ESHLEMAN PANKAKE WOLF

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE US

NEWSLETTER
Shellsville Post 9639 - 8926 Jonestown Road Grantville Pa 17028-8654 - Phone: (717) 469-2195

COMMANDER - Daniel Stefanowich Jr

Summer 2012

LADIES AUX. PRES. - Linda Smith

COMMANDERS COMMENTS
Dear Members,
I am honored to serve another year as Commander of this Post. Our Post is one of the most vibrant and active VFW Posts in Pennsylvania, if not the nation. Under the leadership of Past Commanders Glen Hoffer, Fred Hechler, and Tom Gordon our Post has earned "All American" status for three years in a row. Due to the significant amount of volunteerism and hard work, and the number and types of programs required to achieve All American, only a handful of VFW Posts worldwide ever achieve this status once, let alone three times. I am sorry to report that this year it does not appear that we will meet the requirements to achieve All American. One of the many criteria required to achieve All American, unfortunately, is one that we do not have a great deal of control over and that is Active Member strength. In order to make All American our active membership must grow by 3% over last year and, while that does not seem like much, we start each year well below "100%" due to transfers, non-renewals and sadly, comrades who pass away. Although this may sound strange, I look forward to the day that there is no longer a VFW. While I am very proud to be a part of this organization and to have served my country and defend our ideals and freedoms abroad, I pray that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren be spared the horrors of armed conflict. I would love to live to see the day that America no longer has disabled or homeless Veterans, or service members and families with unmet needs, or spouses widowed and children orphaned by Veterans making the ultimate sacrifice. Until that day comes, however, there exists a very real need for Veteran Service Organizations like ours and I intend to do everything that I can to assist those who have sacrificed so much for America and her citizens. I wish that our slight decline in membership was an indicator that there are fewer Veterans and families that need our help or who could benefit from being a part of our organization, but I know that this is simply not the case. Continued page 2

OUTGOING PRESIDENTS DESK

Dear Sisters, I want to personally extend congratulations to everyone that stepped up to become our 2012-2013 Post and Auxiliary officers. I plan to remain active in our many programs and events so you will still see me around. I appreciate the support given to me during my 4 years as President (and 2 years as Chaplain). I have learned so much and have shared so many rewarding experiences I will never forget. At our March meeting an increase to the Auxiliary dues was approved. This was not an easy decision. Part of the $2 increase is to cover the $1.50 increase by National that was already instituted January 1st. Also, as of General Orders #8, Department is considering an increase. We had very little choice. We also approved a $1 increase for the one time Entrance Fee. The 2013 annual dues renewal will be $18. It will cost $23 for new members. Renewal notices will be going out shortly. Try to pay your dues as soon as possible, but definitely by December 31st. This can help the Auxiliary win (financial) membership awards and will keep you in good standing for voting and cancer grants. Contact the Treasurer for information about and application forms for cancer grants. Be sure to let us know if you are interested in ordering a wreath from the Wreaths Across America program as the orders (and money) need to be placed at the August District 18 meeting. Their theme this year is Then, Now, Forever - Lets Make it Personal. Be sure to check out the new Ladies Auxiliary display area located in the hall outside the banquet room. The Past is behindLearn from it. The Future is aheadPrepare for it. The Present is hereLive it.

Linda Smith, President

VFW Post 9639 in service to God, Country and Community for over 60 years

IN-COMMING PRESIDENTS DESK

Dear Members, I am truly honored to have been elected as your Ladies Auxiliary President. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past presidents of this great Ladies Auxiliary. We would not have such a strong bond with our comrades and community without their hard work and dedication to our veterans. I am honored to continue this commitment and encourage and embrace our new sisters as they join us in our many future projects and programs. I would like to take a moment and encourage our sisters that have given so much of their time, to possibly give a little bit more and help the new incoming officers make a smooth transition. I am very excited to hear any and all ideas for future fundraising. I have been approached by some of our sisters about some new fundraising ideas. We will begin discussing these in the upcoming months. I would personally like to thank all of the Post, Auxiliary and Social members who come out and volunteer for the many different events that we support. We can work together as a team and build an even stronger post. I am looking forward to the next year and the challenges it may bring. We will continue to support our current programs, and hopefully add a few new ones that need our support. We cant do this without your help. Please come out and volunteer with us. It truly is a very rewarding endeavor. In closing I just want to ask that the next time you see a soldier in uniform at the gas station, store or maybe just out on the street, take a minute and stop and thank them for their service. I guarantee you it will put a smile on their face and your own. Have a safe summer! Nancy Stefanowich 2012/ 2013 President
Continued from the CommanderI know that there are many Veterans in our surrounding communities who just don't realize that they are eligible for membership or don't know of the many things we do for our Veterans and our community as a whole. Dear friends, I am asking each of you; if you know a Veteran who is not a member, please invite him or her to become a part of our organization. Our ability to fulfill our organizational purpose hinges on our membership and will continue to do so until that glorious day that our purpose no longer exists.

