Grand Island VFW Post 9249

Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post #9249
2009
2121 Grand Island Blvd.
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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

The Digitized wall was recently made public for those friends and relatives who are not able to visit the full wall in Washington, DC. Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial is available to view the names of the loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Information may be added by following directions on the site.
See http://www.aogusma.org/class/1961/ or http://go.footnote.com/thewall

VFW Officers 2009-2010: Commander Raymond Briggs, Senior Vice Commander John Thompson, Junior Vice Commander Alan Lee, Sr., Quartermaster Richard Lozo Sr., Surgeon Hank Burak, Judge Advocate Joseph Synakowski, Chaplain Michael Rogan, Trustees Ann Marie Pfohl, Jim Skindell and Spencer O’Boyle, and Adjutant Steven Bazemore.
VFW Ladies Auxiliary Officers 2009-2010: President Laura Sexton, Senior Vice President Rosemary Wojick, Junior Vice President Donna Briggs, Secretary Dedi Secic, Treasurer Kathie Blake, Jr. Treasurer Susanne McMahon, Chaplain Terri Majewicz, Guard Nancy Secic, Conductress Marilyn Burak, and Trustees Joanne Lozo, Marilyn Burak, Terri Majewicz
VFW Men's Auxiliary Officers 2009-2010: President Mark Gollwitzer, Senior Vice President Chris McMahon, Junior Vice President Bill Derwin, Treasurer Bruce Wojick Sr., Secretary Pat Patterson, Chaplain Don Tranter, Guard Gary Kratz, and Conductor Bill Brice.

Pearl Harbor Remembered - December 2009

Left: VFW Honor Guard. Right: VFW Color Guard

From left: trumpeteers Nick Ernst and Michael Chauby.
Jodi Robinson photos - click for larger view

(left) VFW Chaplain Michael Rogan, DAV President Joe Synakowski, VFW Commander Raymond Briggs and Supervisor Peter McMahon
Paul G. Leuchner photo - click for larger view

   Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Post #9249 held a rememberance service on Monday, December 7th for all the servicemen who were killed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. VFW Commander Ray Briggs welcomed everyone in attendence, Post Chaplain Mike Rogan gave the opening and closing prayers and Supervisor Peter McMahon spoke. The post Honor Guard gave a salute and Taps was played by Nick Ernst and Michael Chauby of the GIHS band.

VFW To Hold Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Service - Dec 2009
   A Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Service will be held at 12 Noon, on Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Charles N. DeGlopper Post #9249, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072. For more information call ( 716 ) 773-6343. The public is invited to join the Veterans in this Memorial to the Victims and the Survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.

Veterans Day Service - 2009
   Veterans Day services will be held at the Veterans Park Memorial Wall, 1715 Bedell Road, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11th.

VFW Hot Turkey Sandwich Event - Fall 2009
The Charles N. Deglopper VFW Post #9249 Ladies Auxiliary will host a Hot Turkey Sandwich with Gravy feast Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. (or till gone) at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. The menu includes chips and cranberry sauce and the fee is $5 per plate. Early Bird Discount/Senior Discount available. Lottery Tree Raffle - 50/50 - Dessert Table. The event is in memory of Lee Becker.

VFW Chili Cook-Off Results - Fall 2009

Marilyn Burak photos - click for larger view

The VFW #9249's annual chili cook-off was held Saturday, October 10th. Winners are Spencer O'Boyle, 1st ($100); Tony Majewicz, 2nd ($50); and Sarah Kielaszek, 3rd ($25). The afternoon event included children's activities and live music.

Erie Veterans - Advisory: Patient Care Group Scam - Fall 2009
Patrick W.. Welch, PhD, Director Erie County Veterans Services Agency made the following announcement:
Please be advised that we have received a warning from the Veterans Affairs in Washington regarding reports that Veterans are being contacted by "Patient Care Group" representing that they are helping administer VA prescriptions and stating that the pharmacy billing procedures have changed and they are therefore requesting Veteran credit card numbers for prescription payments in advance of filling their prescriptions. This is false. VA does not call Veterans asking to disclose personal financial information over the phone. VA has not changed its processes for dispensing prescription medicines.

