Commander’s Report

Our Post continues its fast-paced and exciting schedule. However, we need help to ensure information about Post events reaches all our members. Email blasts go out almost weekly with up-to-date Post activities and information, so if you use the Internet, please sign up for email blasts and join our Facebook group (AMVETS POST 1957 Adrian MI). Facebook is interactive, so please share all events and positive comments you can think of. Don’t forget the website for the calendar, archived newsletters, and other information. www.amvets1957.com

I also want to remind everyone that we are privileged to be members of our Post. We all have paid dues to gain access to what the AMVETS has to offer. We encourage you to bring guests, especially those who might consider their own membership. If you bring a guest, please introduce him/her to the bartender and any officer in the Post and record your guest’s name in the logbook. We have an unwritten rule that allows a person to be a guest to our Post three times, after which we ask that person to become a member. State law requires that to maintain our liquor license and tax exemption status, everyone must be a member. Please protect our Post by helping our bartenders with this task. We all are responsible for abiding by the state law.

Wishing everyone a successful 2012.

Yours In Service,
Aaron Ricketts, Commander

Ladies Auxiliary Report

No report.

Sons Report

On November 26th, the Sons sponsored the chili cook off between the Eagles Club and the AMVETS Sons. A big thank you to everyone who helped make it a success. Thanks for all the food donations. The traveling trophy went to the Eagles. The trophies for the top three chili’s stayed at our Post.

The Adult Christmas party was December 3rd. White Elephant gifts were exchanged. There was a great turn out and DJ Larry Meredith donated him time for us – thanks Larry!

The Sons donated $1000 to the Christmas baskets, $500 to the Ladies Auxiliary to match their VA Hospital fundraising effort and money was donated to Ron Brazee Security and Rescue to help in the search for the three missing boys from Morenci.

Gaylord hill
Sons Commander

Riders Report

I hope everyone had a great Holiday. Thank you to everyone who supported the riders by buying a paper motorcycle. The proceeds from the sales were used for the Christmas baskets.

The riders are sponsoring a rock-n-bowl on February 18th to benefit The Daily Bread. Larry Meredith will be the DJ. 4 person teams. Cost is $25.00 per person/$100 team. Team sign-up sheets are at the post.

We are also in the process of planning the annual Booze Cruise. Watch for more details and sign-up sheet at the post.

Please keep our troops in your prayers.

Deryl Clark
AMVETS Riders President

I would like to thank the AMVETS 1957 family for all there generosity this year. As a group, we have donated over $8,500.00 and 1100 hours this year. This comes out to a total of over $33,000.00 in donations, time and expenses for 2011. That is an effort we can all be proud of.

Chip Kiest
2nd vice- Programs Reporting

Attention Pool Players:
Join in the fun of our Friday Night Pool Tournaments at the Post.
Every Friday at 7:00 pm

The State of Michigan’s DTMB-Procurement encourages Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) to register as vendors with the State of Michigan to bid on over 1,100 contracting opportunities.

SDVOBs are given up to a 10 percent pricing preference on all competitive and formal bids. This pricing preference is given to those SDVOBs that otherwise meet the requirements of the contract solicitation.

SDVOBs who wish to claim the pricing preference will be asked to submit documents with their bid proposal that specify their service disabled veteran status and proof of ownership.

To review more details on the SDVOB pricing preference in Michigan, or to learn more about the State of Michigan bidding process, please visit www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect. To review current bid opportunities and to register to become a State of Michigan vendor, visit www.Bid4Michigan.com.

If you have questions about the SDVOB pricing preference or the contracting process, email DTMB-Contractconnect@Michigan.gov.

The Midwest Home Grown Band is a unique council of Michigan Troubadours prone to inserting melodic musical morsels into tasty jam sandwiches filled with prophetic prose and inciting full Americana true-isms. They are also known for their migratory trolling of the pubs and clubs throughout the Heartland.

