Grand Island VFW Post 9249

Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post #9249
2007
2121 Grand Island Blvd.
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Commander - Dan McMahon

Veterans Of Foreign Wars Official Web Site
Veterans Administration Official Web Site
325th Glider Infantry Association Web Site
Charles N. DeGlopper - Web Site

Department of New York VFW Web Site
VFW Erie County Council Web Site

VFW Officers 2006-2007: Commander Daniel B. McMahon, Senior Vice-Commander Ray Briggs, Junior Vice-Commander Jack Thompson, Quartermaster Richard Lozo Sr., Surgeon Mike Mehltretter, Judge Advocate Joe Synakowski, Chaplain Michael Rogan, Trustees Jim Skindell, Jerry Korzen, Michael Cutini and Adjutant Damon Wright.
VFW Ladies Auxiliary Officers 2006: President Sue McMahon, Senior Vice-President Rose Mary Wojick Junior Vice President Lisa Lozo, Secretary Linda Lozo, Treasurer Kathie Blake, Chaplain Terri Majewicz, Guard Laura Sexton, Conductress Liane Dahlberg, and Trustee Joanne Lozo
VFW Mens Auxiliary Officers 2006: President Mark Gollwitzer, Senior Vice President Bill Derwin, Junior Vice President Steve DeMarco, Treasurer Bruce Wojick Sr., Secretary Pat Patterson, Chaplain Don Tranter, Guard Gary Kratz, and Conductor Rick Brice.

VFW Post Hosts Pearl Harbor Day Service - 2007

(left photo) South Park High School Jr. ROTC
(right photo) Supervisor Peter McMahon, VFW Commander Dan McMahon and American Legion Chaplain Mike Rogan

(left) VFW Color Guard; (right) VFW Honor Guard members

GIHS buglers Nicholas Ernst (left) and Michael Chauby (right) playing Echo Taps.
Jodi Robinson Photos - click for larger view
   The Grand Island VFW Post 9249 hosted a Pearl Harbor Day Service on Friday, December 7th at 12 noon. Participating in the service along with the VFW members were the Grand Island Chapter of the American Legion and the Grand Island Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. The South Park High School Jr. ROTC and Nicholas Earnst and Michael Chauby of the Grand Island High School music department also took part. Supervisor Peter McMahon spoke in memory of the men and women who perished during the attack of Pearl Harbor and the United States Territories.

Pearl Harbor Service At VFW Post - 2007
    Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post #9249 will host a memorial service at noon, Friday, December 7, 2007 in observance of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The community is invited to meet at the VFW Post flagpole, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. in remembrance of those who perished at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Veterans Day Service - 2007
   Veterans Day services will be held at the Veterans Park Memorial Wall, 1715 Bedell Road, at 11 a.m. Sunday, November 11th. Veterans Day Details

US Marine Corps Birthday Celebration - 2007

(front left) Sgt. M. Cutini; Cpl. L. Backluund, Cpl. J. Blake, Cpl. N. Baumgartner; (back) Gunny/Sgt. A. Fritz, Lance Cpl. D. Remmes, HM 2 R. Jones
Joe Synakowski photo - click for larger view
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post # 9249 celebrated the 232nd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps on November 10, 2007. Semper Fi. !!!!

Military Service Organizations Donate Van For Veterans In Need - Oct. 2007

In the group photo are (left front) American Legion Commander Robert Soluri, VFW Chaplain Michael Rogan, Wally Wigdorski, Jim Skindell, VFW Commander Dan McMahon, DAV Commander Joseph Synakowski and Earl DeGlopper; (back) Don Richards, VFW Honor Guard Captain Gerald Korzen, Alan Lee Sr., Ray DeGlopper, George DeGlopper, Allen Prame, Henry Ensminger Jr., and Albert Payne.
Click photos for larger view
The Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network located at the Buffalo VA Hospital, dedicated two new vans on Saturday, October 20, 2007, purchased through donations from local groups, individuals and organizations. Other vans are purchased through a partnership involving citizens, veterans' groups, unions, private foundations, Federal, State and local government officials. The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, Grand Island American Legion Post 1346 and the Grand Island DAV Chapter #160 combined with a private foundation to purchase a van for the transportation of our Veterans in need of medical care throughout the western New York area. Michael Finegan, Director, VA WNY Healthcare System, gave some inspiring statistics about the transportation network and the local vans during the dedication ceremony. These vans serve about 40,000 Veterans annually or about 20% of the Veterans in WNY. There are two main transportations centers, one in Buffalo and the other in Batavia. The vans operating from Batavia average 89,000 mile per year while those operating from the Buffalo Veterans Hospital average 93,000 miles per year.

