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Post 7327, Spr ingf ie ld , Virginia
Volume 15-5
By Post Commander Joe “Hoss” Byrnes
SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, and the COMMUNITY
May 2016
Our Business is Taking Care of Veterans
The Camaraderie
Veterans of Fore ign Wars of the United States
Hello from the Commander’s desk at
the Post. I am here while they install
the new phone, internet, and TV from
Cox. Oh, by the way, we now have
high-speed internet at the Post and
will be adding some new voicemail
boxes over the next few weeks. This
will allow folks to call in and check the status of the Post and
Bingo. As we get closer I’ll send out updates.
We completed our Post elections at the April General
Membership meeting. I would like to welcome the new folks
and say thank you to the folks who are staying on for another
year.
Commander Joseph Byrnes
Sr Vice Commander Dorian Brunson (New)
Jr Vice Commander Raj Lobrecht
Quartermaster Milam Sturgis (New)
Chaplain Wayne Yancy
3-year trustee Terri Andreoni (New)
2-year trustee Clarence McNeil
1-year trustee Gary Kelch
Appointed
Surgeon Mike Kephart
Service Officer Frank Konieczny
Judge Advocate Open for now
We will install all of the officers at our May General
Membership meeting. Please congratulate and thank them for
stepping up to lead the Post.
We have a number of different functions going on this
month. Most importantly will be the Joint VFW American
Legion Memorial Day Service which will be held May 30th at
the Springfield American Legion Post 176 at 1700. We are
the sponsor of this event so the more comrades we have in
attendance, the better I’ll feel giving my very short speech.
(Continued on page 2)
Fort Lee, Virginia Home to
U.S. Army Women’s Museum www.awm.lee.army.mil
The U.S. Army Women's Museum is the
only museum in the world dedicated to Army
women. The Museum honors women's contribu-
tions to the Army from the Revolutionary War to
the present, telling their stories with interactive
exhibits and videos throughout the gallery, as
well as film presentations in our theater. The mu-
seum also has an extensive research and learning
center, and memorial garden.
The museum originated as the Women's
Army Corps Museum which was located at Fort
McClellan, Alabama until it was moved to Fort
Lee, and reopened in May 2001.
Mission: The U.S. Army Women's Muse-
um serves as an educational institution, providing
military history training and instruction to sol-
diers, veterans and the civilian community. The
museum is the custodian and repository of arti-
facts and archival material pertaining to the ser-
vice of women across all branches and organiza-
tions of the U.S. Army from inception to the pre-
sent day. The museum collects, preserves, manag-
es, interprets and exhibits these unique artifacts as
a means to provide training and educational out-
reach. Editor’s Note: If you choose to make a visit to
the AWM, my husband and I would be happy to meet
you for lunch or to tour the museum with you! We are
currently stationed at Ft. Lee. ~Katy Sylvester
U.S. Army Women's Museum, 2100 A Avenue,
Fort Lee, VA 23801
Page 2
The Camaraderie
Commander’s Commentary—continued from page 1
VFW Members, Family, and Friends Buy, Sell, or Lease a home with me, Alice Gehl and 10% of my proceeds from each com-pleted transaction will be donated to the
building fund at VFW Post 7327.
I am a Life Member of Post 7327 Auxiliary.
Alice E. Gehl, Realtor, Weichert, Realtors, Burke Office
Email: [email protected] Cell: 571-426-4073 Licensed in theCommonwealth of Virginia
We will also be doing our Bud-
dy Poppy distribution this month and
the contact for that is Jr Vice Com-
mander Lobrecht. He can be reached
by email at [email protected] The
dates are May 21st and 22nd at Fort
Belvoir Exchange and Commissary.
We have also been able to get into the Huntsman Giant
store on May 27, 28, and 29. This location has been
great for us in the past. We will also add new locations
as they come available. Our goal is to have each loca-
tion staffed with two members on a two-hour block
starting at 9 am until 5 pm. If you can give us 2 hours,
please be sure to get your email address to Raj so he
can sign you up. If you do not have an email address,
contact the Post and after the 4th (the new phones will
be hooked up and so will the voice mail) and we will
get you signed up.
I would start my housekeeping section right
about now but it seems it’s all I have been doing. So, as
you know the main source of income for the Post is our
Bingo program on Thursdays and Fridays. We have a
dedicated group of volunteers who show up and help
but these folks need a break and we would love to see
some new faces at the Springfield Volunteer Fire De-
partment on any given Thursday or Friday night. Please
contact Linda Bond at [email protected] and she will
be happy to fit you in to the schedule. Just one night a
month would be a huge help!