Bartering their craft for alcohol, cigarettes, gasoline, and an occasional buck, they are a happy-go-lucky bunch that cares much more about playing their clever tunes to an enthusiastic audience than about monetary remuneration. It should be said however, that they are not opposed to joining in the hunt for the ever illusive “W.P.G.” (Well Paying Gig). With the release of the debut CD called Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Hippiness, the M.H.G.B. hope to expand their fan base and hope that you will join in on their musical antics and infinitive journey.

The band lineup is:

Eric Einhorn – Singer/Songwriter & Guitar
Amy Moore – Singer
Bill Sisk – Singer & Lead Guitar
Steve Meyer – Singer & Bass Guitar
Rob Brines – Singer & Drummer

Come down to the post Wednesday night for some great fun and entertainment.

The next day, the Post will be serving a Thanksgiving Day Feast at Noon for those would like to join us.
If you want to bring a dish to pass (not required), we usually need desserts or we welcome your special homemade dish. Also, the Detroit Lions are playing at 12:30 pm to entertain us during the Feast. The Lounge is not normally open on Thanksgiving but one of our spectacular bartenders, Helen, has volunteered to serve us that day. Thanks Helen! The food is usually out until 5 pm and the Post will be open ‘till 9pm. Tuesday’s special drink prices will also be offered as a thank you to our members.

Saturday is a big day too. November 26^th is the 2011 Annual AMVETS/Eagles Chili Cook-off held at the Post from Noon to 3pm, sponsored by the Sons of the AMVETS. Let’s help keep the trophy at the Post. Trophies for the top three chili winners will be awarded. The Club with the top chili winner will keep the traveling trophy for the next year.

The U of M – Ohio State football game, as well as other games, will be on at the Post and at 8 pm, Jammin’ Jerry takes over with Karaoke until Midnight. Come celebrate Thanksgiving all weekend at Post 1957.

The Post Commander, Aaron Ricketts, presided over the event and gave his thanks and appreciation to all the current officers, past commanders, and individuals who help keep the post running smoothly. A great lunch was served, consisting of fried chicken with plenty of sides and cookies for dessert. A special thanks to Elaine and the other Ladies Auxiliary Members who helped set up the meal and clean up afterwards.

Aaron presented our special guest, Khristine Henson-Jones from the Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corporation, or LEAHC for short. This is an agency that helps people in need of emergency housing and other assistance in LenaweeCounty. She was there to discuss a new fund that LEAHC is administrating called the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund.

The Dire Needs for Veterans Fund is emergency money forLenaweeCounty veterans who are in dire need of financial assistance but do not meet the eligibility for traditional funding.

Each veteran must complete an intake interview and meet with a case manager to be considered for any LEAHC service, which includes the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund. For any client with a financial need, all resources are explored, such as outside referrals, church assistance, etc. However, a veteran that demonstrates a clear need for emergency assistance that falls outside of traditional funding may be considered for the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund. 

Dire Needs for Veterans Fund monies may be utilized for things such as, but not limited to: prescriptions, obtaining a Michigan Identification Card, medical or dental emergencies, housing and transportation assistance and is limited to veterans residing in Lenawee County, Michigan. 

100% of donations for this program go directly to the veteran’s service provider. LEAHC donates all case management, support services and supplies to the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund.

After Khristine spoke and everyone was finished eating lunch, Commander Ricketts conducted the annual trivia contest with topics about the history of Randy P. Hill AMVETS Post 1957. This is a great way to refresh member’s memories about how and why the Post was formed. Winners received a red Bacardi beanie hat to keep their heads warm this winter.

This is always a great event with delicious food that brings members together that may not have seen one another in a while. Thanks to all the Life Members who belong to the Post and help make AMVETS Post 1957 what it is… A great place to hang out with friends and family.

Thoughts from the Commander:

 You may have noticed that the Post has been hopping the past couple of months. The Entertainment Committee, chaired by Larry Meredith, has been getting the job done. From Karaoke with Jammin’ Jerry and the One Man Band, Phil Tolliver, the entertainment has been superb.

