VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA October 2016 · 06/10/2015 · October 2016 [email protected] 445-6040 There have been a lot of questions regarding the Men’s Aux. First

VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578

ALPINE CALIFORNIA

October 2016

Newsle�er by Lakeside Computer Consul�ng Group 619 561 6621 [email protected]

Commander’s Message

Hello to all members

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself, Jack Gauthier, as

your Senior Vice Commander of our post 9578. With Commander John Riz-

zo’s departure, I will rise to the Commanders posi�on. I want to thank John

for all the hard work he has put in over the years to make this post a place

that I am proud to call my VFW Post.

A li�le about me: I was born and raised in the State of Washington and a7er

high school went on ac�ve duty. I served on the USS Canberra CAG 2 in Vi-

etnam from Aug 1966 to Aug 1968. I spent the rest of my career on the rail-

road, re�ring in 2007 as a Manager for the Southern Pacific Railroad.

I established roots in San Diego in 2012 to be closer to family, and joined the

VFW shortly therea7er.

With all the things John has done for the Post, I hope to follow his lead and

finish some of the projects he started. I want to be a great leader and work

cohesively with the officers and all members of our Post.

I have addi�onal ideas about projects to benefit the community as well as

our Post and would like input from all team members on how we can sup-

port our comrades and community. With the team's input, I can develop ac-

�on plans to carry them out.

The Auxiliary is an important part of our Post and organiza�on. I applaud the

work they do to make our Post a be�er place and enjoyable for all.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to all that par�cipated in the Wall of Honor

Ceremony and the POW/MIA event at our Post. It is important that we show

our support to all Veterans that have served.

Feel free to submit ideas you have to me. More importantly, please consider

lending a helping hand to the many projects we have to support our Post,

our comrades, and our community.

Commander Jack Gauthier

Post Officer Roster: 2016-2017

Commander: Jack Gauthier

Senior Vice:

Junior Vice: David Speith

Quartermaster: Carl Silva

Chaplain: Theo Bazdorf

Adjutant: Kerry Parsons

Judge Advocate: Rick Storms

Service Officer: John Rizzo

TRUSTEES

1ST Year: Chris Hanson

2ND Year:

3rd Year: James Abercrombie

ALL CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE NEWSLETTER

PLEASE MAIL OR EMAIL TO THE FOLLOWING

ADDRESSES.

844 Tavern Road,

Alpine CA, 91901 Email to : [email protected]

Visit the website, we now have the latest news from the VFW and the

VA on the ‘For the Vets’ page.


V F W B E R T F U L L E R P O S T 9 5 7 8

A L P I N E C A L I F O R N I A

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There have been a lot of questions regarding the Men’s Aux. First

of all let me say that we are loyal to our Post and as such, our ef-

forts are aimed at our Post. Another focus we have made is an ef-

fort to support our community of Alpine and put our Post in a

good light and show we are a good member of the Alpine commu-

nity. Our/My focus is on making a difference at our Post and in

East County. That being said the Men’s Aux. has been busy work-

ing on both fronts. Since the completion of the meeting room, we

felt that another upgrade we could provide is a new floor. That has

been done. We have also decided to provide the Post with three

new energy conserving AC cooling units. By providing the new

units they will cool the post as well as help keep the energy costs

down when it is hot. We are hoping the Auxiliary will help pitch in and pay for the labor to install the

new units. You may have noticed that the Men’s Aux. has started a big project in power washing,

patching, prepping, and putting a fresh coat of paint on the entire Post. The work started with the power

washing on the 24th and will continue on the weekends until the painting is done. And we’re not done

yet. Kip C. will head up a work party to sand and re-finish the railing on the deck. We have been and

continue to be busy, busy. Now for the community. We voted to help support a beautiful young Alpine

resident named Samantha Bodger who is going through a “Rough patch”. All our thoughts and prayers

go out to Samantha. Thank you Jodie McBride for bringing this to our attention. Men’s Aux. Chaplin

John Snyder is working with Dan Foster at the Memorial Wall Down Town Alpine to help resolve the

Light issues at the flag pole. Just one more project the Men’s Aux. is doing for the community. We had

a lot of guests that really helped out and showed their support at our last meeting. Thanks to Big John,

