veterans of Foreign Wars

May 2016

∗ To always put the interests of our members first ∗ Treat donors as partners in our cause ∗ Promote patriotism ∗ Honor military service ∗ Ensure the care of veterans and their families ∗ Serve our communities ∗ Promote a positive image of the VFW ∗ Respect the diversity of veteran opinions

VFW Mission

Welcome from Commander Mike Donnelly

∗ To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts

∗ To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities

∗ To advocate on behalf of all veterans

The Post meeting will be the Third Thursday each month

7:30 p.m. Nathanael Greene Lodge, lower level

6394 Wesselman Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45247

513.598.3100 (Call Lodge for meeting cancellations)

Meeting Date Staff Meeting Date The Staff meeting will be

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 7:00 p.m.

Nathanael Greene Lodge, upper level 6394 Wesselman Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45247

513.598.3100 (Call Lodge for meeting cancellations)

Blessed with beautiful weather this year, the Cars and Courage Car Show was a great success at its new location on Diamond Oaks Career Campus! Many thanks to Dan Rush—Diamond Oaks Dean of Instruction, Joe Burke—

Supervisor of the Adult Workforce Department, VFW comrade co-chairs Jim Stanghetti and Bill Ostermeyer, and all the volunteers for their hard work. We hope everyone enjoyed the day! We are working to make next year’s show bigger and better, so mark your calendar for April 22, 2017!

Congratulations and welcome to the newly elected Officers of Post 10380: Roger Sand—Trustee, Donnie Becker—Junior Vice Commander, and Jim Jansen—Surgeon. Many thanks to Tom Bolser and Don Rudler for also running! Thank you to each of you for offering your time and talents to serve.

Sincere thanks are in order for the following comrades who have served this Post for many years and in many ways: Jim Copenhaver for his service as Trustee, as well as other positions over the years. Thank you, Jim, for the good advice you’ve given me over my years as Commander; to Gary Overbey for his service as Junior Vice Commander for the past four years. Gary, his wife, Pat, and entire family have been serving fun, food and tunes (via his personal PA system) at many Post functions such as the Family Kite Fly, Winterfest at Nathanael Greene Lodge, Cars and Courage Car Show, the Fundraiser at Champions Grille, Green Township’s Kids Fun Day, and driving the “people-mover” in local parades. Gary would also set out and clean up the food at Post meetings. Phew—no wonder you’re tired, Gary! Thank you, Gary, for all you and your family do!

Don’t forget these upcoming events: ∗ May 12—Cruise-In at Christine’s Restaurant, Harrison Avenue, 5:30 p.m. ∗ May 30—Cheviot Memorial Day Parade, Harrison Avenue, 11:00 a.m. (start time) ∗ May 30—Post 10380 Memorial Day Ceremony, Veterans Park, Harrison Avenue, 2:00 p.m. ∗ June 6— 20th Annual Memorial Day Golf Outing, Aston Oaks Golf Club, Shady Lane. ∗ June 12—Flag Retirement Ceremony, Veterans Park, Harrison Avenue, 2:00 p.m.

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever.” Happy Mother’s Day! Mike

In Memoriam

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Remember

you promised them you wouldn’t forget.

Ever.

Take time.

It’s Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Events City of Cheviot

Annual Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 30, 2016

Post 10380 comrades who wish to

ride on the “people-mover” meet at 9:30 am

at the Mack Firehouse on Bridgetown Road. We’ll leave at 10:15.

For safety reasons, children are not permitted on the “people-mover”. Thanks for your understanding.

VFW Post 10380 Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 30, 2016 2:00 p.m.

Green Township Veterans Park

6303 Harrison Ave.

Comrades please arrive by 1:30 p.m.

Public is welcome. Free parking available at Green Township Administration Building, Harrison Avenue.

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.

by John McCrae

“Buddy” Poppy Day Saturday, May 28,

2016 9am—3pm

Local Kroger Locations

All donations help Veterans and their

families in our local community

20th Annual Golf Outing

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Sponsorship Opportunities

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Family Kite Fly at Veterans Park

Most Original!