VFW To Hold 911 Memorial Service - Fall 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post #9249 VFW will hold a Memorial Service on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 7 p.m. The Service is held in memory of the Victims of the attack on the World Trade Center, The Pentagon and Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Participating Units are; the Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper (MOH) Memorial Post 9249 VFW, Grand Island DAV Chapter #168, American Legion Post 1346, Grand Island Fire Co., and The Grand Island Community Chorus. "We pray for and support our Troops serving our Nation." "We urge the Citizens of Grand Island to attend this Memorial Service. Guest Speaker, Town Supervisor; Mr. Peter McMahon."
Submitted by Joseph Synakowski, Commander DAV Chapter 168

VFW Chili Cook-Off - Fall 2009
The VFW #9249's annual chili cook-off will take place on Saturday, October 10th from 1-6 p.m. at the post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Activities will include kids games and live music/"open mic" featuring local area musicians. Entries for the cook-off will be accepted at the VFW Post prior to the event or from noon to 1 p.m. the day of cook-off. Judging begins at 1 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are $100.00, $50.00 and $25.00 respectively. For more information, call the VFW Post at 773-6343.

Pendleton Memorial Super Cruise At VFW - July 26, 2009

Cruise Control & the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host the 8th Annual Dick & Carol Pendleton Memorial Super Cruise on Sunday, July 26th. Gates Open at 10 a.m. with Cruise frin Noon to 4 p.m. Judging begins at 1 p.m. Dash Plaques to the first 125 Cars. There will be over 75 awards, with Chinese Auction and 50/50. Music will feature Big Willie and The Hub Caps,from 1-4 p.m. Other major sponsors include Paddock Chevrolet, Tread City Tire and Gross Contracting.

VFW Men's Auxiliary Announces Annual Pig Roast - Aug. 2009
The Men's Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host the 4th Annual Pig Roast on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 4 - ?. The cost is $20 per person (eat in/takeout) and includes pork or chicken with beans, salads, bread & coffee. Entertainment and raffles. For more information call the Post, 773-6343.

VFW Scholarship Presented - 2009

Post Commander Raymond Briggs presents the VFW Scholarship award to Lee M. Becker, GIHS Class of 2009. Pictured from left are Mary Becker, grandmother of the recipient and member of the Ladies Auxiliary; Commander Briggs; Lee and his grandfather, Lee Becker; and Men's Auxiliary Senior Vice President Chris McMahon.
Lee M . Becker son of Michael and Patricia Becker, is the 2009 recipient of the Annual Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 scholarship. The VFW Scholarship, a joint award of the VFW, Ladies and Men's Auxiliaries, is presented each year to a senior in the Grand Island High School. This year's senior, Lee Becker, is the grandson of Lee and Mary Becker. Lee will be attending Buffalo State College and will major in Theater Performance. While there is special credit given for entrants who have relatives in the VFW, everyone in the Grand Island High School is encouraged to submit an application.

VFW Independence Day Picnic
"Sleepless City" Band Featured At VFW Picnic - 2009

"Sleepless City" musicians, all from Grand Island are: (top - upside down) Travis Perno; and moving clockwise right is Drew Lazelle, Craig Perno (bottom), and Kevin Mehltretter.
The annual VFW Independence Day Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 4th. After Months of planning and preparation, the VFW’s 4th of July committee is announcing a special Gluten Free menu for Celica’s. "We have been working through Susan Daubney, Rich Products and French Meadow Bakery, for the gluten free rolls and they will be available at the Post on the 4th. Also Gluten free beer will be available.
Returning for the 3rd year is the live band, “Sleepless City.” Their music will include something for everyone from the Beatles, Van Morrison to Led Zeppelin. The band is donating all proceeds to CARE packages for US troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Food, refreshment and game tickets are now available for presales at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., from 11 am to closing each day. Picnic menu includes 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. Commander Ray Briggs is chairman of this year's Independence Day picnic. Watch for information on www.isledegrande.com/vfw/vfw2009.htm or call 773-6343.