"Fun"draiser Night at Pizza Hut Benefits VFW Post 9249 - 2007
The community is invited to come out and support the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 by making a purchase at Pizza Hut on Grand Island Blvd. on Monday, October 15, 2007 from 4-8 p.m. Pizza Hut will donate 20% of your purchases on the "Fun"draiser Night to the VFW. Just give them the ticket below when you pay. Click for "ticket."

VFW Post Holds 911 Vigil Under Cloudy Skies - 2007

(left photo) American Legion Commander Robert Soluri and VFW Post 9249 Commander Daniel McMahon
(right photo) Supervisor Peter A. McMahon

(left) Citizens remember this tragic day in our nation's history; (right) VFW Honor Guard members

(left) GIHS sophomore and bugler Michael Chauby and (right) GIHS senior and bugler Alex Webb playing "Taps."
Christine Stange Photos - click for larger view
   The members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored a 7 p.m. vigil at the post on 2121 Grand Island Blvd. in memory of those who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terrist attacks on the United States.
   VFW Post 9249 Commander Dan McMahon delivered the following remarks, quoting part of an editorial delivered by Gary Kurpuis, Past VFW National Comander:
   "As Americans gather today, not only here, but across the nation and around the world to commemorate the 6th anniversary of a savage attack upon our homeland, we must never forget how mad we got as a nation, that Tuesday morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
   "America got mad as hell six years ago.
   "The problem today is that some of us forgot that we’re still supposed to be mad. America needs to get mad again - and stay mad - because the only reason 3,000 innocent people died that September morning six years ago is because the enemy didn’t have the means to kill 30,000 or 300,000 or 3 million people."
   While thanking the individuals and units present, a special tribute was given to the South Park High School JROTC and Stacy Edwards. A recent South Park High graduate, Stacy died in a house fire in Buffalo. Her participation in the JROTC program at South Park brought her to Grand Island for many memorial services and activities at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249. A moment of silence was held in her memory. "The school and community will sadly miss Stacy," Commander McMahon said.

VFW Post #9249 Ladies Announce Texas Chili Cook-Off - October 2007
   The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 9249 will host a Texas Chili Cook-Off at noon on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Register at the VFW Post or from 12 noon to 1 p.m. the day of the event. Judging begins at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $10. Chili must be brought in a crock pot.
   Prizes follow:
• 1st place - $100
• 2nd place - $50
• 3rd place - $25
   Live music provided by "Tex-Mex/Cajun roots" featuring Lee-Ron Zydeco and the Hot Tamales Band. The day will also feature a 50/50 raffle, lottery tree and prize giveaways.
   Available for sale will be corn bread, hot dogs, desserts, cider and beverages. Chili will be sold immediately after judging takes place.
   Kids' activities will include pumpkin painting and pinata contest.
   Proceeds to benefit our troops at holiday time.

Grand Island Recreation Thursday Night Men’s Softball B League - 2007
VFW Post 9249 Team Defeats Town Cafe

(front left) Jeff Lorenz, Mike Botticello, Anthony Martello, Sean Govern, Patrick Govern; (back) Coach Bill Sargent, Joe DeLoreto, Kevin Govern, Mike Backlund, Jeff Sargent, Chis Capolupo, Mike Brand, Bill Taglis, and Alan Govern. Not pictured are Coach Vince Martello and Coach Jim Capolupo
Joe Synakowski photo - click for larger view
The Champs! The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 Team defeated the Town Cafe Team to become the champions for 2007 Thursday Night B League Softball. The VFW team played a hard fought game that had many great plays by both teams. Anthony Martello led off with a home run in the first inning and ended the game with a spectacular diving catch of a long fly ball with two men in scoring position to secure the win. Kevin Govern robbed the hitter of a home run with a great catch which kept two runs from scoring. The final score was VFW 14, Town Cafe 11. The players of both teams did their sponsors proud.