Our goal is to provide a safe and friendly atmosphere for veterans and their supporters. I think we are succeeding! Please look on our Website, Facebook page, and in email blasts for upcoming events. We also have listings at the Post and of course this bi-monthly newsletter. We want every member to have the Post schedule of events, so no one misses a thing!

Rob Hosken, State Finance Officer; Chip Kiest, District 1 Provost Marshal; Rod Sanford (& Bev), Post Service Officer; Josh Feltman, National Riders Sergeant at Arms; Liz Feltman, National Treasurer; and I all attended the Fall Conference in Grayling in mid-October. As you may know, our State Dept has been through some trying times but has survived. Unfortunately, the AMVETS State Dept has lost their Service Officers. My comments from the last newsletter addressed this very issue. 

The National AMVETS plans to fund ONE Service Officer for the State. We are, at the State level, very disappointed. However, it appears that the State of Michiganis planning to dismiss all Service Officers from Veteran Service Organizations such as the VFW and American Legion as they have done with the AMVETS. This is only speculation, but this seems to be the direction. I will keep the members abreast of this situation.

However, our purpose at the local level has not changed. We still provide support for veterans and the community in this area. With our Americanism activities and financial donations from AMVETS, Sons, Auxiliary, and Riders, and thousands of hours of volunteer time, we at AMVETS Post 1957 are an asset to this community and our local veterans. Thank you all for your contributions to the Lenawee County area.

Yours In Service,

Aaron Ricketts, Commander

Ladies Auxiliary Report 

The Ladies Auxiliary has multiple activities coming up and we need your help!

The annual bake sale at TLC Community Credit Union (Corner of M-52 and US-223 inAdrian) is scheduled for Friday, November 18. We will be selling baked goods and other items from 9am until we sell out. If you would like to bake an item for us to sell that day, please bring it to the Post by Thursday, November 17 so that we have sufficient time to divvy up the goods and price the items for sale. You are also more than welcome to drop the goods off at TLC the day of the sale, but please have them split up and priced when you drop them off. We appreciate all of the donations that we can get for this event as the proceeds go directly to our Christmas Basket project.

Speaking of Christmas Baskets, it is also time again to solicit names of those Post members that are in need of assistance this Holiday Season. If you know of someone who belongs to our Post that could use some Christmas Cheer, please let me know directly. You can also leave a note in a sealed envelope at the Post, but please include your name and phone number so that I can follow-up with you. The honor and dignity of our friends in need is of the utmost importance to the Ladies Auxiliary; please keep this in mind when talking with other members.

The Children’s Christmas Party is on December 4, beginning at 1:00pm.

Santa Claus will be at the party again this year, so a sign-up sheet will be at the bar from November 1 – November 21 for those of you who would like to bring your kids or your grandkids that are 10 years-old or younger. Please fill out all of the information requested on the sign-up sheet to make it easier on Santa’s Elves. Also, if you sign-up, you must be in attendance during the party to receive your child’s gift. If you do not attend, the gift will be donated.

As always, please see a Ladies Auxiliary Officer with any questions about any of these events.

Liz Feltman

Ladies Auxiliary President

Attention Life Members!

Our annual Life Member Lunch is scheduled for Saturday, November 12th at noon. The AMVETS provides a great lunch and a drink or two and maybe a little entertainment for you and your guest. AMVETS, Sons and Auxiliary Life Members and a guest are invited. Invitations will be sent to you to RSVP in October. This is our way of thanking US Life Members for OUR commitment to AMVETS.

Sons Report

Thank you to everyone who participated in the golf outing at Woodlawn golf course. We raised $1,540. The trip to Oakshade Raceway was a big success, the bus was full. Thanks to everyone who donated food. Lots of fun was had by all.

November 12^th there will be a Life Membership Luncheon at Noon, sponsored by the Sons. November 26^th is the Annual AMVETS/Eagles Chili Cook-off held at the Post from Noon to 3pm, sponsored by the Sons as well. Let’s help keep the trophy at the Post. Trophies for the top three chili winners will be awarded. The Club with the top chili winner will keep the traveling trophy for the next year.