Last topic for this month will be membership.
Please check to see if your dues are current or if the due
date has already passed and you are now UNPAID. We
are in the home stretch to complete this year at 100%. If
you know someone who qualifies for the VFW, please
encourage them to join. The May membership meeting
is the last one prior to the State Convention to vote in
any new members. It would be great to get 100% for
the year. The more members we have, the better we are
at helping veterans.
As always, we are in the business of taking care
of veterans and if anyone asks we are open for business.
I look forward to seeing you at the Post or at Bingo.
Joe Byrnes Commander
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: [email protected]
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, Mike Kephart, Frank Konieczny, Barbara Major,
Wayne Yancey
Photographs By:
Diana Regan
Post Officers
Commander: Joseph Byrnes, [email protected]
Sr. Vice: Joe Baringer, [email protected]
Jr. Vice: Raj Lobrecht, [email protected]
Quartermaster: Terri Andreoni, [email protected]
Judge Adv: Milan Sturgis
Chaplain: Wayne Yancey, [email protected]
Surgeon: Michael Kephart, [email protected]
3-Yr Trustee: Gary Kelch, [email protected]
2-Yr Trustee: Larry Parham
1-Yr Trustee: Clarence McNeill
Post Adjutant: Terri Andreoni, [email protected] Service Officer: Frank Konieczny,
Auxiliary Officers
President: Barbara Major 703-548-8343
Sr. Vice: Shirley Norris 703-971-1939
Jr. Vice: Itty Neal 703-569-4257
Secretary: Alice Merrill 703-569-1771
Treasurer: Linda Byrnes 703-732-7539
Chaplain: Janne Best 703-321-7349
Conductress: Barbara Bucklin 703-971-8299
Guard: JoAnne Kelch 703-644-8485
1-Yr Trustee: Diana Regan 703-719-7660
2-Yr Trustee: Linda Bond
3-Yr Trustee: Itty Neal
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.
May 2016
Page 3
By Auxiliary President Barbara Major
It is a real surprise to me that almost a year has
gone by since I was elected President of the VFW Aux-
iliary of Post 7327. The time has flown. I feel that we
have accomplished a great deal in support of our veter-
ans and enlisted military and their families. Of course,
there is always more we can do, but the time has flown by. The dedication of our
members has been truly inspirational. I thank everyone who has stepped up to
help me in my first year as President. Over the past year, I have met a wonderful
group of people, many of whom I now consider friends.
Hence, the focus of our April meeting was to elect the officers for the
coming year. Thanks to the diligent work of the Nominating Committee (Barbara
Bucklin, chair, Shirley Norris, and Janne Best) all of the positions have been
filled. Thanks also go to the members who agreed to step up to the task.
The list of officers is as follows: President, Barbara Major; Senior Vice Presi-
dent, Shirley Norris; Junior Vice President, Diana Regan; Treasurer, Linda Byr-
nes; Chaplain, Floy Lipscomb; Conductress, Barbara Bucklin; Guard, Janne Best;
2 Year Trustee, JoAnne Kelch; and 3 Year Trustee, Valerie Murrell. Linda Bond
moves up to 1 Year Trustee. I have also reappointed Alice Merrill, Treasurer,
and Joyce Engel, Patriotic Instructor. The Historian position is currently va-
cant. If interested, please let me know. Installation of officers will precede our
May meeting.
In addition, we added a new member to our roles: Minerva Kim, who is
the wife of Comrade Raj Lobrecht. Welcome Minerva.
Currently, Memorial Day Buddy Poppy distribution is scheduled for
May 21 and 22 at Fort Belvoir Commissary and PX and May 27, 28, and 29 at
Huntsman Giant. If you are interested in helping with distribution or just want to
contribute, please let me or Commander Byrnes know.
Other news: Susan Yu, one of our post’s
EMT of the Year, has been selected as the VFW
Department of Virginia EMT of the Year and also
the VFW National EMT of the Year. It is gratify-
ing to have a State and National winner in VFW
District 10 and at Springfield Post 7327. Techni-
cian Yu is a member of the Franconia Volunteer
Fire Department in Franconia, Virginia. In addi-
tion to her EMT duties, Technician Yu is officer in
charge of basic life support units, qualified as an
Emergency Vehicle operator, and preceptor for
new EMT students. Technician Yu has initiated a successful mentorship pro-
gram for new members of the department. She also founded the recruitment and
retention committee resulting in a reduction of the new member dropout rate and
contributing to the retention of valuable and needed talent in the department. Hats
off to EMT Yu. We should all be grateful that such dedicated people are in our
community.