Dave Snyder, Carolyn V., Jodie McB., and Commander Jack. We have a lot of volunteers to thank for

all their efforts over the past month. Jim D. Steve A., and John K. for the first Sat. lunch in Aug. with

thanks to Theo and Carolyn for filling in at the BBQ during our meeting. Fernando, Joe, and crew pro-

vided the burger burn on the second Sat. of the month. Carolyn, Steve A., and I provided the food and

served for the POW/MIA ceremony with Debbie Tracy from the Aux. coordinating the desserts with

us. Thanks Debbie for your effort and the help in getting through it. Thank you John and Brenda for

coordinating the ceremony and our Color Guard. Thank you Chaplin John and Commander Jack for

working on the Light project. The Men’s Aux. will serve lunch on Sat. 1 Oct. and Sat. 8 Oct. from

11:00AM to 2:00PM. The Men’s Aux has voted to provide a dog or burger with all the fixins’ to any

member that shows up for the meetings and shows their 9578 membership card at no cost as a gesture

of thanks and support to our Post. With the clock ticking there is not much time for us left and we

would like to do as much as we can for OUR Post and OUR members and our community. Our next

monthly meeting will held the first Saturday of the month at 11:00AM. Don’t forget about the Hot

Dog, Burger deal and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind a chip or tip for all those burns they get at the grill.

Please keep our active service members that are in harm’s way in your thoughts and prayers as well as

our veterans that have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and the life we all enjoy. God Bless

America! David Verdugo, Men’s Auxiliary President

Men’s Auxiliary Officers: 2015-2016

President: David Verdugo

Vice President: Kevin Casey

Jr VP: Joel R. Murrillo

Chaplain: John Snyder

Treasurer: Steve Abercrombie

Guard: Vince Roussel

TRUSTEES




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Auxiliary Officers: 2016 – 2017

President:

Sheila Snyder

(619) 990-0536

Senior Vice: Jackie Theriot

Junior Vice: Be9y Rabell

Treasurer: Linda Pipkin

Secretary: Janice Simmons

Chaplain: Teresa Wahl

Guard: Sven Ricke9s

Conductress: Vikki Hemmen

TRUSTEES

1st Year: Kimberley Rivera

2nd

Year: Vicki Abercrombie

3rd

Year: Bea Conklin

House Commi9ee

John Vorburger – Chairman Dennis Foreman John Harrison Dave Snyder

SCHEDULED MEETING DAYS

VFW AUXILIARY 1st SATURDAY OF THE

MONTH 0930

MEMBER’S MEETINGS 2ND SATURDAY OF THE

MONTH HOUSE COMMITTEE

1000 GENERAL MEETING

1100

KITCHEN MANAGER Allison

POST HOURS

MONDAY – THRU - FRIDAY

12:00 Noon to Closing SATURDAYS AND SUN-

DAYS 9:00AM Till Closing Post Phone Number:

(619) 445-6040 Fax Number: (619) 445-

8740

Auxiliary Presidents Message

Hello everyone, lots of changes in September, as Brenda resigned as Senior VP

and Sally resigned as Guard. We did another nomina�on and elec�on for both

officers, and we are happy to announce that Jackie T is now Senior VP, and

Sven is our guard. This will be a great way for Sven to get to know everyone as

they come to the mee�ng, showing their membership card and saying hello as

well as having the all involved with the Auxiliary on a more frequent basis!

Thanks to Susan MacDonald (Dept. Deputy Chief of Staff) and Sherri Carrington

(Dept. Membership Chair) for a�ending our mee�ng regarding the upcoming

changes for the Auxiliary. Jackie returned from her vaca�on and kept everyone

updated regarding the rummage sale, scheduled for Sat. Oct. 22. Dona�ons

will be accepted the week before, so start checking for gently used items for

the sale. The District Membership mee�ng was on Tues. Sept. 27 at Paradise

Hills VFW. I will have the updated numbers at the mee�ng. I do know we ap-

proved 8 new membership applica�ons for Sept., so fingers crossed we are at

the 100% mark – this will be the 2nd

�me in 2 years that we made our goal in

less than 4 months! Thank you to the Auxiliary members who a�ended and as-

sisted with the POW/MIA Candlelight Vigil ceremony during my absence. I

heard from some of the folks that it was a very beau�ful and moving event,

and they were in awe of the gentleman from Texas who spent 3 years in cap�v-

ity. Folders were distributed during the mee�ng regarding the various topics

for folks to be handling. I will be submiRng the report for credit for this event