VFW Post #9249 Announces Island's 911 Vigil - 2007
In remembrance of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, a Vigil will be held at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2007. All members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America and citizens of Grand Island are urged to attend this most important Memorial Service.
The memorial service will be for those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We will also pray for our Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe who are in harms way, serving our nation against the threat of terrorism. "They are in our prayers and in our hearts. Please take a few minutes to attend the Vigil on Tuesday September 11th at 7 p.m." The 911 Vigil is being sponsored by the VFW Post #9249.

VFW Ladies Announce Chili Cook Off - 2007
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Post 9249 announce a Chili Cook Off on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Details will be posted as they become available.

6th Annual Dick Pendleton Memorial Super Cruise At VFW - 2007
   Cruise Control and Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249 presents the 6th Annual Dick Pendleton Memorial Super Cruise will be held Sunday, July 29, 2007 at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post #9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. from noon to 4 p.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. and judging begins at 1 p.m.
   The cruise is being sponsored by Fuccillo Chevrolet and Gross Plumbing. There is no admission.
   Awards will be presented at 4:15 p.m. along with Dash Plaques to the first 125 cars. There will be over 75 awards, a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
   Those attending will enjoy the live music of "Big Wheelie and the Hub Caps" from 1-4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Town Boys & Girls Summer Camp.

VFW Independence Day Picnic - June 2007
The annual Independence Day picnic, sponsored by the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 takes place Wednesday, July 4, 2007 on the Post's grounds, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Plans for this year's annual community picnic have been in the works for months with a fantastic menu of clams, corn, hot dogs, hamburgs, French Fries, drinks and entertainment. Children's games will be back again. Numerous ticket booths will be available throughout the area. Dan McMahon is chairman of this year's Independence Day picnic.

VFW Announces Major Picnic Sponsors - July 2007

Shown from left are Senior Vice Commander Michael Mehltretter, Commander Dan McMahon, Joe Cecconi, Sales Associate and Post Member Michael Shanley

Shown from left are Tom Kanaley of Fuccillo Chevrolet, VFW Comander Dan McMahon, Junior Vice Commander Ray Briggs
Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post announce major sponsors for the 2007 4th of July Open House and fund raiser. Joe Cecconi Chrysler is a Gold Level Sponsor and Fuccillo Chevrolet is a Silver Level Sponsor. The money will be used to promote the VFW's community, veterans benefit programs and offset the rising costs associated with the annual event.

Pre-sale Tickets Available For VFW Independence Day Picnic - June 2007
Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249's Independence Day picnic committee have announced that pre-sale tickets for the July 4, 2007 event are available at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., from 10 a.m. to closing each day. "Plans for this year's annual community picnic have been in the works for months with our menu of clams, corn, hot dogs, hamburgs, French fries, drinks and entertainment," Commander Dan McMahon, chairman of the event, said this week. Children's games will be back again. Numerous ticket booths will be available throughout the area.. Watch for information at www.isledegrande.com.

VFW Recognized With Numerous Awards - May 2007

   Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon congratulates VFW Post 9249 Commander Dan McMahon (left) and Quartermaster Richard Lozo Sr. (right) for the awards received at the 73rd Erie County Council VFW Convention.
   The annual conference of the 73rd Annual Erie County Conference of Veterans of Foreign Wars was held at the Pvt. Leonard Post, Jr. VFW Post 6251 in Cheektowaga. During the Saturday, May 19, 2007 awards session the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, Grand Island took all first place trophies for membership and recruitment. First place over all membership recruitment, first place in the Gold Division, and first place for both Viet Nam and Korea era Veterans recruiting. The highlight of Saturday’s awards was the presentation of the Erie County VFW Conference Past Commander’s Trophy. This award is presented to the Post, which exemplifies and promotes the ideals and goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Post 9249 Commander Dan McMahon accepted the trophy on behalf of the members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post. “The trophy is the result of each and every member’s efforts to promote the VFW and its goals and ideals,” Commander McMahon said.During Sunday’s business session, officers elected and installed for 2007-2008 year, Commander Charles Camillo of Post 416, Senior Vice Commander Bill Suszka, Jr. of Post 7967, Junior Vice Commander Lance Becker of Post 7275, Quartermaster Glenn Cooper of Post 7545, Judge Advocate Dave Czarnecki of Post 7967, Surgeon Ben Wojtas of Post 7545, Chaplain Raymond Peterson of Post 7545, 1 Year Trustee Daniel McMahon of Post 9249, 2 year Trustee Don Gratien of Post 7967, 3 year Trustee John Stiegler of Post 3068, Adjutant Jack Smith of Post 1419.