The next Auxiliary meeting is slated for May 11, 7pm. I hope to see
you there.
Page 4
The Camaraderie
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Post Chaplain Wayne Yancey
Hello Comrades, Auxiliary members, and Friends of the Post,
It’s another beautiful day in the neighborhood. I hope everyone is enjoining this nice weather. A lot has hap-
pened in the Chaplain’s corner since my last article so let’s get to it.
Comrade Mike Heck:
In my article last month I mentioned that Comrade Mike Heck had passed away on March 24, 2016 after a long
battle with cancer. A very nice service was conducted for him on April 5, 2016 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
The service was followed by a reception at the church. The Post was represented by Service Officer, Frank Konieczny,
your Chaplain, and several members of the Auxiliary.
Comrade George Sweeney:
For several years I have tried to keep the membership updated on the condition of Comrade George Sweeney. It
saddens me to report that George passed away at the VA Hospital in Hampton, VA on April 19, 2016. He was trans-
ferred from the VA Hospital in D. C. to Hampton Virginia on April 13, 2016 to be closer to his family in his few
remaining days. Son Billy and Daughter Monica were with George when he passed. George was a Past Junior-Vice
Commander and remained active in the Post until recently. He chaired many committees over the years. His favorite
was probably the Buddy Poppy Distribution and he was very good at it. He could always be counted on to “lend a hand”
whenever needed. George was also an active and dedicated member of the Bingo Team.
Inga Sweeney, George’s wife, has been in various hospitals since a fall on March 9, 2016. In fact she and
George were in different hospitals at the same time since then. For me, that made the situation even sadder because
neither was able to physically support the other during their illnesses. Fortunately they were able to see each other via
“face time” not long before George’s death.
The family chooses not to have a VFW Service for George but, at last night’s General Membership meeting, the
membership discussed having a local service for him at the Post Home in the near future. I will advise the membership
of the date and time as soon as it is decided.
BINGO AT THE VA HOSPITAL:
We had a successful visit to the VA Hospital on April 12, 2016 and played Bingo with 24 residents. We distrib-
uted $74.00. Thanks to Comrades Mike Kephart and Dorian Brunson for accompanying me on the visit. They were a
big help and a lot of company. While the bingo machine at the VA Hospital is automated it does not have verification
capability. So the numbers on each winning card must be read back to confirm that the card is a valid winner. Many
times one game may have two or three winners which make reading back the numbers difficult and time consuming.
After the Bingo was over Mike, Dorian, and I were able to visit Comrade Sweeney in his room in the Hospital before
we left. He was very alert at the time. The next day he was transferred to Hampton. We are grateful we got to see him
before he transferred from the area.
Frank Konieczny’s wife Ronnie, had hip replacement earlier this month and (believe it or not) it was done as an
out-patient. UNBELIVABLE… Frank reported last night that Ronnie is doing well.
It was great to see Comrade J. B. Young at the General Membership meeting last night. Comrade Young also
spent a few days in Walter Reed earlier this month but said last night that he is doing well.
Don’t forget to sign-up for distribution of Buddy Poppies next month. We’ve added a few more spots “off post” this
time so that folks can distribute Poppies without the hassle of going to Fort Belvoir.
As always if I can be of assistance to anyone please don’t hesitate to call or send an e-mail using the
information provided below. Thanks and have a great May.
Wayne Yancey [email protected]
Home: 703-719-7660, Cell: 703-350-8409
May 2016
Page 5
If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide please reach out to 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.
Service Officer's Corner Francis W. Konieczny, Post Service Officer
Survivors of a Veteran's Suicide (Part 3 of 4)
This is Part 3 of a 4 Part Series on Veteran Suicides.
When a veteran commits suicide, they always leave behind someone who must deal with their deci-
sion to take their own life. It could be a mother, father, wife, son or daughter. It could be a friend, a partner,
or simply an acquaintance. When someone commits suicide, the circumstances are often confusing. It's not
unusual for survivors, especially those closest to the deceased, to experience feelings ranging from blame to
guilt. Friends and relatives may believe they should have recognized the signs that their loved ones were de-
pressed enough to commit suicide, or they may feel responsible for encouraging the deceased veteran to join
the service in the first place.
