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.
Newsle�er by Lakeside Computer Consul�ng Group 619 561 6621 [email protected]
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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
Newsle�er by Lakeside Computer Consul�ng Group 619 561 6621 [email protected]
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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.
Newsle�er by Lakeside Computer Consul�ng Group 619 561 6621 [email protected]
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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Newsle�er by Lakeside Computer Consul�ng Group 619 561 6621 [email protected]
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.
VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA
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Newsle�er by Lakeside Computer Consul�ng Group 619 561 6621 [email protected]
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)
9 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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)
15 POTLUCK NIGHT: (Please bring items to share)
16 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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)
23 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
24 POTLUCK NIGHT: (Please bring items to share)
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
30 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
31 POTLUCK NIGHT: (Please bring items to share)
VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA
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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)
2 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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
9 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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
16 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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
23 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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
30 NFL FOOT-BALL FROM 10:00 AM
(Please bring potluck items to share)
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!)
VFW BERT FULLER POST 9578 ALPINE CALIFORNIA
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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