Message from Commander Pat Lipka Dates to Remember

September

9/6—Lyons Picnic

9/11—WTC Memorial 8:00 A.M at Middletown Memorial Gardens

9/19—POW/MIA Candle-light Ceremony—7:30P.M.

9/28—”Run for the Fall-en” Contact the Post

October

10/31 BOO! Save the Date!

November

11/1 Patriot’s Pen/VOD submission deadline

11/9—Veteran’s Day Pa-rade 1:00 P.M.

11/11—Veterans Day

11/15—”The Cameos”

December

12/7— Pearl Harbor Day

12/8 Holiday Party at the Menlo Hospital.

Dear Comrades,

First, I would like to thank the entire membership for giving me the opportunity to serve as your

Commander of VFW Post 2179. I would also like to thank those that agreed to serve along side

of me as we move forward toward a prosperous and productive year

I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend and outgoing Commander Charles “Bo” Gallagher His

leadership and commitment to Veteran’s causes as well as his sound financial judgment enabled

me to take the reins of a Post that is on solid ground

We can proudly say that the Veterans that work every day making this Post one of the best are

those that consider helping a privilege, not a chore. Members like Thomas Hackett, our Quarter-

master, who works tirelessly to keep us financially sound, Will Purcell, Senior Vice Commander

and Bill Travis our Chaplin, both past District commanders who give us guidance whenever

asked. Additionally, we have Junior Vice Commander, Robert Amrozewicz who runs community

service, Past Commander Robert Woods our Adjutant, and Past Commander Brody Force our

Judge Advocate who runs our Poppy Program and publishes this newsletter. I also want to recog-

nize Dennis Beauregard, our Veterans Service Officer, Surgeon Donald Kehoe, Guard, Michael

Corcoran, Officer of the Day, William Boyce, as well as our Trustees, Past Commander Charles

Gallagher, Tom Carroll and Robert Lecock.

No post would be able to survive if we didn’t have Veterans who manage the day to day opera-

tions. Veterans such as Chuck Flynn, Lounge Manager, Angel Rodriguez, Kitchen Manager,

Dennis Beauregard, Hall Manager, Will Purcell and Marella Anderson Post Bingo Managers and

Women’s Bingo Manager, Lori Cannon. We also want to recognize and thank Richard Furlong

and Thomas Carroll, who, along with staff, travel to our Veteran’s hospitals to bring a smile and a

bit of cheer to make sure those Veterans are not forgotten.

Lastly, I would like to mention the ladies that make up our Women’s Auxiliary. Led by Madam

President Kristan Purcell, these women work tirelessly on special events, fundraisers and other

programs to help us grow and stay productive.

As your Commander, it is my goal and honor to lead this great organization as we move forward.

With the help of our great staff, I can ensure you that we will be kept financially sound, well man-

aged, and that all Veterans are treated with respect, honor and dignity.

Sincerely,

Patrick Lipka

Commander

VFW Post 2179

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the USA

Middletown Twp. Post 2179 and Ladies Auxiliary 1 Veterans Lane

Port Monmouth, N.J. 07758 (732) 787– 0999

Commander Pat Lipka Joint Newsletter President Kris Purcell

Sr. Vice– Will P. Purcell September 2014 Sr. Vice– Carmen Peterson

Jr. Vice—Robert Amrozewicz Jr. Vice—Martha Magrino

Quartermaster—Thomas M. Hackett Treasurer—Rose Grieman

Meetings

VFW—2nd Thursday

of the Month—7:30

Auxiliary—2nd Mon-

day of the month—

7:00

PAGE 2 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA

Message from President Kris Purcell

COMMANDER PAT LIPKA SR. VICE COMMANDER WILL PURCELL JR. VICE COMMANDER ROBERT AMROZEWICZ QUARTERMASTER THOMAS HACKETT CHAPLAIN WILLIAM TRAVIS GUARD MIKE CORCORAN SURGEON BOB AMROZEWICZ

JUDGE ADVOCATE BRODY FORCE SERVICE OFFICER DENNIS BEAUREGARD TRUSTEE CHARLES GALLAGHER TRUSTEE TOM CARROLL TRUSTEE ROBERT LECOCK

Middletown Twp. Post 2179 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

MEET OUR 2014 –2015 OFFICERS

Middletown Twp. Post 2179 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

PRESIDENT KRISTAN PURCELL SR. VICE PRESIDENT CARMEN PETERSON JR. VICE PRESIDENT MARTHA MAGRINO TREASURER ROSE GRIEMAN CHAPLAIN LAURA MERKER CONDUCTRESS MARGARET KEMPSON GUARD DEBORAH SMITH TRUSTEE CINDY MALMO TRUSTEE EDITH SPERING TRUSTEE MARGE KEMPSON SECRETARY LORI CANNON