VFW Independence Day Picnic - May 2009
Attention, a special Gluten Free Diet menu will be available at the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249's Independence Day picnic. The VFW has teamed up with Rich Products and French Meadow Bakery to offer Gluten free hamburg rolls and other goodies at annual picnic. "We are currently working with beer distributors to provide Gluten Free beer as well," a spokesman for the VFW said this week. "Plans for this year's annual community picnic have been in the works for months with our menu of clams, corn, hot dogs, hamburg, French fries, drinks and entertainment," Commander Ray Briggs, chairman of the event, reports. Children's games will be under a tent. Numerous ticket booths will be available throughout the area. Watch for more information at www.isledegrande.com.

Islanders Installed At County VFW Convention - May 2009
The 75th Annual Convention of the Erie County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars concluded Sunday afternoon, May 17, 2008, with the installation of officers of the VFW and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. The combined ceremony was held at the Pvt. Leonard Post, Jr. VFW Post 6251 in Cheektowaga. County Officers installed who are from the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 were Senior Vice Commander Daniel McMahon, Quartermaster Richard A. Lozo, Sr., and members from the Ladies Auxiliary, Jr. Vice President Susanne McMahon.
The Convention began Saturday morning, May 16 with the presentation of awards to Posts for their outstanding membership drives. Charles N DeGlopper Post 9249 was awarded 1st Place in the Gold Division with 102.6% in membership, The Iraq/Afghanistan membership trophy for recruiting over 20 new members, and the Joe Kreuzer Memorial trophy for recruiting the most Viet Nam era Veterans. This was followed by the opening business session and a banquet Saturday evening that honored outgoing Erie County Council VFW Commander Bill Suszka and outgoing County Council Ladies Auxiliary President Rose Cooper, for their hard work this past year. Sunday’s session opened with a tribute to the deceased members of the 34 VFW Posts in Erie County. Chaplain Raymond Peterson read the roll of Veterans who had passed away during the past year. Sunday’s business sessions concluded the convention. The newly elected officers will assume their new duties following the installation of the next Department of New York VFW Commander in June.

VFW Donates To GIHS Club Hockey - 2009

(left) VFW Commander Ray Briggs, Club Hockey General Manager John Koller, Men’s Auxiliary President Mark Gollwitzer and Jr. Vice President Elect Chris McMahon.
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post and Auxiliaries have made a donation to the Grand Island High School Club Hockey teams. The VFW and the Hockey Club have teamed up for the past few years to support and promote youth hockey. The Post, according to Commander Briggs, is very gratefull for the help and assistance the members of the Hockey Team provide during the Post's annual 4th of July Picnic. John Koller announced that the money will be used for supporting the team and their activities.

VFW Election - April 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 held election of officers during the regular meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2009. Re-elected to office were Commander Raymond Briggs, Senior Vice Commander John Thomson, Junior Vice Commander Alan Lee, Sr., Quartermaster Richard Lozo, Sr., Judge Advocate Joseph Synakowski, Chaplain Michael Rogan, Surgeon Hank Burak. Jim Skindell was elected to a 3-year term as Trustee joining trustees Ann Marie Pfohl, Spencer O’Boyle. Steven Bazemore was appointed as Adjutant. The new officers will take office following the Department of New York VFW's Annual Convention June 24-28 to be held in Buffalo.

VFW Fish Fry Benefits Ian Cameron - 2009

(left front) Dave Brice, Ian Cameron, President Mark Gollwitzer; (2nd row) Kathy Blake, Laura Sexton, Steve DeMarco, Commander Briggs, mom Dona Cameron, dad Rob Cameron; (back) Rosemary Wojick, Bruce Wojick, Chris McMahon, Gary Kratz
Foto by Rick - Click photo for larger view
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 Good Friday Fish Fry was for the benefit of Ian Cameron. It was a huge sellout success! Post and Auxiliary members thank everyone who supported the event. The check was presented to the Cameron family by Commander Ray Briggs, surrounded by Men's Auxiliary President Mark Gollwitzer, Fish Fry Chairman Steve DeMarco, and his committee, along with officers of the Ladies Auxiliary who organized the dessert table.