There's no doubt that the grieving process is complex and unique
for each survivor. Feelings may vary and can include shock, confusion, an-
ger, guilt, relief, and sorrow. Some studies found that veterans' PTSD
symptoms can negatively affect family relationships and that impaired fam-
ily relationships may exacerbate a veteran's PTSD and lead to risk of sui-
cide. Relationship problems can also increase risk for suicide. Spouses or
significant others of veterans whose suicide occurred in close proximity to
a failed relationship or relationship crisis, may feel particularly guilty or
assume responsibility for the death.
In addition to feelings of guilt, family members may look to externalize these emotions. These are
normal responses to suicide, but they could be more pronounced if the circumstances around a loved one’s
suicide are unclear (for example, if the active duty member died overseas), or if the individual recently re-
turned from an extended period of deployment.
Suicide can also occur after a long period of emotional turmoil and/or persistent mental illness, both
of which can have devastating effects on family members. Often times, family members (parents, spouses,
siblings) of the deceased were also their caregivers. This is important, because taking care of a loved one who
has a serious mental or physical illness can place considerable strain not only on the primary caregiver, but
also on friends and other members of the family. If the survivor was closely involved with the deceased, it is
likely that he or she felt significantly burdened, emotionally exhausted and at times helpless and scared.
The impact of veteran suicides on child survivors is only now being explored in detail. If the de-
ceased was a parent or family member, talking to the children about the death may be one of the most diffi-
cult tasks faced by adult survivors. Suicide is an extremely complicated form of death and requires honesty
with children. However, the explanation provided should fit the child's age and level of understanding. If
adult survivors are reluctant to talk to a child about suicide, what it means and why it happened, keep in mind
that children are likely to hear it from other sources. That may lead to even more confusion, fear, and dis-
tress. But, talking with children about the suicide of a loved one could help erase misconceptions or concerns
that somehow they are blame for what happened. Coping with loss may be further complicated if the child
had been separated from their parent for extended periods of time secondary to deployments. Obtaining an
understanding regarding the impact of deployment on the family may help.
In Part 4, we'll discuss where at-risk veterans can go to get help.
A portion of this article was sourced from:
http://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/docs/Suicide_Support_Group.pdf
Page 6
The Camaraderie
Surgeon’s Corner
By Post Surgeon Mike Kephart Comrades, Auxiliary, and Friends of the Post,
VFW Department of Virginia and Hampton Roads Bass Pro Shops are sponsoring a fund raising raffle
with a list of 50 great prizes (below) with a total value of approximately $20,000.00! More details and the list
of prizes can be found on the State website at the link - http://vfwva.org/department-news/vfw-bass-pro-raffle.
Drawing will be June 18 at the VFW State Convention in Williamsburg and you do not have to be present to
win. If you are not in the Hampton Roads area to collect your prize, winners can opt for a Bass Pro Gift Card
good at any Bass Pro store**. So, if you win the trolling motor and really wanted the binoculars, you can get a
gift card and receive the prize you really wanted!
Tickets are $5.00 each and Springfield Post 7327 receives $1.00 for each ticket sold. We are asking
you to help the Post by buying at least one raffle ticket. Tickets will be available at the Post and at our Bingo
every Thursday and Friday evening at the Springfield Volunteer Firehouse, 7011 Backlick Road, Springfield.
If you are out of the area or just cannot make it to the Post, no worries! Send a check to the Post with a self-
addressed, stamped envelope and we will send you as many tickets as you want. Mailing address for the Post
is: VFW Post 7327, Bass Pro Raffle, 8350-F Terminal Road, Lorton, Virginia 22079.