to District/Department for POW/MIA, Americanism & Patrio�sm. Please also

let me know if you par�cipate or a�end a func�on rela�ng to Veterans as this

would need to be documented for credit to District and Department. The more

we report, the more we are no�ced by the upper level as being an ac�ve and

informed Auxiliary. The State Commander and State Auxiliary President home-

coming is set for Sat. Oct. 15 at Crowne Plaza, complete with dinner, program

and entertainment. I will be going with Linda, our Treasurer to meet others

from within the State of California and other loca�ons for Dale/Tootsie’s big

event. Sending speedy recovery and be�er health issues to Brenda, Ruth, Karen

K., Janice S. and any other Aux member who has not been able to par�cipate

lately. Keeping everyone in our thoughts for a safe deployment and hope they

come home again soon. RespecTully, Sheila Jo/President

CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE

Let’s let I.R.M.A. be the acronym for the year to come, standing for: Integrity, Respect, Manners and

ARtude. We all should strive to be�er understand ourselves and our comrades, to the end that our

rela�onships here on Planet Earth be smoother. In other words, let’s try to remove peRness and

small-mindedness from our lives during 2015 and beyond.

Lord, may we be more tolerant and compassionate toward other human beings this new year. Help us

to strive for peace and good will amongst our friends, families and fellow veterans, thus crea�ng a

more serene existence for all. AMEN.

Army Vietnam veteran and Post Life Member Charlie Howell was in a serious auto accident last week,

and is recovering at Sharp Hospital.

Lord, Almighty God, we pray for your healing grace in behalf of Charles Howell. May he know the bless-

ing of good health in this hour and throughout his life. Bless all who minister to Charles in body, mind

and spirit, and grant him a quick recovery from his recent injuries. AMEN.


Chaplain’s Message

Most of us (including me) consider Halloween on the last day of October as fun and games for children and adults. But,

the day – originally “All Hallows’ Eve” -- follows a 1,200 year-old Cel�c tradi�on of honoring all the departed on the fol-

lowing day, November 1st

. These days, the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches (amongst others) con�nue the tradi-

�on by celebra�ng the lives of all saints, known and unknown, on All Saints’ Day, the day a7er Halloween. In Mexico, for

example, All Saints’ Day coincides with the first day of Day of the Dead celebra�on. (Known as Day of the Innocents, it

honors deceased children.) All Souls’ Day follows on November 2nd

to recognize all those millions of earthly souls who

have passed before us.

Almighty God, we thank you for life. We thank you for those who have lived with us and now dwell in a new and different

way and place. This is a season of remembrance and sadness, but it is not a season for fear or despair. We have hope and

the fact that faith allows us to rest here and now and enjoy our moments with you. Remove fear of death from our lives,

and lead us to trust you for every moment and forever. AMEN.

Theodore Bazdorf, Chaplain

VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA

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VFW SALUTES FULL FUNDING FOR VA

CR AVERTS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, BUT SEQUESTRATION STILL LAW OF THE LAND

WASHINGTON — Congress averted an imminent government shutdown last night by passing a continuing resolution to temporarily fund the federal government for 10 weeks in fiscal year 2017, which begins Saturday. Congress also ap-proved full-year funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which was a significant victory for the Veterans of For-eign Wars of the United States.

“Stop-gap budget measures harm veterans” said VFW National Commander Brian Duffy, “which is why we are glad that Congress agreed and acted on full-year appropriations for the VA, which will allow it to properly plan and execute its numerous programs to better serve wounded, ill and injured veterans, as well as their families and survivors.”

The VA/military construction budget that the president is expected to sign will provide $74.4 billion in discretionary spending to the VA next year. The amount is about a 4-percent increase to 2016 funding levels, but almost $700 million less than what the White House requested earlier this year. The bill also includes $7.72 billion for military construction, which is about 6 percent less than current funding levels, but nearly $300 million more than the White House requested.