Isle Military Organizations To Purchase Van For Vets Hospital & Clinic Patients - 2007
   Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Grand Island American Legion Post #1346 and the Grand Island Chapter #168 Disabled American Veterans have joined together to purchase a van for the purpose of providing transportation to and from the Veterans Medical Center (Vets Hospital) and the Veterans Health Clinics in the Western New York area. The transportation is provided free of charge to the Veterans and drivers are volunteers.
   The DAV conducts the Transportation Network at the hospital. Drivers are needed and those interested in volunteering may contact Mark Francis at the Voluntary Service Office, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215. For more information, call (716) 862-8668. "You do not have to be a Veteran to apply."
   The Veterans of Grand Island thank the citizens of the Island and neighboring communities for their support. "Please continue to help our needy Veterans."
   Memorial Day services will be held at each cemetery on the Island by the Charles N. DeGlopper Honor Guard. The community is invited to attend. See Memorial Day Gravesite Services.
   Services will be held at DeGlopper Park (Baseline and Grand Island Blvd.) at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2007. "Join us in honoring our fallen comrades."

Memorial Day Gravesite Services - 2007

Memorial Day services will be held at the PFC. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Park, Grand Island Blvd. and Baseline Road at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2007. The residents of Grand Island are urged to attend these services to honor our fallen comrades who gave the ultimate sacrifice, while serving our country. "Show your appreciation by attending these solemn services. We thank the members of the Armed Forces presently serving our country, those missing in action, and the veterans who kept our nation free."
The Honor Guard of the Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct gravesite services at the following locations on May 28, 2007 - times approximate:
• Whitehaven Cemetery - East River Rd. (near Holiday Inn) 7:40-7:50 a.m.
• Maple Grove Cemetery - (resting place of C. N. DeGlopper) Stony Point near Whitehaven Rd. 7:55-8:05 a.m.
• Staley Cemetery - West River Rd. near Staley - 8:15-8:25 a.m.
• Assumption Cemetery - Whitehaven Rd, near 4th St. - 8:30-8:40 a.m.
• Trinity Cemetery - Whitehaven Rd. next to Old Trinity Church 8:45-8:55 a.m.
• St. Stephen's Cemetery - Baseline Rd., next to Old St. Stephen's Church - 8:55-9:10 a.m.

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Winners Receive Awards - May 2007

(Left) Mary Ann, Danielle, Nicole and William Nash --- (right) Winning entry from Nicole Nash

(left) Mary Ann Nash, Post 9249 Commander Dan McMahon, Ladies Auxiliary Senior Vice President Rose Mary Wojick, Nicole Nash, Auxiliary President Sue McMahon, Chairman Kathy Mehltretter, and William Nash --- (right) Danielle's art work
       Click photos for larger view
   The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249's Ladies Auxiliary, Tuesday evening, May 15, 2007, announced this year's winner and runner-up of the VFW Patriotic Art Contest. The winner is Nicole Nash and her sister, Danielle is the runner-up. Present for the ceremony and award presentation, in addition to Nicole and Danielle were their parents, William and Mary Ann Nash of Grand Island. Danielle and Nicole are in the 11th grade at Grand Island High school.

Mother's Day Brunch At VFW Post #9249 - 2007
   Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host a Mother's Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, 2007 at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Call 773-6343 for reservations. The Mother's Day brunch will include Scrambled Eggs and Sausage, Ham, Danish, Lasagna w/Meatballs. Chicken-Ala King over Biscuits, Egg Plant Parm, Stuffed Peppers, Shrimp, Macaroni, Assorted Veggies and Coffee, Tea and Juices. $10.00/per person. Seating is limited.

St. Pat's Party, Dinner At VFW Post - 2007
   Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host a Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2007 at the post. The event will also feature a small basket raffle and 50-50 drawing. Those donating one non-perishable food item will receive one free dessert. The public is invited.