Oh what a tangled web we weave!

Below: Best Overall was won by

Gabriel Reupert (back row on left)

and celebrated by his family!

You’ve got to know when to

hold ‘em…

Know when to fold ‘em…..

Winning

brothers!

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Post 10380 3rd Annual Car Show

Above: Diamond Oaks Junior ROTC Honor Guard opened the show

Above: Attendees stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem

Sunshine warmed the spirits and made for a perfect day.

Split-the-Pot, Hot Food, Popcorn, Music, People’s Choice Awards, and

Awards for Judged Categories rounded out the fun

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Post 10380 Fundraiser at Robben Florist

We want to extend a warm welcome to the following new member who transferred to our Post in April

Ronald Fraley

We appreciate you choosing Post 10380 and hope you enjoy yourself.

We welcome your suggestions and encourage you to become actively involved.

Please ask us for help if / when you need it. If you like us, invite a buddy;

if you don't, please tell us why.

Cruise-In Christine’s

Casual Dining

5770 Harrison Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45248

May 12, 2016

5:30 p.m. Rain or shine (Second Thursday each month)

Questions?? Call Jim Stanghetti 513.545.3798

No other discount coupon acceptable Valid May 16, 2016 thru May 31, 2016

10% of all in-store

purchases only will be

donated back to

Annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, shrubs,

fertilizers, etc. Concrete & other outdoor decorations

Green Township Post 10380

Bring this Coupon 352 Pedretti Road / Delhi

513.251.2737

Exposures by Wars and Operations

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Public Health

Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry Exposure to airborne hazards, such as burn pit smoke, may cause health effects. In June 2014, VA opened the “Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry” for eligible Veterans and Service members. This Registry is a database of information that will help to monitor health conditions affecting them. This data will also be used to improve programs to help them with deployment exposure concerns. Most Veterans and Service members will complete a questionnaire just once; however, some may be asked to participate in studies that could involve additional questionnaires and exams. VA will maintain the security of all information pro-vided in the registry.

Participation in the Registry is voluntary and will not affect access to health care or benefits. Veterans do not need to partici-pate in the Registry in order to submit a claim for disability compensation. The Registry and the disability compensation processes are separate and not related. Veterans can find information on how to submit a claim for disability compensation through the VA at the following link: www.benefits.va.gov/compensation To Check Your Eligibility for the Registry: Based on deployment information from the Department of Defense (DoD), registry participation is open to Veterans and Service members who deployed to contingency operations in the Southwest Asia theater of operations at any time on or after August 2, 1990, or Afghanistan or Djibouti on or after September 11, 2001. These regions include the following countries, bodies of water and the airspace above these locations: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and waters of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Red Sea. For information visit https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry

Sand, Dust, Particulates

Veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and other dusty environments were often exposed to sand, dust, pollution and other airborne particles. Larger particles, such as sand, may become trapped in the nose and throat but can be expelled by coughing or sneezing.

Very small, fine particles (particulates) may cause more serious health problems because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and airways. These extremely small particles and liquid drop-lets can include acids, chemicals, metals, soil or dust.

If you are concerned about your exposure to sand, dust or particulates, talk to your health care provider or local VA Envi-ronmental Health Coordinator Janie Thompson, 513.475.6973 or Janie.Thompson3@va.gov. at Cincinnati VA Medical Center / 3200 Vine Street /Cincinnati, OH 45220. Join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to create a snapshot of your health and help VA learn more about potential health effects. Check your eligibility and sign up through an online questionnaire (see above website).

Particulate matter pollution in Iraq and Afghanistan Although particulate matter (PM) emissions from natural and man-made sources are found worldwide, PM levels in Southwest Asia are naturally higher. Primary sources of PM in Southwest Asia include dust storms, vehicle exhaust, construction sites, farming, and emissions from local industries. The use of burn pits for waste management increased the naturally high concentrations of PM in Iraq and Afghanistan. Air sampling performed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq (the large Balad burn pit operated there and was shut down in 2009) detected increased particu-late matter and infrequently some chemicals, which may have been due to the industry in Iraq. Continued on page 9

Each month, we will explore an exposure in greater detail. To research additional information on a particular exposure, or different wars/operations, visit the website www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/wars-operations/oef.