So please, support the Post and get your tickets before June 6th
so that we can get them turned in for the drawing! * - Value of gift cards will be 10% less than the advertised value. This matches the discounted price being paid by Virginia VFW for
each prize
Bass Pro Raffle Prize List
1. Henry Golden Boy .22 Cal $529.99 2. Yeti Roadie $264.99 3. Savage 16 .243 cal $720.79 4. Quantum Baitcaster Outfit $211.98 5. Thunder Hawk Crossbow $635.99 6. OA Oceanmaster Reel W/B $233.18 7. Ruger 10/22 .22 Cal $275.59 8. Frontier Revolver .45 Cal $561.79 9. Costa 570P Sunglasses $179.14 10. $500 BPS Giftcard $500.00 11. Minn Kota Trolling Motor $116.59 12. Char – Broil Propane Grill $370.99 13. Teknetics Metal Detector $296.79 14. Buschnell Binoculars $105.99 15. $500 BPS Giftcard $500.00 16. Remington 870 $349.79 17. Ruger Mk 111 $455.79 18. Ascend C156 Canoe $604.19 19. Parker Enforcer Crossbow $529.99 20. $500 BPS Giftcard $500.00 21. Browning 2 Burner $127.19 22. Yeti Hopper 20 $317.99 23. Tikka T-3 .308 Cal $635.99 24. Henry Big Boy .44 Mag $847.99 25. Winchester SX3 13 GA $ 1,006.99
26. Landman Fire Pit $211.99 27. Bass Pro Rain Jacket $201.39 28. $500 BPS Giftcard $500.00 29. Bass Pro Camp Kitchen $148.39 30. $500 BPS Giftcard $500.00 31. Orvis Fly Outfit $168.54 32. Yeti Trundra 45 $370.99 33. Masterbuilt Elec Smoker $508.79 34. Redhead 10 Gun Safe $349.77 35. Browning BPS 12 GA $635.99 36. Traeger Pellet Grill $476.99 37. Penn Battle II & OA Bag $180.18 38. Browning Rod Storage $158.99 39. Yeti 125 $582.99 40. $500 BPS Giftcard $500.00 41. Bass Pro Baitcast $275.58 42. Bushmaster .223 MSR $847.99 43. Bass Pro 4 Person Tent $127.19 44. Browning Spinning CB $74.79 45. Yeti 65 $423.99 46. $250 BPS Giftcard $250.00 47. Ubirite .45 Cal Pistol $455.79 48. Penn Senator R&T $296.79 49. $250 BPS Giftcard $250.00 50. Browning Maxus 12 GA $1,430.99
Auxiliary Membership News Treasurer Linda Byrnes
The Early Bird catches the discount!!
Renew between now and May 13th and your 2017 dues will cost $18 - a savings of $5!!
Questions about membership? Please contact a Membership Committee member:
Linda Bond Linda Byrnes Alice Merrill Valerie Murrell Diana Regan
I welcome your membership questions at: 703-732-7539.
May 2016
Page 7 Page 7
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radia-
tion from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotches
or spots on your skin. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented, and it can almost always
be cured when it’s found and treated early.
The Camaraderie is proud to participate in Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.
During the month of May, join us in taking action to prevent skin cancer and reduce the risk of UV
damage.
Take simple steps today to protect your skin:
Apply sunscreen. When you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen to all skin that will
not be covered by clothing. Reapply approximately every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Use a broad-
spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that protects the skin against both UVA and UVB rays and that has an SPF of
at least 30. Use these tips when selecting a sunscreen .
Use one ounce of sunscreen, an amount that is about equal to the size of your palm. Thoroughly rub the product
into the skin. Don’t forget the top of your feet, your neck, ears, and the top of your head.
Seek shade. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter
than you are, seek shade.
Protect your skin with clothing. When going outside wear a long‐sleeved shirt, pants, a wide‐brimmed hat
and sunglasses.
Use extra caution near water, sand or snow as they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which
can increase your chances of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely. Eat a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D, or take vitamin D sup-
plements. Do not seek the sun.
If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it. Don’t use
tanning beds. Just like the sun, UV light from tanning beds can cause wrinkling and age spots and can lead to skin
cancer.
Check your skin for signs of skin cancer. Your birthday is a great time to check your birthday suit. Checking
your skin and knowing your moles are key to detecting skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
If you spot anything changing, growing or bleeding, see your dermatologist.
Information taken from www.aad.org and www.skincancer.org.
Web Site:
www.post7327
.org
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.
Upcoming Events and Activities
May 11—Auxiliary General Membership Meeting, 7:00 pm
May 21—Armed Forces Day
May 24—Post General Membership Meeting, 7:30 pm
May 21-22—Buddy Poppy Distribution Ft. Belvoir Commissary and PX
May 27, 28, 29—Buddy Poppy Distribution Huntsman Giant
May 30—Memorial Day
May 30—VFW/American Legion Joint Memorial Day Service
June 17—Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trip aboard the North Star Charter
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
VFW Post 7327
8350 - F Terminal Road
Lorton, Virginia 22079
The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia
Web Site: www.post7327.org
e-mail: [email protected]
703-541-3139 Phone
703-541-0641 Fax