Included in the new funding package are a number of VFW-supported ini�a�ves and programs, such as authorizing VA to

provide In Vitro Fer�liza�on (IVF) and covering the cost of adop�ons, elimina�ng copayments for medica�ons that coun-

ter poten�al opioid overdoses, expanding VA childcare pilot programs and whistleblower protec�ons, and increasing the

transparency of VA Office of Inspector General reports. Regarding IVF, which the VFW had been strongly suppor�ng for

two years, the legisla�on will provide urgently needed relief to veterans who suffer from service-connected injuries and

illnesses that prevent them from conceiving.



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BISHER’s

QUALITY MEATS

The Very Best In Meats

Dan Bisher, Owner

2330 Main St #A Ramona 92065

Josh Lehman, Manager

(760) 789 1488

Quartermaster’s Message

The big event coming up is our annual BBQ which

we hope you all will a�end.

In addi�on to great food we will have a large auc-

�on of new and used goods to enhance your life.

Please a�end this important yearly event and

support your Post. The a�endance at our month-

ly mee�ngs averages 15 members out of a Post

membership of almost 500 people. The officers

of the Post need your comments and general in-

terest in making sure our Post is properly operat-

ed and con�nues to grow. Please join us at our

mee�ng on the 15th of October since we moved

it because of the BBQ on the 8th of October. I am

always available 24/7 to discuss Post business

and to solve problems. See you at the Post. Carl

VFW REACHES OUT TO CAREER-SEEKING VETERANS

'THE RESOURCES VFW OFFERS ... PICK UP WHERE OTHERS LEAVE OFF'

VFW representatives had the opportunity to speak with some 200 veterans participating in the 2016 Veterans Career and Resource Fair at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 21, according to Lynn Rolf, director of VFW programs.

“The resources VFW offers, specifically focused on transition and employment, pick up where others leave off,” Rolf said. “It doesn’t matter where you are in your career or life, we can help you seek em-ployment.”

In addition to providing Kansas City veterans with

information about employment opportunities, VFW

representatives also spoke to veterans about VA

claim resources and scholarship opportunities.



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October Menu

(Subject to Change)

◄ September 2016 October 2016 November 2016 ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 STEAK NIGHT: (4:30 – 7:30 pm)

2 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM

(Please bring potluck items to share)

3 DINNER BY

DEB STEPP

FROM 5:00 PM

4 ALL-BEEF HOT

DOGS WITH

SIDES $4 FROM

5:00 PM

5 DINNER BY

KIMBERLEY

FROM 4:00 PM

6 DINNER BY

SANDY FROM

4:00 PM

7 FISH &

SHRIMP DIN-

NERS; SALADS

(4:30 – 7:30

pm)

8 ANNUAL DEEP-PIT BBQ 2:00 PM (Food, Fun & Music)



10 POTLUCK NIGHT: (Please bring items to share)

11 ALL-BEEF

HOT DOGS

WITH SIDES $4

FROM 5:00 PM

12 COMIDA

MEXICANA POR

GLORIA Y CLAR-

ENCE $7.00

FROM 4:00 PM

13 DINNER BY

ALLISEN FROM

4:00 PM

14 FISH &

SHRIMP DIN-

NERS; SALADS

(4:30 – 7:30

pm)




17 DINNER BY

DEB STEPP

FROM 5:00 PM

18 ALL-BEEF

HOT DOGS

WITH SIDES $4

FROM 5:00 PM

19 DINNER BY

KIMBERLEY

FROM 4:00 PM

20 DINNER BY

SANDY FROM

4:00 PM

21 FISH &

SHRIMP DIN-

NERS; SALADS

(4:30 – 7:30

pm)

22 STEAK NIGHT: (4:30 – 7:30 pm)




25 ALL-BEEF

HOT DOGS

WITH SIDES $4

FROM 5:00 PM

26 COMIDA

MEXICANA POR

GLORIA Y CLAR-

ENCE $7.00

FROM 4:00 PM

27 DINNER BY

ALLISEN FROM

4:00 PM

28 FISH &

SHRIMP DIN-

NERS; SALADS

(4:30 – 7:30

pm)