Operation Enduring Freedom Exposures (October 7, 2001—present

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Exposures by Wars and Operations

Operation Enduring Freedom Exposures continued

Sand, Dust, Particulates Health effects of sand, dust and PM exposure Most studies relate particulate matter (PM) exposure data to respiratory and cardiopulmonary health effects in specific, susceptible groups such as young children, the elderly, and people with existing asthma or cardiopulmonary disease.

Many variables influence the nature and probability of health problems: ♦ Size of the PM (Smaller particles are considered more harmful because of easier passage through the nose and throat to enter

the lungs.) ♦ Chemical make-up of the PM ♦ Concentration levels ♦ Duration of exposure ♦ Human factors including age, health status, existing medical conditions, and genetics

Symptoms of sand, dust and particulate exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Other symptoms include cold or flu-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath.

Compensation benefits for health problems Veterans may file a claim for disability compensation for health problems they believe are related to sand, dust and particulate ex-posure during military service. VA decides these claims on a case-by-case basis. File a claim online at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage

Source: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/sand-dust-particulates/

Burn Pit

The use of burn pits was a common waste disposal practice at military sites outside of the US, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan. Smoke and other emissions from these pits contained an unknown mixture of sub-stances that may have short and long-term health effects, especially for individuals who were exposed for longer periods or those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other lung or heart conditions. Burn pits were a common way to get rid of waste at military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan. At this time, research does not show evidence of long-term health problems from exposure to burn pits. VA continues to study the health of deployed Veterans. Health effects from burn pit smoke Toxins in burn pit smoke may affect the skin, eyes, respir atory

and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract and internal organs. Veterans who were closer to burn pit smoke or exposed for longer periods may be at greater risk. Health effects depend on a number of other factors, such as the kind of waste being burned and wind direction. Most of the irritation is temporary and resolves once the exposure is gone. This includes eye irritation and burn-ing, coughing and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and skin itching and rashes. The high level of fine dust and pollution com-mon in Iraq and Afghanistan may pose a greater danger for respiratory illnesses than exposure to burn pits, according to a 2011 Institute of Medicine report. Type of waste burned Waste products in burn pits include, but are not limited to: chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal/aluminum cans, munitions and other unexploded ordnance, petroleum and lubricant products, plastics, rubber, wood, and discarded food. Burning waste in open air pits can cause more pollution than controlled burning, such as in an incinerator. If you are concerned about your exposure to burn pits, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordi-nator Janie Thompson, 513.475.6973 or Janie.Thompson3@va.gov. at Cincinnati VA Medical Center / 3200 Vine Street /Cincin-nati, OH 45220.

Source:www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits

Illness & Bereavement Committee

To assist you in filing a claim, contact one of the following Veterans Service Officers directly:

♦ Jerry Fatora, 513.684.2661 — VFW Post 10380 comrade

♦ Bill Burgin, 513.946.3300 — Hamilton County Veteran Service Office

♦ Mike Burgess, 812.537.8819 — Dearborn County Veteran Service Office

Veterans may use the service of any office in any county; you need not be a resident of that county.

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Information Corner

Attendance: Bill Soto Split-the-Pot: J im Copenhaver

$100 Raffle: Ted Bevis $50 Raffle: Alex Evans

April Meeting Winners

VA Contact Information Hamilton County Veterans’ Service Office 230 E. 9th Street (9th & Sycamore) Cinti. OH Room 1100 (1st floor) 513.946.3300 VA Benefits: 800.827.1000 Beneficiaries in receipt of Pension Benefits: 877.294.6380 Debt Management: 800.827.0648 Education (GI Bill): 888.442.4551 Health Care Benefits: 877.222.8387 Status of Headstones/Markers: 800.697.6947 Life Insurance: 800.669.8477 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 800.829.4833

Special Issues—Gulf War / Agent Orange / Project Shad / Mustard Agents and Lewisite / Ionizing Radiation: 800.749.8387

Complimentary Monthly Coffee & Pastries Get-Together 1st Wednesday of each month 9—10 a.m.