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank, once again, my sisters of the Auxiliary for their support and confidence in electing me President. I will do my best to serve the Auxiliary and the Post, as well. I look forward to working with our new commander, Pat Lipka, and all the members. A big thanks to Carol and Bud Force for volunteering to publish the newsletter - it has been missed. The year is new but we are off to a good start. We did well in Wildwood; Cindy Malmo received the All American Presi-dent award and Carmen Peterson was elected State Guard. Please be sure to re-view the calendar of upcoming events. The POW/MIA Remembrance will be held on September 19th. It would be wonderful to see more Auxiliary Members at our meet-ings which are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me - my phone number is 732-787-5224 and my e-mail is kpurcell197@yahoo.com. God Bless our Troops and God Bless the United States of America!

Message from Ladies Auxiliary President Kristan Purcell

2014 Veteran’s Day Parade

This year’s Veteran’s Day Parade will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, November 9th, 2014. The

theme is Honor and Remember, to perpetuate recognition of sacrifice made by Veterans and

their families, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s Grand Mar-

shalls are Charles Gallagher and Lucinda Malmo.

Come out and march or ride (rides are available) in the parade. Hot dogs and refreshments

will be at the Post Home after the parade.

Thinking of You

Get well prayers and wishes are sent to:

Dolores Beauregard—831 Andover Street, Red Bank

07701

Al Smith—Verdun Place Middletown, New Jersey

07748

Thinking of you:

Candy Frable

Marion DiVestea

Fara Fay Draughn

COOTIES PUP Tent 38

Breakfast!!!!

Come out and join us for breakfast held

the third Sunday of the month from 8:00

until 12:00 P.M.

Lt Governor Guadagno Visits

VFW 2179

On July 10, 2014, Lt. Governor Guadagno as Acting

Governor, signed a bill designating May of each year

as Military Appreciation Month at VFW Post 2179.

Commander’s Project

Beautification and Memorial Trees

Our beautification and memorial project is now under way. We have planted over

130 Leyland Cypress trees to beautify the entrance and grounds of our Post. Bro-

chures, re-printed on the next page, and available at the Post, will explain how

you can participate by making a $50.00 donation per tree in the name of a loved

one. Please read the brochure for additional information.

POW/MIA Candlelight Ser-

vice

The POW/MIA Candlelight

Service will be held on Fri-

day, September 19th, at our

Post home, One Veteran’s

Lane Highway 36, Port Mon-

mouth N.J.. The remem-

brance service will begin at 7:30. If you are partici-

pating in Massing of the Colors, or will be making a

wreath presentation, please RSVP and indicate how

many will be attending.

Please RSVP by September 13th by contacting Car-

men Peterson, Americanism Chairman, at (732) 787-

0999, or mail to Middletown VFW & Ladies Auxilia-

ry 2179, One Veterans Lane & Highway 36, Port

Monmouth, New Jersey 07758.

PAGE 3 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA

PAGE 5 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA

Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee Brings Lakewood Vet Center Services To VFW Post 2179Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee Brings Lakewood Vet Center Services To VFW Post 2179Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee Brings Lakewood Vet Center Services To VFW Post 2179

On July 10, 2014 Commander Pat Lipka and Post service officer Dennis Beauregard welcomed Charlie Wuth and his mo-

bile Vet Center. The Vet Center will be at our Post home every Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to help area Veterans with counseling.

MIDDLETOWN –The Mobile Vet Center (MVC) of Lakewood, NJ offers weekly counseling and outreach services in Middletown

Township. VFW Post 2179 located on Route 36 hosts the MVC in their parking lot on Thursdays, thanks to a partnership made pos-

sible through the Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee.

Vet Centers provide counseling services to combat veterans and veterans who experience sexual trauma while on active duty. They

can also provide services to the family members of these veterans as well as family members of those who have fallen while on ac-

tive duty. The MVC is staffed by a counselor and an outreach specialist. The MVC is located in Middletown on Thursdays.

“We are trying to bring services closer to the veterans,” says Daria Pampaloni, LCSW, Team Leader for the Lakewood Vet Center.

“We provide services to veterans in Monmouth and Ocean County but Lakewood can be a long trip if a veteran doesn’t have a car,

or if they need to hire a babysitter. We’re trying to bring the services closer to those who need us.”

