Veterans of Fore ign Wars of the

Volume 16-1

By Post Commander Joseph Byrnes “Hoss”

SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, and the COMMUNITY

Taking Care of Veterans for Seventy Years 1946~2016

The Camaraderie Veterans of Fore ign Wars of the United States

Hello from my desk at work. Every-one must love the end of one year and the start of another. It is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. I would have to say, I am especially happy to have this one over. 2016 has been one *insert your own curse word here* year. Between the elec-

tion and what’s come after it, most will be happy to put 2016 in the rearview mirror. Onto some great news from 2016. Our 2016 Adopt-a-Family Project was our best one yet, if only for the to-tal number of families we served. This year, as I did last year, I asked the committee what was the number we could handle without killing ourselves? To my surprise that number stopped at 27 with over 75 children being taken care of. Several of you know my background is not only in information technology, but it is also in project manage-ment. As a project manager, the idea of organizing a venture this size with nothing but volunteers, has to be one of the hardest undertakings I have ever seen. The diehard folks who pulled this together should get a medal. Thank you again to Marilyn Bianco, Linda Bond, JoAnne Kelch, and Marcia Lohr, who handled the heavy lifting of co-chairing the com-mittee with unbelievable energy and grace. The next time you see them please pass on your compliments for a great job. As for all the elves who helped as far back as November ,“Bravo Zulu” (Navy Speak for JOB WELL DONE). If it was not for all our volunteers this project would be impossible. Housekeeping section. We are moving forward with the digital copy of the newsletter. If you are still getting a hard copy, please take the time to sign up on the Post website for the digital copy, as well as some other news that comes out after the newsletter. It is my goal to keep each of our members informed on what is going on with the Post moving into the future. As for the future of the Post, I am going to be honest, we are seriously looking for BINGO VOLUNTEERS! Each month our dedicated scheduler Diana Regan sends out emails

(Continued on page 2)

Adopt-A-Family Success!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who helped to make this year’s event a suc-cessful one. As you will see by the faces in the pictures on pages four and five, the chil-dren were delighted to share their wishes with Santa, create at the craft table, and chat with the robot, Sprocket.

If you have attended Bingo as a player or volunteer, purchased a present, wrapped a gift, made a donation of time or money, or helped to serve food at the luncheon; you were part of the success!

A special thank you to Wegman’s for their generous food donations to the food baskets.

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The Camaraderie

Commander’s Commentary—continued from page 1 and is always looking for able bodies to work. If you feel you can offer some time, please drop her a line at oregandl@cox.net and let her know to add your name to the list, and hopefully, what night you can work this month. Just so you know, we are looking for at least one night, either Thursday or Friday. The problem is, if we do not have enough volunteers, than we cannot hold Bingo. I would really hate it if we lost Bingo for lack of Post participation. It’s not the folks showing up, last week Friday we had 113 Bingo players and Thursday we had 74. We have the players, we need the helpers. Remember this is the way we raise the funds to help our fellow veterans. This last year not only did we do the Adopt-a-Family, we also bought groceries and kept the water and power on while veterans sorted out their lives. If we lost the Bongo operation, these veterans would not have been cared for. Think about it as this, there are so many things that we can do to help our fellow veterans in need now and throughout the year. Please help as much as you can. Even one night a month can make a difference. I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and profitable 2017.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Post Chaplain Wayne Yancey

Hello Comrades, Members of the Auxiliary, and Friends of the Post. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. I am sorry to report that Comrade Florence Baringer (wife of Quartermaster Joe Baringer) lost her mom in December. Our condo-lences to the family. Last month I reported that Mike Kephart had undergone bypass surgery. Mike reports that he is re-covering nicely. He said he is still a little short winded, but that also seems to be getting better. Comrade Rudy Gartner underwent extensive eye surgery since my last article. He had a detached reti-na and cataract surgery. Rudy is also home and recovering nicely. You may have noticed that Ted Scott has not worked Bingo for several months. Turns out – Ted has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and has been taking chemotherapy since December 9, 2016. The chemo has really done a number on his heart; so much so that he experienced Congestive Heart Failure on Christmas Eve and has been in the hospital and/or rehabilitation since. I spoke with his wife, she said Ted is doing a little better now but that he is terribly short-winded and must resume chemo soon. Please keep Florence, Mike, Rudy and Ted in your thoughts and prayers as they go through these dif-ficult times. Our next VA hospital visit is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, 2017. We will leave the Post Home at 6:00 pm and will return at approximately 9:00 pm. As always, if I can be of assistance to anyone please let me know. We can only be supportive to members of our Post and Auxiliary if we are aware of their situation.