QUARTERMASTERS REPORT
Dear Members. As the VFW fiscal year comes to a close in June, and our Post elected officers establish programs and activities for the next year, it is time to reflect with Pride in our accomplishments during this past year under the leadership of Post Commander Dan Stefanowich. During this past year we have not only provided benefits for our Veterans and deployed service members, but additionally, we have supported our local Community and Youth. Listed below are a few of the significant programs and benefits we provided and activities we supported, and you can see just how involved we are, and how beneficial we are in our Community. Post Veteran Members Support: Service Officer assistance for VA claims Honor Guard for Veterans funerals Veterans Death Benefits Flags for Veterans gravesites Veterans Support: VAMC Veterans Riverboat Cruises VAMC Veterans Birthday Parties VAMC Baseball Games on City Island VFW National Home for Children VFW Homeless Veterans Fund Deployed Soldier Support: Wounded Warrior Project Care packages for deployed troops Operation Uplink Phone cards National Military Service - Unmet Needs USO Community and Youth Support: East and West Hanover Youth Baseball East Hanover Youth Football East Hanover Community Easter Egg Hunt Grantville Fire Company Grantville Area Food Pantry Adopt-A-Road Jonestown Road clean-up Arthritis Foundation American Diabetes Association Hospice of Central PA Central Penn Blood Bank These are but a few of the many programs and activities we support throughout the year. Be Proud and Support your VFW Post!

Respectfully Yours Daniel Stefanowich Jr, Post Commander

Thomas Gordon, Outgoing Post Quartermaster

3rd time All American Post

vfw9639.org
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vfw9639@verizon.net

SERVICE OFFICERS REPORT

NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER
The new address for the National Personnel Records Center is: National Personnel Records Center 1 Archives Drive St Louis, MO 63138-1002 The majority of personnel have moved to the new location. The military personnel records are in the process of moving and should be completed by the end of the Summer of 2012. REMEMBER: ALL retirees and Honorably Discharged veterans should ensure that their family knows the location of their military Separation Document (DD Form 214 from 1950 to present and WD (War Department) Form 53-55 and other variations prior to 1950). Note that registering a copy at the county court house in Pennsylvania does not make that document a public record. Storing the Separation Document in a safe deposit box may make it difficult to retrieve immediately upon the death of the veteran. The better storage locations are: 1. Fire safe in a secure location of the house (not in the bedroom, as this is where most thieves search first). Be sure spouse/Next of Kin knows the location and has key/ combination. 2. In a watertight food container (Glad, Tupperware. etc.) in the refrigerator. Most refrigerators are fire resistant.Additionally, a refrigerator is heavy enough to fall through the floor of a building into the cooler part of the fire in the basement and better survive. Finally, a refrigerator is large enough to be easily located in the ash and ruble of a fire or other serious incident. (As a bonus, everyone has a refrigerator, not everyone has a fire resistant storage box). Be sure to inform your spouse and relatives where to locate your Separation Document - and any other important papers. NPRC prefers submitting a requests via the Internet. Please note that in some cases using a browser other than Internet Explorer may create problems with data entry. As you know, the NPRC provides copies of documents from military personnel records to authorized requesters. Their web-based application provides better service on these requests by eliminating mailroom processing time. Also, since the requester will be prompted to supply all information essential to process the request, delays will be minimized. You may access this application at: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/ military- service-records/ This improved on-line request process should be used INSTEAD OF Standard Form 180 for requests from the veteran or the veterans next of kin, if possible. Your assistance with this initiative will allow NPRC to better serve the needs of our veterans. If you do not wish to use the Internet, you should use Standard Form 180. You should print Standard Form 180 as you need it, not in advance because the form is periodically revised and updated. It should not be available on your web site. Instead have a link to the NPRC web page.The link is: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ standard-form-180.html
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CANTEEN UPDATE
Hello, my name is Dennis Shreve, I am the new canteen manager. I would like to thank the Board of Directors and the members of the Canteen for the opportunity to help manage and serve the canteens needs. I look forward to working with everyone and thank you for your warm welcome. Most of you have probably seen our new daily sign-in book. We are trying to make it easier to understand. We also have our new Members guests and VFW visitors sign in books available at the bar. The policies follow;