Because the MVC is a multi-purpose vehicle, it will continue to fulfill its mission to provide outreach services at events around the

state. Post 2179 provides a private office so the counselor can continue to meet with veterans and their families if the mobile coun-

seling center is not available on a Thursday. Interested veterans can contact 908-607-6364 to set up an appointment.

(reprinted from the Asbury Park Press)

Annual Joint Picnic: A Fun Time for All! On August 17th, VFW Post 2179 and American Legion Post 515 had their annual joint picnic. Over 200

guests attended and all enjoyed the extensive menu of ribs, chicken, sausage, burgers, hot dogs, clams, salads

and more. Live music had everyone dancing the day away and the children were kept busy with many activi-

ties. A special thank you to Middletown Mayor Stephanie Murray, Committeeman Gerard Scharfenberger,

NJ State Senior Vice Commander Daniel Viveiros, and other dignitaries who shared in this great event.

PAGE 6 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA

Chaplain’s Message

Past Commander Bill Travis is

currently serving as Post 2179 Chaplain

while Laura Merker holds this position

for the Ladies Auxiliary. Bill can be

reached at the Post and Auxiliary Chap-

lain Laura Merker can be reached at

(732) 888-1813.

Please contact them if you know

of a comrade or sister in need of good

wishes.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/PATRIOTS PEN

One of the most satisfying contest that the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary runs is the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen program. These programs are open to any student or home schooled in public, parochial or private schools. The dead-line for both contests is November 1, 2014 to the VFW by midnight.

V.O.D/Voice of Democracy Is open to students in grade 9 through 12. This is an audio/oral essay that is given and can be done on CD or cassette, it is to be sent to the chairman or brought to the VFW 2179. This year’s theme is:

WHY VETERANS ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR NATION’S HISTORY AND FUTURE

Patriot’s Pen

Is open to students in grades 6 through 8. This is an essay contest of no less than 300 or no more than 400 words. The essay is to be typewritten and sent to the chairman or brought to VFW 2179. This year’s them is:

WHY I APPRECIATE AMERICA’S VETERANS

For further information you can contact the Post at 732-787-0999, Chairman are Richard Furlong and Carmen S. Peter-

son. For an application: www.vfw.org/Voice of Democracy or www.vfw.org/Patriots Pen

The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2179 is

proud to announce the return of :

“THE CAMEOS”

Saturday, November 15th 8 PM. to 12 A.M.

VFW Post 2179

Port Monmouth

$35.00 per person

Includes: Beer, Wine Soda, Coffee, Tea and

Dessert.

Bring your own snacks.

For information and table reservations call:

Pat O’Grady (732) 232-0279

Bingo is alive and well on Mondays at noon and Tuesday nights at 8:00. Doors

open at 6. Come on out and play and bring a friend!!! The kitchen is open serv-

ing sandwiches, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, hotdogs, French fries

and snacks are available. Two dollars will get you in the door!

As always, if you don’t like to play, we can use help in the kitchen or on the bin-

go floor. Contact Will Purcell or Mariela Anderson (Tuesday bingo) or Lori

Cannon (Monday bingo) for details.

PRESIDENT SIGNS CRITICAL VETERANS’ LEGISLATION INTO LAW

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) was on hand today at Fort Belvoir, VA as the president

signed H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 into law. The newly signed law will

provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an additional $15 billion of emergency funding to ensure vet-

erans who cannot be seen by a VA doctor will not be forced to wait months for care. It will also allow VA to begin

building capacity and regain veterans’ trust by hiring more physicians and building needed infrastructure and allow-

ing the Secretary to fire top executives who don’t have veterans’ best interest at heart.

“As early as 2002 the VFW has testified before Congress that veterans are waiting too long for care and that VA

doesn’t have the doctors and space needed to provide timely care,” said VFW Commander-in-Chief John Stroud.

“This legislation is a positive first step in putting VA back on track, but it will take decisive leadership within VA, as

well as strong oversight from Congress and the veteran community to ensure our veterans receive the timely, quality

care they have earned.”

The VFW membership then passed a stern resolution at the recent VFW National Convention, telling Congress to

either pass the bill before recess, or pay the consequences back home. This message was quickly reinforced by the

VFW’s grassroots Action Corps, which sent nearly 32,000 messages to every Congressional office on Capitol Hill,

insisting legislators take action.

“VFW members were rightfully outraged over the recent controversy, and today the voices of our members resonated

strongly in Washington,” said Stroud.