VFW Egg Hunt - 2009

Easter Egg Hunt winners Mason Hutchins, Auston Niemann, Nicholas Cashatt, Jacob Wewrziec, Megan Jones, Emily Jones, Anna Hammond and Alex Caudill.
Laura Sexton photos - Click for larger view
Members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 held a children's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11 for members' children and grandchildren. A crowd of about 50 kids came out to search for the eggs and enjoyed refreshments outside.

VFW Good Friday Fish Dinner - April 2009
Members of the Men's Auxiliary of Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host their annual Good Friday Fish Dinner beginning at 4 p.m. and until sold out on Friday, April 10 at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Cost is $7.95 per person (eat in/take-out). Menu includes baked or fried fish, French fries, macaroni salad, cole slaw, bread and coffee. 50-50 raffles and a dessert sale will be featured. Proceeds will benefit Grand Island's own 4-year-old Train Engineer Ian Cameron.

VFW Post 9249 “Queen Of Hearts Raffle” - April 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 is holding a “Queen Of Hearts Raffle” which is in the 8th week of the raffle. The current jackpot is over $2100.00. The weekly drawing is held each Friday evening at 7 p.m. Complete details are available at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY. Anyone may stop by the Post during regular business hours and purchase weekly drawing tickets at $1.00 and there is a winner each week.

VFW Post 9249 To Host Mother’s Day Breakfast - April 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host a Mother’s Day Breakfast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10th. Cost will be $10.00/Plate - Children 4 & under free. Breakfast includes: Eggs Benedict, Scrambled eggs, Home Fries, Kielbasa, Surprise Pasta salad Rolls, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea.

Good Friday Fish Fry At VFW Post 9249 - April 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will host the 4th annual Good Friday Fish Fry At VFW Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2009.

VFW Ladies Host Spaghetti Dinner - Feb. 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 Ladies Auxiliary will host an all you can eat spaghetti dinner from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, February 21 at the post. Cost is $6 and desserts will be available.

VFW Post Hosts Soup Dinner - Jan. 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. will host an all you can eat soup night from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, January 24th. Eat in or take out. Early bird dining is from 4-5 p.m. Desserts also will be offered.

VFW Donates To GIHS Club Hockey - 2009

(left) Post Quartermaster Richard Lozo, Past Commander Dan McMahon, Club Hockey General Manager John Koller and Jr. Vice Commander Alan Lee, Sr.
Click photo for larger view
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 recently presented a check to Grand Island High School Club Hockey General Manager, John Koller. The donation from the VFW is for the fine cooperation between the team and the Veterans. John said the money will be used for the team's equipment and fees.
See GIHS Alumni Hockey Game & Fundraiser

VFW Ladies Aux. To Hold Watkins Tasting Party - Jan. 2009
The Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 Ladies Auxiliary will host a Watkins tasting party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. See the award winning natural spices, extracts and personal care products. Taste some of the cookies and bread mixes. For more information, call Marilyn Burak at 773-4851.

VA Assisting Veterans with Health Care Costs - Jan. 2009
   WASHINGTON (Jan. 6, 2009) -- For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost.
   "With the downturn in the economy, VA recognizes that many veterans will feel the effects," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "Therefore, it is important that eligible veterans learn of the many ways VA has to help them afford the health care they have earned."
   Veterans whose previous income was ruled too high for VA health care may be able to enter the VA system based upon a hardship if their current year's income is projected to fall below federal income thresholds due to a job loss, separation from service or some other financial setback. Veterans determined eligible due to hardship can avoid copays applied to higher-income veterans. Qualifying veterans may be eligible for enrollment and receive health care at no cost.
   Also eligible for no-cost VA care are most veterans who recently returned from a combat zone. They are entitled to five years of free VA care. The five-year "clock" begins with their discharge from the military, not their departure from the combat zone.
   Each VA medical center across the country has an enrollment coordinator available to provide veterans information about these programs. Veterans may also contact VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility

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.