The New Year’s Eve Party is limited to 125 members and guests. There will be a sign up sheet at the Post.

Gaylord hill

Sons Commander

Riders Report

Let me start this off with a very special thank you to Max and Johnny for inviting us to their home for the AMVETS Picnic.  I’m not sure if the picnic actually ended Saturday night because many of us spent the following day out at Max and Johnny’s to continue our weekend of AMVETS camaraderie.

Summer has gone and it seems it has left us entirely way too soon. We went from 90 to 100 degree days to down in the 50’s and it seems like this all happened overnight. With the cool weather upon us also comes the changing of the colors.  Seeing these colors on a motorcycle is so much more realistic than seeing them in a car. We have talked about taking that ride with the changing of the colors; hopefully we get to do this before everything turns white.

We riders are still reluctant to push our bikes in the garage and put them away. We are holding out for that “One Last Ride”.  Sometimes we get it, sometimes we don’t. 

Deryl Clark

AMVETS Riders President 

The New Queen of Hearts Game begins December 1^st- It’s a cool, new weekly drawing with rolling cash prizes!

November-December Event Calendar 

Friday, Nov. 4th

-Phil Toliver 1-Man Band 6 pm – ?

-Chalupa Night 3:30 to 8pm

Saturday, Nov. 12th

-Life Members Luncheon 12:00 pm

-Karaoke w/ Jamming Jerry 8pm – 12

-P. Miller Retirement Party        

Saturday, Nov. 19th

-M. Clark Deployment Party

-Karaoke w/ Jamming Jerry 8pm – 12

Wednesday, Nov. 23rd 8pm

-Thanksgiving Eve.

-Eric Einhorn-Home Grown Band

Thursday, Nov. 24th at noon

-Thanksgiving Day Feast and Football

Saturday, Nov. 26th

-Sons/Eagles Chili Cook-Off 12 – 3 pm

-U of M vs.OhioStatefootball at noon

-Karaoke w/ Jamming Jerry 8pm – 12

——————————————

Saturday, Dec. 3rd

-Post Christmas Party 7pm

Sunday, Dec. 4th

-Children’s Christmas Party 12 – 3 pm

Friday, Dec. 9th

-Phil Toliver 1-Man Band 6 pm – ?

-Chalupa Night 3:30 to 8pm

Saturday, December 17th

-Sons Mystery Bus Trip 5 – 8pm

-Karaoke w/ Jamming Jerry 8pm – 12

Sunday, Dec. 25th

-Closed Christmas- Happy Holidays!

Saturday, Dec. 31st

-New Years Eve Party 6:30pm

Sponsored by the Sons

July thru October Contributions

Volunteer Work

Americanism

Hours- 82

Value- $1751.52 

Fund Raising

Hours- 70

Value- $1502.20

Adopt a Highway

Hours- 20

Value- $427.20

Homeless Veterans

Hours- 6

Value- $128.16

Donations

Homeless Veterans – $100

Adopt a Highway Meals – $55

Americanism – $218.25

Ill & Hospitalized Vets – $100

Mileage & Activity Costs – $109.40

Community Donations and Sponsorships:

Blissfield Festival Softball- $145

Relay for Life- $75

County Fair Figure 8 Car- $100

Lenawee Humane Society- $25

Sand Creek Schools Yearbook- $65

Eagles Children’s Christmas- $50

____________________

Total Contributions

Hours- 178

     -Value- $3802.08

Donations- $1042.65

The first thing a veteran should do to prepare themselves for this is to have a complete physical exam at least 120 days prior to their discharge date. This will come in handy as insurance companies will have no reason to give the veteran higher quotes in the event that the veteran should look for insurance outside the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA).

This could also set the stage for any future claims for disability compensation from the DVA after leaving military service.  It is extremely important to get copies of all medical records from the department and to also have them certified.  And it is also important that all veterans see what is available to them from the department before they go looking for private coverage.

