Providing services and fun for Veterans and the Community of Roscoe, IL..
Roscoe VFW Post 2955 & VFW Auxiliary
May, 2024 - Monthly Newsletter
Notes from the Editor
The weather will straighten out one of these days....I hope! When it does, there will be plenty of sunshine and warm weather, or at least time to get some spring chores finished. I’m glad April is behind us! There were a few nice days, and it seemed that most of the month was unpleasant!
Congratulations to the newly elected Post and Auxiliary officers! They will be installed in an installation ceremony at their respective regular meeting this month.
Don’t forget the annual Memorial Day parade and services on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th, and the Horseshoe League begins play on Wednesday, May 1st. More details on both of these events later in the newsletter.
Mothers’ Day is Sunday, May 12th. If possible, call or visit your mother, and thank her for everything she has done for you!
PLEASE- DO NOT POST ANYTHING ON THE FRONT ENTRY DOORS!
-Tom Cleland, Editor
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The Meaning of Coins on a Veteran’s Headstone
If you see a penny on a headstone, it means that someone (veteran or civilian) has stopped and paid their respects.
If you see a nickel, it signifies that the coin-leaver attended boot camp with the veteran.
If you see a dime, the coin-leaver served with the veteran.
If you see a quarter, the coin-leaver was present when the veteran was killed.
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Humorous Thoughts
I found that I have been much happier since I switched from coffee in the morning to orange juice. My doctor explained that it’s the vitamin C and natural sugars, but I really think it’s the vodka!
I just bought a full tank of gas for $22.00. Granted, it was for my lawn mower, but I am trying to stay positive!
If you think women are the weaker sex, try pulling the blankets back to your side of the bed!
What kind of a store would a dog own? A licker store.
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Highway Roadwork Humor
You’ll hit every cone on the highway before I let you merge in front of me, because you saw that sign two miles back, just like I did!
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VFW and VFW Auxiliary Monthly Meetings
The Auxiliary holds its monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month (this month it is May 6th) at 6:00 PM at the Post Home,
11385 Second Street.
The VFW holds its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month (this month it is May 7th) at 7:00 PM at the Post Home, 11385 2nd Street.
Due to resignations, at the May meeting the Post will be electing a Three-Year Board member, a Two-Year Trustee, and a One-Year Trustee.
At last month’s meeting, the following VFW offices were elected for the 2024-2025 term:
Commander - Bill Graves;
Senior Vice Commander – Gene Mund
Junior Vice Commander – Stacy Young;
Quartermaster - Morrie Buffo;
Three Year Trustee – Chuck Ingle;
Four Year Board Member – Terry Walker;
Tom Cleland was appointed Adjutant and Judge Advocate;
John Peterson was appointed Chaplain;
Ruben Hernandez was appointed Service Officer and Surgeon.
The Auxiliary officers elected for the 2024 – 2025 term were:
President – JoAnn Cleland;
Senior Vice President – Ann Stenberg;
Junior Vice President – Vickie Goodman;
Treasurer – Valorie Corsolini;
Chaplain – Pat Ward;
Conductress – Cathy Suchoski;
Guard – Vickie Suchoski;
Three-Year Trustee – Sharon Mund;
Two-Year Trustee – Lou Thorpe;
One-Year Trustee – Darlene Woodruff.
The new officers will take office in June, after the State Commander/State President are installed at the State Convention.
All VFW and Auxiliary members are invited to attend their respective meetings.
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Commander Ruben Hernandez Farewell Note:
During my tenure, I have experienced many "good things." It was rewarding to see participation and involvement of comrades in various activities, events, meetings, and socials throughout my time of command.
Post 2955 made two years All-State and one year All-American Nationally, plus one year as 6th District All American in the World. I am proud, as we all are, that we are the best of the best. Nobody does it better.
During our Board meetings we worked hard to make sure the Post operated with fiscal responsibility. Our Quartermaster Morrie Buffo worked tirelessly to ensure many requirements were met and ensured that the Post was sufficient with the day-to-day tasks. The Honor Guard participated in events that not only fulfilled requests, but also brought favorable publicity of our Post. Newsletter Editor Tom Cleland continues to put together a high caliber newsletter which enhances communications to the membership. There is increased participation in District 6 meetings and Department training and participation. All of this shows how involved and active our Post is.
There were others who forwarded reports to Department Headquarters and made sure requirements were met. These contributed to the Post receiving White Hat status for the Post Commander and Quartermaster, and also All-American hats. My utmost thanks to everyone involved.
While the "fun" of being your commander comes to an end, it is not the end of things facing the post. Membership continues to be paramount. We need to continually achieve 102 percent to mitigate losses due to normal attrition. We should ensure help for veterans, be it through visits at area facilities, at our Post, or through services such as a Post Service Officer. We need to continue efforts to attract younger eligible veterans to join our VFW.
We have completed phenomenal infrastructure projects, and it is essential that our financial resources remain strong.