MEMBERS GUESTS VFW POST 9639 Canteen Inc VFW POST 9639 Canteen Inc is a private club, for its members. Any member wishing to bring guests into the Canteen may do so by signing them into the Guests Sign-In Book. A member may sponsor not more than seven guests at one time. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring member to print in the guest book their name, sign and date the statement detailing their responsibilities in the left column and legibly write or print the name(s) of their guest(s) in the right column. The member is responsible for the conduct of their guests at all times. The guests must leave the premises when the member leaves. The Guest may not make purchases in the Canteen. VFW VISITORS VFW POST 9639 Canteen Inc The Visitor Register Book is intended to be a record of Active VFW or Auxiliary members visiting from another Post. When a person presents a current Active VFW or Auxiliary membership card from another Post when asked for proof of membership, please ask them to sign the Visitor Register. Visiting Active VFW or Auxiliary members are entitled to their first drink compliments of the Canteen (on the house). If it appears that a person is taking advantage of our generosity, please bring it to the attention of a Board Member.

KITCHEN UPDATE

Th ill ada H Man Inn, Inc. e

Post Officers 2012 - 2013

Commander.. Daniel Stefanowich Senior Vice Commander....... Patrick Shupp Junior Vice Commander...... Mike Stephens Quartermaster.. Mike Kocevar III Adjutant....... Fred Hechler Judge Advocate.... Frank McGovern Chaplain.. Edward Fake Surgeon... Robert Swanger Trustee 3 Year ...... Thomas Gordon Trustee 2 Year ..... Gary Shuler Trustee 1 Year.... Ray Carter

To our faithful members, The Manada Hill Inn is beginning its 4th year as your food service provider. We are very grateful to all of you for your continuing support and patronage. As we go forward through 2012 we are changing some of our offerings, both daily menu and catering. We are looking to add more variety to the menu and broaden the appeal of our food and service. We always welcome your input and we are always available for any discussion. Many of our specials and our Oyster Fest have become very popular and have drawn new members to the club. We hope to continue this trend as we constantly look for those specials and specialties that will become popular. Our Sunday Breakfast is a big hit and seems to be a lot of fun for our guests and our staff. We are currently gearing up for the summer off premise catering season. Golf outings, picnics, graduation parties, weddings are really going to test the staff, but we are looking forward to it all. We are very appreciative for the support we receive from the Board of Directors. They always are working to improve the club and canteen and we are always impressed by their diligence. So, enjoy the summer, check out our specials on the enclosed insert, and come and visit the club often. It is truly a great place to relax and enjoy and the prices for all services can't be beat. Sincerely and in service, Grant Kyler and Michael Lawyer, The Manada Hill Inn, Inc. p.s. Please remember that the wait staff and bartenders depend on your generosity. Both the food and bar prices are very reasonable and always will be.

Post Auxiliary Officers

President... Nancy Stefanowich Senior Vice President... Linda Morrow Junior Vice President. Margaret M Houck Treasurer...... Georgia Giddings Secretary.... Elizabeth Lamanna Chaplain... Carol Shupp Conductress....... Roxanne Fake Guard...... Michele Kyle Trustee 3 Year..... Jeannine Spitler Trustee 2 Year........ Terry Hechler Trustee 1 Year.......... Linda Smith

Canteen Board of Directors

Chairman... 3 Yr Fredrick Hechler Vice Chairman .. 4 Yr Glen Hoffer Recording Secretary ...... 1 Yr Randy Eckert Member ........ 2 Yr Clarence Klinger

Dates to Remember
6/3 - 15 Week Picnic - Noon - Canteen Closed 6/6 - Flag Retirement Program - 6:30 PM 6/13 - Veterans River Boat Cruise - 9 AM 6/13 - Road Clean-Up 6 PM 6/21 - POST Auxiliary Meeting - 7:00 PM 6/28 - POST Active Meeting - 7:30 PM 6/28 - Canteen Meeting - Following Post Meeting 6/29 - VAMC Patient Birthday Party - 2 PM 7/4 - Independence Day - Fly your Flag 7/11 - Veterans River Boat Cruise - 9 AM 7/19 - POST Auxiliary Meeting -7:00 PM 7/25 - VAMC Patient Birthday Party - 2 PM 7/26 - POST Active Meeting - 7:30 PM 7/26 - Canteen meeting following the Post meeting 8/8 - Veterans River Boat Cruise - 9 AM 8/8 - Road Clean-Up - 6 PM 8/16 - POST Auxiliary Meeting - 7:00 PM 8/21 - VAMC Patient Birthday Party - 2 PM 8/23 - POST Active Meeting - 7:30 PM 8/23 - Canteen meeting following the Post meeting
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ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROGRAM
The post has again signed up to support the PENNDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program. For many years, several of our post members have been getting their exercise by walking the roads of East Hanover Township. This is not for pleasure but to keep the Township free of trash. Our Post is responsible for maintaining Jonestown Road, a Township road, the entire width of the Township. We also are maintaining two state roads. They are, Sandbeach Road from Allentown Boulevard to Jonestown Road and Manada Gap Road from Jonestown Road to Ridge Road. Anyone needing exercise can join us 4 times a year when we go for our walk.