Home: 703-3719-7660, Cellular; 703-350-8409 E Mail – W.Yancey @Cox.Net

If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide please reach out

to the military and veteran crisis line at

1 (800) 273-8255 press 1,

or if you feel like you just need someone to talk to reach out to vets4warriors at www.vets4warriors.com

These resources are available to active duty military, veterans, and their family members.

VFW Post & Auxiliary 7327 8350-F Terminal Road Lorton, Virginia 22079 Phone: 703-541-3139

Fax: 703-541-0641

Website: www.post7327.org Facebook: VFW Post 7327

Twitter: @VfwPost7327

Email: adjpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com Blog: www.vfwwebcom.org/va/Post7327

Editor & Design Katy Sylvester 703-350-8574 Diana Regan 703-719-7660

Contributing Articles By: Joseph Byrnes, Linda Byrnes, Frank

Konieczny, Barbara Major, Photographs By:

Linda Bond, Sharon Braun, JoAnne Kelch Post Officers

Commander: Joseph Byrnes,

cmdr@post7327.org Sr. Vice: Dorian Brunson,

srvice@post7327.org Jr. Vice: Raj Lobrecht, jrvice@post7327.org

Quartermaster: Joe Baringer qm@post7327.org

Judge Adv: Jason Turney Chaplain: Wayne Yancey,

w.yancey@cox.net Surgeon: Michael Kephart,

mike.kephart@cox.net 3-Yr Trustee: Terri Andreoni 2-Yr Trustee: Clarene McNeil

1-Yr Trustee: Gary Kelch Post Adjutant: Roberta Borka

adjpost7327@va.vfwwebmail.com Service Officer: Frank Konieczny,

fwkret@gmail.com Auxiliary Officers

President: Barbara Major 703-548-8343

Sr. Vice: Shirley Norris 703-971-1939

Jr. Vice: Diana Regan 703-719-7660

Secretary: Alice Merrill 703-569-1771

Treasurer: Linda Byrnes 703-732-7539

Chaplain: Floy Lipscomb 803-271-3081

Conductress: Barbara Bucklin 703-971-8299

Guard: Janne Best 703-321-7349

1-Yr Trustee: Linda Bond 703-407-3106

2-Yr Trustee: JoAnne Kelch 703-644-8485

3-Yr Trustee: Valerie Murrell

Patriotic Instructor: Joyce Engel The Camaraderie newsletter is published by

Springfield, Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327, a community based 501c19

not-for-profit Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organization. Mailed for

educational outreach and information purposes to our members, volunteers and

friends. The newsletter is distributed to over 700 individuals. We have served our

community since 1946, providing support to Veterans, their families, active duty military

and community based organizations.

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By Auxiliary President Barbara Major

Happy New Year!

I hope you have a

wonderful year.

I look forward to

serving our veterans

and their families with

you in 2017!

Auxiliary Membership Update Linda Byrnes—Treasurer

Welcome to Life Membership-Chong Benedict, Michelle Struyk, and Andrea Sutherland!!! As of this writing, we are over 100%, so we definitely made our banner requirement!! 2016 annual membership cards expired December 31. So for our few annual members who haven’t yet renewed your membership with either the $23 annual dues or conversion to Life fee (see the National website for new fees effective 1 January), please make checks payable to VFW Auxiliary 7327 and send to me at 8209 Terra Grande Avenue, Springfield, VA 22153.

Questions? Please call me at 703-732-7539.

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The Camaraderie

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The Camaraderie

Errett “Sonny” Thomas, Life Member and Past All State Post Commander of VFW Post 7327, is a Sales Liaison with Safford Dodge Jeep of Springfield. He invites you to come and have a look at the great selection of Dodge & Jeep Vehicles. A donation of $100 will be made to the Post or Auxiliary in the name of any VFW Post or Auxiliary Member for every new or used vehicle purchased. Just mention Sonny’s name or this ad. Please bring in your current mem-bership card with you.

Call Sonny at 703-629-4513. Safford Dodge Jeep, 7611 Loisdale Road,

Springfield, Virginia 22150

Upcoming National Events Open to Members www.vfw.org

2017 VFW Legislative Conference February 26-March 2

Since 1949, VFW's annual Legislative Conference has provided an opportunity for VFW leaders from each state to personally lobby their respective lawmakers and watch as VFW's current Commander-in-Chief testifies on Capitol Hill before the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees on behalf of veterans. Guest speakers are invited to address conference delegates, and since 1964 the VFW's Congressional Award has been presented annually to one sitting member of the House or Senate for their significant legis-lative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform. Also at the event, the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen scholarship contests are announced. Each national winner reads their winning essay before conference delegates and are presented with their winnings.