There is a $10,000 limit on total life insurance that veterans may be issued by the government, however it should also be noted that veterans who have what are called “Veteran’s Reopened Insurance” and “Veteran’s Special Life Insurance” are also able to buy additional paid-up coverage.

Veterans are also able to borrow up to 94 percent of their life policy’s total value.  The interest they pay if they do so will be adjustable, with the rates being adjusted on October 1 every year.  It basically comes out to a reducing balance, meaning that the interest total will go down as the amount of the loan is gradually paid off.

Although the focus of this writing is about veteran’s life insurance it is important that each and every member of the armed forces, prior to re-entering civilian life, find out the vast array of insurance benefits, housing options, educational opportunities and so forth that they are eligible for. And providing for one’s family in the event of misfortune gives peace of mind to all concerned.

The cost is $7.00 per person and kids 5 and under eat for FREE!

Then at 8:00 Jammin’ Jerry takes over to play some of the best Karaoke in Lenawee County for the Annual Adult Halloween Party. There will be tons of entertainment including Costume Contests and Drink Specials!

As always, Members and their Guests are welcome. Not a Member? See if you are eligible to Join Us and if you are, come to the Post, pay your dues and join in all the fun.

On Friday mornings, residents at the Venture In RV Resort in Show Low, Arizona, wear red shirts to a weekly meeting to show support for the men and women serving in the military. A former Michigan couple living in Arizona, Larry and Diane Pulaskey started wearing red shirts on Fridays. They started this trend last year at Venture In but this year it has really taken off.

The idea for Red Shirt Fridays was circulated nationally about three or four years ago and Larry learned about it in Lake Havasu around that time. The color red symbolizes the blood shed by the men and women protecting our freedom through their military service. The effort began at Venture In with announcements at the Friday morning meetings and was enthusiastically accepted by the residents.

“My mission is to get everyone in Show Low (Arizona) wearing a red shirt on Friday, then the state as well”. Larry was in the Army and stationed in Korea from 1952 to 1954. He was a medic and drove an ambulance. There are over 100 veterans at Venture In, some of whom served as far back WWII.

Veterans in the Park have also started a new tradition: flag raising ceremonies with other Veteran’s Organizations. Partnering with such groups as the Eastern Mountain Young Marines and the Veterans of Foreign Wars local Post, these ceremonies have become quite popular. It is a great way for those who have served to share their patriotism with other residents and the surrounding community.

The Red Shirt campaign has gained momentum in the RV Resort thanks in part to the staff wearing red shirts and setting an example. Outside the park, citizens of Show Low give thanks to the residents for their support of the troops.

Venture In RV Park is only open seasonally so Larry and Diane have been encouraging residents to take the message of “Red Shirt Fridays” wherever they go. They feel it is the least they can do for those who have fought and died for America’s freedom and way of life. “We’re free because of the brave” said Larry…Shouldn’t we all remember these words and wear a red shirt this Friday?

It is surprising to find out how many Veterans do not even know about the outstanding housing benefits available to them through the Veteran’s Administration (VA) for their service to our country.

And many Vets who are aware of the veterans home loan program never get around to utilizing it.  This article will give you a brief overview of the VA Home Loan program and things you need to look out for should you decide to apply for these benefits.

A VA Home Loan is basically a loan for a residential mortgage available to Veterans who departed the military honorably and carries a guarantee from U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.  However, it should be noted that these loans are obtained through a mortgage broker or mortgage banker.

The main advantage of going with a VA Veterans Home Loan as opposed to a conventional home loan is the fact that the mortgage is financed 100 percent.  This is a savings of thousands of dollars when compared to a traditional mortgage which calls for anywhere from a 10 to 30 percent down payment.  And the guidelines for qualifying are much looser also.  Additionally, it is said that 4 out of 5 Veteran’s can not even qualify for a conventional mortgage loan.

