Dear Fellow Comrades,
First off, I want to congratulate Commander Ben (WE) Anderson and Quartermaster Tom Puig on our post once again being recognized as an All State Post for 2007-2008. It requires a lot of hard work not only by the post officers but also by all members. This award is for all post members to feel good about, as it requires teamwork to accomplish this award.
During our May meeting, I had the honor of once again administering the oath of office to all the new officers for 2008-2009. I know we will have another great year.
We had another great Poppy Drive this year. Duane as normal did a fantastic job delivering the Poppy Plaques to all the businesses in Rice Lake. We had a great turnout of members on the 10th and I want to thank all the members who assisted.
On 21 May, I presented a plaque to the Haugen Elementary School for their donation to Operation Uplink and it was a lot of fun just talking to the Student Council.
On 23 May, Commander Anderson and I presented the VFW Post Awards to our Youth Essay Winners at the Rice Lake Middle School. Also attending was Mary Hubler who presented out First Place Winner with a US Flag that was flown over the State Capitol Building in Madison.
The VFW Department Convention will be held 25-28 June in Milwaukee. Currently Ben Anderson, Tom Puig and I will all be attending. It should be a great convention and a lot of new information provided.
On August 21 & 22 the VFW Department of Wisconsin will be sponsoring a picnic for all the Army National Guard Unit members at Fort McCoy. We will need lots of volunteers (60-70 each day) to assist with cooking the meals, serving, cleanup and members just to talk to the guard members. We will be feeding 3400 troops each day so we need lots of help. If you are interested in assisting, please let me know if you can assist and on which day.
As most members know, the Rice Lake National Guard Unit will be deploying back to Iraq around the first of the year. I think it would be great that prior to their departure that we as Veterans show them that we care. I have talked to the Legion, DAV, AMVETS and Indian Head Marines about the Rice Lake Veterans Center holding a Christmas Party or something like it prior to their departure. Everyone I have talked to thinks it is a great idea. Please let me know what you think or if you have any other ideas.
- **** If you know of any member who is sick or could use some sunshine, please contact Ted Kuchera at 434-3123.
Upcoming Event:
14/15 June - Dollar Days & Aquafest Parade (Rice Lake)
17 June - Monthly Meeting
25-28 June - VFW Dept Convention (Milwaukee)
15 July - Monthly Meeting
25-27 July - OTI Training & King Day (Wisconsin Rapids)
Yours in Comradeship,
John L. Fredrickson
9th District Commander