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 also includes critical provisions expanding traumatic

brain injury care programs for veterans; improving education benefits for surviving spouses; critical funding for 27

new or expanded VA Community-based Outpatient Clinics; and a provision offering veterans in-state tuition at the

Be Informed …….

Legislation

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA PAGE 7

PAGE 8 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA

Cancer Grant Program

The Cancer Aid Program was designed by our National Organization to create an awareness of the

importance of early detection and treatment as a major way to eliminate cancer. Support Research by provid-

ing funding to promising cancer research throughout the United States, and assistance - to members who have

cancer – providing small financial grants. The Ladies Auxiliary VFW designed and made available the Can-

cer Grant. The grant is a financial gift to members who meet the eligibility requirements (see below). It is a

tangible way the national organization can say ‘We care about you.” The grants are given based on diagnosis,

hospitalization, surgery and treatment.

Eligibility Requirements: Be sure to read these carefully if you are considering applying.

Applicant must be a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW one (1) full year:

Surgery or treatment after one (1) full year of membership:

Current dues must be paid before applying for a cancer grant: This also applies to reinstated members.

After twelve (12) months has passed from the date of last surgery, treatment, or diagnosis, application

will not be accepted:

A member is allowed two (2) grants during her lifetime. Twelve (12) months must elapse between new

surgery and / or treatment for a second application to be considered. Continuous treatment which lasts

beyond the twelve (12) month period will qualify for a second grant:

Applications will not be accepted for deceased members:

Grants ‘in process’ (date stamped upon receipt at National Headquarters at time of member’s death will

be processed.

How to get a Cancer Grant Application Form: contact your Auxiliary Treasurer, Rose Grieman, 732-716-

1550. Once you have the application, be sure to review the entire form before you fill it out. Note that there is

a section that must be filled out and signed by the attending physician. Return the completed form to the ad-

dress indicated on the form as soon as possible.

Cancer Insurance Program

First and foremost, a Great Big ‘THANK YOU’ to the Auxiliary Sisters who responded to our recent

‘Cake-less Cake Sale’ to raise funds for our cancer insurance premium, it was a success. Once again, I was

overwhelmed by the generosity of so many of our sisters.

An Overview of the Cancer Insurance Program:

Our Auxiliary carries a Cancer Insurance Policy on all of our members, which pays as much as $37.50 per

day for covered hospital expense, beginning with the 1st day of confinement, up to a maximum of 365 days

per illness period. The plan pays double benefits for as much as 7 days of hospital intensive care confinement.

The Auxiliary pays the premium for the insurance by conducting various fund raisers, receiving donations

and a portion of your dues is dedicated to this fund. Cancer is one of the most overwhelming and devastating

diseases, affecting all ages. Each of us has been affected in some way, in our own family or our friends. Be

aware and take the necessary precautions to insure that we stay healthy. Contact Auxiliary Treasurer, Rose

Grieman, 732-716-1550, to obtain the Insurance Claim Form. Ladies Auxiliary VFW 2179 Rose Grieman, Treasurer

Cancer Aide & Research Needs Your Help!

A new year has begun and so have our fund raising efforts for the Ladies Auxiliary Cancer

Aide project! In the upcoming months our members will see NEW and EXCITING events

like our Cakeless Bake Sale and a Scavenger Hunt in the works! Please direct any inquiries

about the Cancer Aide & Research Program to Stefanie Peterson via email at stefan-

ie.peterson13@gmail.com or Carmen Peterson via email at csp1311@comcast.net.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA PAGE 9

Americanism

Remember to fly your flag every day, show your patriotism and spirit. Flag Education is very important, we have the Mary Weber Memorial Flag Program anyone wishing to have a service can e-mail me at csp1311@comcast.net. We also need to remember those teachers who foster the principals upon which this country is based and promote Patriotism within their classroom. If you know of such a teacher let us know. We are not talking about a teacher who is good and does a fantastic job, we are looking for the teacher that goes beyond that and teaches patriotism, loyalty and citizenship through programs or events that he/she does within their teaching spectrum.

Dates to remember:

POW/MIA - September 19

Veterans Day - November 11

Pearl Harbor - December 7

AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP

As of July 1, we are working on a new auxiliary year and we are striving to reach

100% Plus in Membership. A special ‘Thank You’ to the members who have responded to

the dues notice that I mailed out the end of July.