Hospitalized Veterans Week
Remembering the Hospitalized Wounded - 2007
   The members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post #9249 remind the community that the week of February 11-17, 2007 is being devoted to veterans confined to hospital wards in VA medical centers. Let's not forget them, especially during this week, set aside annually to show gratitude. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taken a heavy toll on American bodies. Many of these wounded are not returned to duty, and face grueling months, if not years, of hospitalization.
   Though Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center receive the most publicity, please keep in mind that other military hospitals exist nationwide. Moreover, now that the wounded are being discharged as civilians, VA hospitals treat a number of younger veterans. Besides them, older generations of veterans find themselves bedridden for a variety of ailments. Those with few or no family members especially enjoy visits and/or gifts.
   To celebrate Hospitalized Veterans Week, please visit the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project at http://www.veteransvoices.org, which promotes writing as a therapeutic outlet for hospitalized veterans.

VFW Sponsors February Spaghetti Dinner - 2007
   Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host an All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, February 24th, or until sold out. Cost of the dinner, being held at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., is $6.00 per person with a Senior Citizen early bird special for $5.00 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Extra meat balls and the ladies' famous desserts will be available. For more information call 772-6343. Click for"more information.

VFW Patriot's Pen Award Ceremony - Sarah A. Stanczyk Local And County Winner - Jan. 2007

(Left) Kenneth Rogoza, Connor Middle School; VFW Chairperson Kathleen Blake; Brandan Stone, St. Stephen School; winner Sarah A. Stanczyk, Connor Middle School; Kevin M. Gilas, St. Stephen School; Ladies Auxiliary President Sue McMahon; Katie Bierbraurer, St. Stephen School.
       Click photo for larger view
    The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 presented awards to this year's Patriot's Pen finalists on Monday, January 29, 2007. Connor Middle School students entering the competition were required to write a 300-400-word essay on this year's selected patriotic topic, "Why I Am An American Patriot." The VFW Ladies Auxiliary presented gift certificates to the finalists. VFW Commander Dan McMahon congratulated the students for their efforts and explained that they can again participate in the Patriot's Pen contest next year due to the fact that they are all in 7th grade and the contest is open to all students in the middle school grades. The Commander also explained when the students move to the high school, they can participate in the VFW's Voice of Democracy Scholarship contest where the top national winner last year received a scholarship worth $30,000.
   Connor Middle School 7th grader Sarah A. Stanczyk's essay was the Post's winning entry and also the County VFW award winning entry. Following the ceremonies the Post hosted a reception for the students and their parents.

VFW, Golden Age Club Combine Efforts For Troops Overseas - Jan. 2007

(Left) VFW Commander Dan McMahon, Nonnie Carroll, Lorraine Wilcox, Jeanne Anstett and Maxine Eldridge
       Click photos for larger view
   Grand Island Golden Age Club members purchased caps for use by the military service personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Golden Agers originally planned to knit the same type of hats and send them out, however they found a nearby store going out of business and purchased them at a discounted price. After receiving a call from the Golden Age Center, Commander Daniel McMahon of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 offered to include the hats in the Post’s weekly CARE package shipment. Dan picked up the donated hats from the Golden Age Club members on Friday morning, January 19, 2007 and turned them over to Lee Dahlberg, CARE Package chairperson, who has shipped over 160 packages overseas. Lee assured the Commander that she would be happy to include the hats in her weekly packages.

VFW Hosts Meatloaf Contest and Dinner - 2007
   Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249 will host a meatloaf contest and dinner with judging at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2007 and dinner (mashed potatoes, gravy and corn) served from 4 p.m. until gone. Meatloaf entries in a 9x5" dish must be at the Post by 2 p.m. Saturday, January 27. A $25 prize will be awarded for the best meatloaf entered. There is an entry fee and sign-up is at the post. For more information, contact Mark, 773-3058 or Rosemary, 773-5137.

VFW Ladies Sponsor January Souper Soup Night - 2007
   Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host their All You Can Eat Soup and Salad Nite from 4-7 p.m., or until gone, Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Cost is $5. An Early Bird Special will be held from 4-5 p.m. at the reduced price of $4.50. The event will feature Turkey Noodle, Beef Barley and Ham & Potato Soup. Take outs and Desserts are also available.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.