The Post has again registered for the volunteer help program with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. Volunteers are normally needed at Hershey Park, but sometimes some are needed at the Giant Center, the Stadium, and High Meadow Campground. If you are interested in receiving a free park day-pass, contact the post to find out when help is needed. You will get a voucher and the Post gets your wages. The 2012 Volunteer information packets are on our website, there have been some changes in policies and procedures.

EASTER EGG HUNT

On Saturday April 7th at 1 PM sharp the Grantville Volunteer Fire Comp a n y sounded the siren and the hunt was on.

In excess of 160 kids gathered 210 dozen eggs filled with candy and 4 dozen prize eggs. Thanks to the 38 Volunteers who donated 117 hours to get ready for this event.

THREE (3) LOCAL TEACHERS SELECTED FOR STATE COMPETITION

Mrs. Koprocki is a Second Grade Teacher from Linglestown ES. She advanced in NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION AWARD (ES) competition. Her nomination has been forwarded by District # 18 to the PA Department for additional judging and possibly PA state winner for Elementary Schools. Mrs. DeLong is a Twenty-five year Second Grade Teacher from Jonestown ES. She served in the US Army where she learned Russian and has since assisted two Russian students. Mr. Henderson is a Vietnam Marine Veteran, teaching Math and Alternative Education at Northern Lebanon HS. They have advanced to the state level in the VOICE OF DEMOCRACY (VOD) TEACHER OF THE YEAR (ES & HS) Competition.

15-WEEK RAFFLE / FUNDRAISER

This raffle is the Posts biggest fundraiser. We are making final preparations for the final drawings and picnic on Sunday June 3rd at our picnic grounds. Come on out and enjoy the food and entertainment. The final drawing is for ticket holders only. Please, No Tables Reserved unless you stay with the table.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND BUDDY POPPY FUNDRAISER

During this upcoming Memorial Day weekend we will be asking our members to volunteer their time to distribute Buddy Poppies to the public at K-mart, WalMart, and Sams Club. Let us know if you can help with this Fund raising project. The Buddy Poppy distribution is the Posts second largest source of income to support our Veterans programs.

Veterans Administration Briefing

The VAs secure website www.myhealth.va.gov connects you to the VAs electronic records system. Veterans who are enrolled in a VA facility, registered in my healthyvet and complete the authentication process; can check their medication history, refill VA prescription, check appointment listings, check lab results, and contact their medical team via secure messaging. All this 24 hours a day from your home. A VA representative will be at our 28 June meeting at 7:30 to explain these new features.

POST NEWSLETTER
We have the e-mail addresses of many of our members and we send them an electronic full color edition of our post newsletter. The color edition is also available on our website. If you like this color edition, you can save us money by opting out of the black and white hard copy. Send us an e-mail to vfw9639@verizon.net with newsletter as the subject. Include your name in the message.
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INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL CEMETARY

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery is looking for ceremonial funeral flags to fly along its avenue of flags. If you donate a funeral flag for this purpose they will present you with a beautiful certificate. You can drop off your flag at the Post. Include the veterans name, and the donors name and address.

Eshleman-Pankake-Wolf Shellsville VFW Post 9639 8926 Jonestown Road Grantville PA 17028-9524

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG PA PERMIT No. 103

Return Service Requested

Lest We Forget
Departed Comrades - Sisters - Post Members

Leon E. Beissel Gary L. Bowman Patrick Brightbill Jr Richard J. Chase Jr Charles A. Fields Anna M. Goddard

Kenneth W. Miller James J. Patterson Herbert H. Sipe Faylene N. Schlusser Joseph H. Windish Robert C. Wolfe

America is number One thanks to our Veterans

Copyright 2012 VFW Post 9639 All Rights Reserved