118th VFW National Convention July 22-26 New Orleans, La., “The Big Easy” is the host city for the 118th VFW National Convention. Explore New Orleans today! Approximately 10,000 VFW and Auxiliary members will convene from all over the world at the Ernest A. Morial Convention Center, July 22-26, 2017. VFW members will vote on organizational by-laws, attend workshops, network with other veterans and attend business sessions. Convention delegates will also enjoy addresses from several notable and distinguished guests. New Orleans is one of the world's most fascinating cities – it's home to a truly unique melting pot of cul-ture, food and music. From world-famous restaurants to hidden music clubs, as one of America's most cul-turally and historically-rich destinations, New Orleans has something to discover at every turn. Follow your instincts, your rhythm, your flavor and fun to discover the heart, soul and spirit of the city. Convention housing opens February 21, 2017. Check www.vfw.org for more information.

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Service Officer's Corner Francis W. Konieczny, Post Service Officer

Military Caregivers (Part 1 of 2)

This is the first of a 2 Part Series on Military Caregivers. Seventy-five years ago, they were different people. They parachuted into enemy territory in the dead of night, charged foreign beaches in the face of withering machine gun fire that they were sure would kill them. They flew heavy bombers over enemy territory. They sweated it out in jungles on the other side of the world. They froze during brutal German winters. They hunkered down in old and rickety submarines as the Japanese Navy unloaded inconceivable ordnance on them. They brazenly flew their jets against surface-to-air defenses in Vietnam. When it was over for them, they came back Stateside, married, built homes, and raised and cared for their families. As the years passed, the march of time took its toll. With their advancing age, came an inevitable frailty and sickness that they stub-bornly refused to accept. Sometimes, that stubbornness is hard to define. An example - a friend of mine who flew fighters over Vietnam, still has not registered for the Agent Or-ange Registry. I'm not sure why, but no amount of convincing is going to persuade him to change his mind. And he isn't alone. In other examples, some of our older vets refuse canes and wheelchairs when they so clearly need them. And I couldn't understand it. Now, I think it was their sense of immeasurable pride. Still, the aging process eventually takes its predictable toll. In this new reality, our older vets find themselves needing someone to help them live out the last days of their lives. They require someone to assist them with dressing for the day, help them with personal hygiene, medications, post-surgery care, paying bills, and heating food on the stove; just to name a few of the very simple things we take for granted. More often than not, that "someone" was (and still is) very difficult to find.

I'm sure that some (if not most) of us have experienced being a caregiver to an elderly parent, or relative. Even a sick spouse. In 2004, the Rand Corporation did a study called Hidden Heroes: America's Caregivers. In that study, the authors (at last) emphasized that military caregivers "consistently experienced levels of physical health that were far above the norm”. Additionally, they also faced elevated risk for depres-sion. To be clear, there are resources for these dedicated individuals. Those resources range from VA-funded care to non-profits. The VA emphasizes that accessing their

available resources and connecting with other caregivers is not only necessary, it is vital. So, how do we define a "military caregiver?" Well, until 9/11, they were not very different from civil-ian caregivers. The population was more elderly. But, the attacks of 9/11 changed the way we look at care-givers. The Post 9/11 caregivers have unique characteristics. For one, the Rand Study pointed out, they tend to be younger (40% are between 18 and 30) and the people they care for are (for the most part) also younger and may have a mental health or substance abuse condition. They are usually, but not always, non-white, are a veteran of military service, and, usually, they are not connected with any support net-work. Having said that, we have slowly become aware that Post 9/11caregivers have their own issues. Terri Tanielian, one of the co-authors of the Rand Study, wrote that Post 9/11 military caregivers are four times more likely to become more depressed than a non-military, pre 9-11 caregiver. And they know they are going to be in that role for years, and possibly decades. Another interesting statistic; 40% were men - despite the fact that most programs were tailored around women. So, the question becomes: "How do we care for the military caregivers?" Only recently have we begun to wrestle with that question. It's difficult because there are no "canned" answers. Each response is as different as the individual caregiver.

In Part 2 of this series, we'll talk a little about caregiver benefits to families taking care of our veterans.

Web Site: www.post7327

.org

Upcoming Events and Activities

January 11—Auxiliary Membership Meeting, 7pm

January 16—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20—Inauguration Day

January 24—General Membership Meeting 7:30pm February 7—VA Hospital Visit, Meet at Post Home at 6:00pm

February 25—Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Contest Award Ceremony February 26—March 2—VFW Legislative Conference DC

Come early to meetings and join us for drinks and camaraderie!

BINGO - EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY evening beginning at 7:00 pm at Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department

Post Hours of Operation Monday / Tuesday – Closed (except for meetings)

Wednesday / Thursday–10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday / Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Post may be open other than these hours as events require and personnel are available.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia Web Site: www.post7327.org e-mail: cmdr@post7327.org 703-541-3139 Phone