RSVP by two days prior to Mike Donnelly 675.4249 or Bob Abrams 609.6379

How Do I Join? VFW Post 10380

always welcomes new members.

Contact Gary Overbey 513.741.9921 or Mike Donnelly 513.675.4249

for eligibility requirements.

0900 Muster for Coffee & Pastries

Point Blank Cincy West 7266 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati OH 45247

513.322.4050

To all May

Birthdays!

We always welcome new business sponsors

and individual supporters. Contact Bob Abrams

513.609.6379 or Larry Chuma 513.549.9369

We always welcome donations!

Checks payable to: VFW Post 10380.

Mail to: PO Box 62

North Bend, OH 45052

Local Veterans Service Officers

We all need the love and support of friends and family during times of illness and death.

Post 10380 provides support to our members and their spouses during these times.

Comrades, if you or your spouse is admitted to any Cincinnati area hospital, or if you would like to have a VFW ceremony conducted

at your funeral service, please contact committee members Ben Staubach (513.941.6868) or

Al Vetter 513.668.0813).

2016 Calendar of Annual Events

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January February

14 Four Chaplains Memorial Service at St. Boniface Church 20 Champions FUNdraiser

March

April

3 Family Kite Fly at Veterans Park 14 CruiseIn at Christine’s 23 Cars & Courage Car Show— Diamond Oaks

May

7 Touch-a-Truck

12 CruiseIn at Christine’s

28 Poppy Day Fundraiser

30 Post 10380 Memorial Day Ceremony

Community Memorial Day Ceremonies

June

6 Memorial Day Golf Outing at Aston Oaks

9 CruiseIn at Christine’s

July

3 Green Township July 4th Celebration at Kuliga Park 14 CruiseIn at Christine’s

August

11 CruiseIn at Christine’s

18 Grill-Out/Post Meeting

27 Green Township Kids’ Fun Day at Veterans Park

September

8 Harvest Home Parade

October

1 Green Twnsp. Safety Services Expo

Post 10380 Annual Raffle tickets available

November

11 Post 10380 Veterans Day Ceremony Community Veterans Day Ceremonies

Reminder: Annual Dues

December

2 Green Township Family Winterfest

4 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony TBA VAMC Chr ist-mas T-Shirt Distribution

Reminders

Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) To schedule transportation on VTS, call 513.487.6066. Please schedule at least 72 hours in ad-vance of appointments. For addi-tional information, please visit the website below. http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/veteranstransportationservice/ Newsletter by Email To save money, this newsletter can be sent to you or family members by email.

To be added to the list, email vfwpost10380@ gmail.com

You can also view it on our web-site www.vfw10380.org

Funeral Service

If you would like our Post to conduct a VFW ceremony at a funeral service, please contact Dan Wilcox at 513.922.5458

Post 10380 Officers Commander: Mike Donnelly Senior Vice-Commander Dan Wilcox Junior Vice-Commander Donnie Becker Quartermaster Jerry Rowland Adjutant Charlie Wilke

Judge Advocate Don Willwerth Chaplain Bob Abrams Surgeon Jim Jansen Officer of the Day Ron Kelly Guard Bill Soto Membership Gary Overbey

Service Officer Peter Rebold Trustee 1 Year Larry Chuma Trustee 2 Year Jim Stanghetti Trustee 3 Years Roger Sand Illness & Bereavement Ben Staubach 513.941.6868 Al Vetter 513.668.0813

For additional information on services or programs, or to be added to or removed from this mailing, contact Mike Donnelly

513.675.4249 or email to vfwpost10380 @gmail.com

www.vfw10380.org

The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world’s oceans and protects national interests overseas.

The U. S. Air Force protects Ameri-can interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.

The Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.

As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the secu-rity of the United States and its re-sources.

Green Township Post

10380

The Coast Guard protects America’s waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime.

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID CINCINNATI, OH

PERMIT # 5930