So in a nutshell these are some of the advantages of going with a VA Home Loan:
• Loan is 100% financed with no down payment whatsoever
• Much simpler to qualify for
• Interest rates will be lower
• Monthly payments will also be lower
• No need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
• And the loan is also assumable

Now, here is where we get into some very important details you need to know when applying for your well-deserved VA Veterans Home Loan.  And please pay close attention- Not all lenders are created equal.  Some make no claim at all to being versed in them, while others “claim” they are, but there are all kinds of little asterisks in their descriptions and they are riddled with small fine print that most people unfortunately overlook.

Make sure that you know for a fact that the lender is approved by the VA.   Due diligence is very important here because lenders in the VA Loan business are not as closely monitored as those following FHA guidelines.  Make sure you speak to your local Veteran’s Administration Office and ask them if they can provide you with a list of approved VA lenders.  One final important tip…

There is a guide called the “Scotsman’s Guide Top Originators”.  Just Google the name and it will come up at the top of the search.  This fantastic guide is chock-full of all the top recognized lenders in the field.  A VA Veterans Home Loan is one of your hard-earned benefits- make sure you take full advantage of this opportunity.

This weekend the Post will be alive with the sound of music. On Friday night, October 14th, Phil Tolliver will be performing a wide variety of songs in different styles. He is known as the “One Man Band”, playing everything from Bob Seger to David Allen Coe.

Phil is able to change his sound and voice on each song, resulting in some really great cover tunes. Stop by from 7pm to 11pm this Friday, request a song or two and listen to Phil jam on his guitars…

Speaking of jamming, Saturday nights in October are Karaoke nights at the Post, courtesy of Jammin’ Jerry. This time you get to be the star, with Jerry’s help of course. Come out and sing on October 15th, the 22nd, and on the 29th, which also happens to be the night of our Halloween party as well.

Stop by the Post this weekend and help us celebrate Rocktober the right way- with free live music and jammin’ sing-along’s!

Donating to veteran’s charities is indeed a noble thing to do.  We all know that these brave men and women serve our country selflessly, putting themselves in harm’s way in all corners of the world.  Their dedicated sacrifices throughout the 235 years of our great country make them very special for sure.  But unfortunately they are severely underpaid and often unappreciated by the very government they served.

Quite often they return home only to find that there is very little offered to them in the way of housing, education and financial assistance.  But fortunately there are groups such as veteran’s charities that help to make life a little easier for them.  One of the more popular ways people can contribute to such charities is in the form of veterans car donation, giving used cars, vans and other forms of transportation to veterans in need.

But as with anything else in life there are potential pitfalls associated with car donations, even to veteran’s charities and in this article we are going to educate you on how to go about making sure that your car donation is actually going to a legitimate veteran’s charity.  There are many veteran charities throughout the country so we obviously cannot discuss each and every one or even go state by state but we can give you some general guidelines to go by.

Probably the most important and smartest thing you can do is actually speak to Veteran’s groups in your local area where you are looking to donate a vehicle.  They will be very well equipped to let you know which veteran charities they deal with and have found satisfactory or exceptional.  Just because something or someone calls themselves a veteran’s charity does not mean that they actually are.  Unfortunately there are some bad apples that don’t care who they take advantage of.

Also check with the Better Business Bureau chapter that serves the area in which you wish to donate and see if there have been any complaints against them.  Maybe even a check with your state Attorney General’s office also.  You can even go to Guidestar.org on the web and run a check of the particular charity.  And additionally you can even check with CharityNavigator.org where they have a database complete with ratings of tons of charities.  Do be advised though that they will require a minimum $10 donation that they say helps keep their site operating.

And to find out even more, just go to Google or your favorite search engine and type in how to tell if a charity is legitimate or veterans car donation.  And last but certainly not least, call other local charities you trust in your area. Even if they don’t deal with veterans car donations, they may know an organization that does.

There are several ways to make sure that you are donating your vehicle to a worthy and legitimate veteran’s charity.  A little research, maybe some phone calls, due diligence and common sense should provide you with a good veteran’s charity to which you can donate a vehicle.