29 STEAK NIGHT: (4:30 – 7:30 pm) HALLOWEEN PARTY! 6:00 PM






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October Ac�vi�es

◄ September

2016 October 2016

November 2016

►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Ten-year Fall-en Hero Anni-versary

Recognition

(No Karaoke)



3 GAME NIGHT

6:00 PM

4 BINGO 5:00

PM

5 BAR POKER

5:00 PM - POOL

TOURNA-MENT

6:00 PM

6 BINGO 5:00

PM

7 KARAOKE BY

RICKY Z

6:00 – 10:00 PM

8 ANNUAL DEEP-PIT BBQ 2:00 PM

LIVE MUSIC & RAFFLES $15



10 GAME

NIGHT

6:00 PM

11 BINGO 5:00

PM

12 BAR POKER

5:00 PM - POOL

TOURNA-MENT

6:00 PM

13 BINGO 5:00

PM

14 KARAOKE BY

RICKY Z

6:00 – 10:00 PM

15 KARAOKE BY

RUSS ALLEN

6:00 – 10:00 PM



17 GAME

NIGHT

6:00 PM

18 BINGO 5:00

PM

19 BAR POKER

5:00 PM - POOL

TOURNA-MENT

6:00 PM

20 BINGO 5:00

PM

21 KARAOKE BY

RICKY Z

6:00 – 10:00 PM

22 AUXILIARY RUMMAGE SALE 10:00 AM KARAOKE BY FRED JOHNSON 5 - 9:00 PM



24 GAME

NIGHT

6:00 PM

25 BINGO 5:00

PM

26 BAR POKER

5:00 PM - POOL

TOURNA-MENT

6:00 PM

27 BINGO 5:00

PM

28 KARAOKE BY

RICKY Z

6:00 – 10:00 PM

29 HALLOW-EEN PARTY! 6:00 PM KARAOKE BY MICHELLE HAR-LEY 6:00 - 10:00 PM



31 GAME

NIGHT

6:00 PM

Saturday 1 October: VFW Auxiliary Meeting 9:30 am

Saturday 1 October: Men’s Auxiliary Meeting 11:00 am

Saturday 15 October: House Committee Meeting 10:00 am (Note change from the 8th!) Saturday 15 October: Members General Meeting 11:00 am (Note change from the 8th!)



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Veteran Services / Benefits - VA Claims

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mission is to provide benefits and services to veterans and their families in a

responsive, �mely and compassionate manner in recogni�on of their service to our Na�on. Veterans and their depend-

ents may be eligible for various benefits administered by the VA. County Veterans Service Offices throughout the

state help veterans and their families file VA claims. CalVet provides claims review and representa�on for appeals ser-

vices at our District Offices.

h�ps://www.calvet.ca.gov

San Diego Regional Benefit Office

The San Diego Regional Office provides benefit services for over 600,000 veterans and their dependents in the Southern

California Counties of Imperial, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego. These benefits totaling approximately $800 million annu-

ally, include compensation payments for disabilities or death related to military service, pension based on financial need, and

vocational rehabilitation and counseling services.

Situated in the heart of Mission Valley, the Regional Office is easily accessible from all major freeways and can be reached

by personal vehicle, bus, or trolley within minutes from any point in the city. Since the Regional Office shares occupancy of

the building with a VA Outpatient Clinic and the Employment Development Department of the State of California, it truly of-

fers a one stop "Service Center".

8810 Rio San Diego Drive

San Diego, CA 92108

Phone: 800-827-1000

Provides benefit informa�on and assistance, plus other support to San Diego County veterans and their families. For

more informa�on phone 858-694-3222

FaciliEes where this service is offered:

Office of Military & Veterans Affairs

Vet Connect in Select County Libraries

The mission of Office of Military & Veterans Affairs is to provide professional services for military veterans and their de-

pendents and survivors who are en�tled to benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of

California, and other agencies as applicable.

VFW Post 9578

844 Tavern Road

Alpine, CA 91901

Documents

VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA October 2016 · 06/10/2015 · October 2016 [email protected] 445-6040 There have been a lot of questions regarding the Men’s Aux. First