Those members who have not yet sent in their dues PLEASE take the time now and

mail your payment - $18.00 – make check payable to VFW Ladies Aux. 2179. Send to: Rose

Grieman, 1108 Sycamore Ct, Whiting, NJ 08759.

Do you know anyone eligible for membership in the Ladies Auxiliary VFW?

If so, please ask them to join – the new member fee is $25.00. We are always looking for

new members: those eligible for membership are wives, widows, mothers, stepmothers,

grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, half-sisters, and stepsisters of persons who

were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Proof of eligibility is required - Authorization is shown on the veteran’s separation docu-

ment. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and at least 16 years of age. For more

information or an application, I can be reached at 732-716-1550.

Rose Grieman, Treasurer, Ladies Auxiliary VFW 2179

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA PAGE 10

Time to Pay Your

Dues!

Please send payment in the amount of $40.00 to:

VFW POST 2179

One Veteran’s Lane

Port Monmouth, New Jersey 07758

(If there is a veteran that is unable to make this

payment, please contact the Commander or Post

Quartermaster)

Friday

Night Dinners Don’t feel like cooking on Friday

nights? Then join us for our Friday

night dinner.

It’s been a profitable year thanks to a great

staff we are able to bring good food to the

people. We now offer a variety of choices for

your pleasure. Dinner is served from six to

eight o’clock P.M. and we have take-out avail-

able. Please check the VFW 2179 Facebook

page for the menu. If you have a large party

you can call ahead and we will reserve a table

for you. Children under 12 can have chicken

fingers with fries free! Check us out!!!!

Join us in the Lounge!!!!

Sunday Football—Refreshments and good cheer every Sunday afternoon. We have 6 giant TV’s capturing the action from every angle!!

Wednesday Alley Bowling League or our Left— Right—Center games. Great Laughs a good time by all.

Karaoke is Back!!! Beginning September 20th, first and third Saturday nights at 7:00. Join us for songs, laughs, and a great time!

Friday Night Dinners—great meals at a reasonable price. Live entertainment starting in October, the first Friday of the month!

Bingo—Monday at 12:00 Noon Tuesday at 7:00 P.M.

Did you know????

COINS LEFT ON TOMBSTONES

While visiting some cemeteries you may notice that headstones marking certain graves have

coins on them, left by previous visitors to the grave.

These coins have distinct meanings when left on the headstones of those who gave their life

while serving in America's military, and these meanings vary depending on the denomination

of coin.

A coin left on a headstone or at the grave site is meant as a message to the deceased soldier's

family that someone else has visited the grave to pay respect. Leaving a penny at the grave

means simply that you visited.

A nickel indicates that you and the deceased trained at boot camp together, while a dime

means you served with him in some capacity. By leaving a quarter at the grave, you are tell-

ing the family that you were with the solider when he was killed.

According to tradition, the money left at graves in national cemeteries and state veterans

cemeteries is eventually collected, and the funds are put toward maintaining the cemetery or

paying burial costs for indigent veterans.

In the US, this practice became common during the Vietnam War, due to the political divide

in the country over the war; leaving a coin was seen as a more practical way to communicate

that you had visited the grave than contacting the soldier's family, which could devolve into

an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war.

Some Vietnam veterans would leave coins as a "down payment" to buy their fallen comrades

a beer or play a hand of cards when they would finally be reunited.

Submitted by: Charles Gallagher, Past Commander

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE USA PAGE 11

Middletown Twp. Post #2179 and Ladies Auxiliary

One Veterans Lane

Port Monmouth, New Jersey 07758

The VFW / Ladies Auxiliary Newsletter now available by e-mail!

To receive your newsletter electronically, simply e-mail your name, address and e-mail address to VFW2179@verizon.net. The newsletter will be sent to all members who have submitted an email address.

Moving???

Send new address to:

VFW Post 2179 One Veteran’s Lane Port Monmouth, New Jersey 07758

Having a Party or

Event???

VFW HALL

RENTAL Reasonable Pricing

All amenities, food, lin-

ens, beverages, wait staff

etc.

Call Dennis Beauregard (732) 787- 0999

NEWS AND NOTES

Phone: (732) 787-0999

(732) 787-9897

Fax: (732) 787-8622

Email: VFW2179@verizon.net

“I will support and defend the

Constitution against all enemies,

foreign and domestic.”

—U.S. Armed Forces Oath of

Enlistment and Office

Every Monday

Noon

LADIES AUXILIARY

Every Tuesday

8 P.M.

VFW # 2179 Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Grilled Cheese

Sandwiches, French Fries, Coffee and

Tea available

Volunteers welcome!