VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS WEST SACRAMENTO POST #8762 905 Drever Street, West Sacramento, CA 95691

(916) 371-7245

February/March 2015

Comrades: By the time you read this newsletter many of you will already know that our new Canteen Manager is Ken Boswell. He is the son of our Past Post Commander Jim Boswell. We are excited to have Ken and welcome his fresh, new ideas. I found Ken by chance down at the Donut Hole one morning, he indicated that he was retiring and had management skills and would like a part time job to keep him busy. Last month the House Committee offered Ken the position and he has accepted. Ken will be making some much needed changes and has some great ideas to bring people in and make the canteen more profitable. Welcome Ken!

As many of you already know, Dan Demars was hired on a couple of months ago as the janitor. He is so much more than a janitor. Dan never hesitates to fix something when it is in need of repair. He has a list of things that he will be repairing, many of which have been needed for a very long time. He is saving us so much money by incorporating these repairs into his daily janitorial job. I had the pleasure of working with Dan for many years and I know from experience that there is no job he cannot do! He is a very hard worker and he is welcome at our Post, thank you so much Dan, for all that you do for us.

We must have the canteen floors stripped and polished, its been years since we have refinished the floor. We should be stripping the floors at the very least every six months. This is a preventative measure, if we do not do it now the floors will be ruined and will need to be replaced. It is better to keep them up then to replace them.

Nominations of officers for the year 2015-2016 will be in April and elections will be in May with installation in June. The Post will be keeping the newsletter. Janis Medina, the Ladies Auxiliary President said that the ladies will take over the mailing of the newsletter and the Auxiliary and Post will split the cost of postage. Ellen and I will show the ladies the procedure for mailing.

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you of the news I received this morning about John Combs. He is very ill and has gone home from the hospital with hospice. I consider John one of my very dearest friends and I will be praying for him and Fran in this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Gary Reason, All American Commander

Hello Ladies: I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and happy. We had a good meeting where we brought in new member Bessie LaVassaur to the Auxiliary. Please join me in extending a warm welcome her. We look forward to her participation and input.

Auxiliary member Kathy Perrigo continues to get better with the passing of each new day, as illness as kept her away from our monthly meetings. She is missed. But Kathy please know we are sending you our warmest thoughts, and have had the drapes closed in your honor.

I have spoken with Tim from 4 Paws 4 Patriots he will be attending the April meeting to show and be a testament to the benefits of service dogs to our military members in need. He will be bringing an animal with him. I am sure it will be very informative. He will not only speak at our meeting but will speak at the post meeting as well. If you do not remember 4 Paws 4 Patriots provides service animals to a veteran in need free of cost. Animals are often saved from shelters. In essence it is saving two lives, and making the community a better place. To date, not one veteran has committed suicide after receiving an animal. This is truly a wonderful and much needed nonprofit. Please attend this meeting as a show of support and gratitude for all that they do.

The homemade Christmas stockings were a big hit and were delivered to Martinez where I am certain they were received with gratitude and delight. Thank you to all who put love into each and every one.

There was one person who donated blood on behalf of the Auxiliary in the month of February to that special person we say a big thanks. Remember if you are going to give blood please give them the id number of #8845 as we get credit for doing so.

HUGE congratulations, to Sr. Vice President Theresa Blackmer as she has exceeded her goal of $1,500 for the High School scholarship for a River City High School student. She did so with the sales of her wonderful and tasty tacos. Way to go Theresa!!! We knew you could do it.

A special mention: A few teammates of Zackery Blunk the late son of our Jr. Vice President Judy Blunk, have deployed recently. We extend our wishes for speedy and safe return for all. I am in contact with some, and will be send a few care packages their way very soon. (continued on second side)

Janis Medina, President