I would like to thank our Auxiliary for the great job that they do and the strong relationship that our Post continues to have. We will always maintain open communications.
Yes, we have an awesome bartender Supervisor Anita and awesome bartenders. I would like to thank you all for a great job you all do.
As the old adage says: "All things must come to an end." There is an end to everything, to good as well. This sums up how I feel about my period in office as Post 2955 Commander.
My successor Billy Graves is an experienced Past Commander. He will continue to finish unfinished business, so let us support him as tasks come up unexpectedly.
Respectfully, Post 2955 Commander Ruben Hernandez
Congratulations to those members elected as Officers at the Post/Auxiliary elections at last month’s meetings. You will take your offices in June, after the State VFW Convention.
Please support the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies on Memorial Day, May 27th. The Parade steps off at 10:00 AM at Bridge and Main Streets, and concludes at the Roscoe Cemetery, where the Memorial Day Services will commence immediately following the Parade. Then, come back to the Post for refreshments.
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From the Auxiliary:
April showers bring May flowers. Let’s hope that’s true. (at least warm weather!)
The Easter Bunny did a great job hiding the eggs and taking pictures with the little kids. So many little egg hunters attended. Thank you, Easter Bunny and all the helpers for making this a big success!
The District meeting will be May 19th at Oregon Post 8739. Please let Ann Stenberg know if you are planning to attend.
We will be doing the meat raffle on Saturday, May 4th, and Saturday, May 18th. We would like to see you there.
Please join the Auxiliary for the Memorial Day services on May 27th.
Remember, membership is important! If you know someone who is interested, please give them a membership application.
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Buddy Poppy Distribution
The Post has received permission to distribute Poppies this year, but the Village will not allow us to stand in the roadway, so Poppy distribution is being reconsidered.
If you have an idea about how the Post could replace the income derived from this project, contact Bill Graves at 815-623-7663.
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6th District Convention and Loyalty Day Ceremony, Sunday, May 19th.
The 6th District Convention will be held at Oregon Post #8739, 1310 W Washington, Oregon, IL 61061.
The Loyalty Day program will begin at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be at Noon.
At 1:00 PM, the Time and Place Committee will meet. The District Convention, including election of District officers, will begin at 2:00 PM. At 3:30 PM, the District and Auxiliary will install officers in a joint ceremony.
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Horseshoe League Begins
The Horseshoe league will begin the first week of May, on Wednesday, May 1st, at 5:30 PM. Clean-up will be Saturday, April 27th. The League usually runs through September. If you are interested in participating, or for more information, contact Matt Austin.
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Cleavage is like the sun...you can glance at it for only a second or two, but if you wear sunglasses, you can look much longer!
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Taco Tuesday/Wienie Wednesday
Taco Tuesday continues every Tuesday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. These delicious tacos, prepared by Mindy and Bonnie, are available as either hard shell tacos, or soft-shell taco. A taco salad is also available. These tacos/salads are also available as a carry-out item for a quick and easy lunch.
Wienie Wednesday continues every Wednesday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Mindy will be preparing Hot Dogs, with a dill spear and chips, with other condiments available, or Nacho Dogs. Stop in on Wednesday to have a wiener!
NEW FOOD ITEM – Every Thursday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Anita is serving Pulled Pork sandwiches, with chips or potato salad. Stop in on Thursday for more good food!
Remember, now available anytime, we are serving Nacho Chips with Cheese, and Nacho Chips Supreme! Ask your friendly bartender for details!
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Upcoming Post Blood Drive:
The Roscoe VFW will be hosting the Spring Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 14th, from 2:30 - 6:30 PM, and on Thursday, May 16th, from 12:30 - 4:30 PM. This will again be in cooperation with RREACH. The Rock River Valley Blood Center will conduct the Drive in the Hall. DOUBLE RED BLOOD CELL donors can donate at this drive. Please take the opportunity to reserve your donation time by calling Kayla Cotone at 815-543-0861. Walk-ins are welcome; Appointments are preferred.
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MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & SERVICES
The annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27th, with step-off at 10:00 AM. (Note the earlier start time!) The parade will assemble at Bridge & Main Streets, proceed down Main to Broad Street, then on to Roscoe Cemetery. The traditional Memorial Day services will take place at the cemetery immediately following the parade. At the conclusion of the services, everyone is invited back to the VFW for refreshments and fellowship.
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The more I get to know people, the better I like my dog. - Mark Twain
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REMEMBER RED SHIRT FRIDAY!!
RED SHIRT FRIDAY continues every Friday in the Canteen. The purpose of wearing a Red Shirt on Friday is to Remember Everyone Deployed. We will strive to continue wearing Red Shirts on Friday until there are no more military personnel deployed!
If you wear a Red Shirt into the Canteen on any Friday, you will receive your second drink free, after purchasing your first drink. (One free drink per person each Friday!)
Remember, we are wearing Red Shirts to Remember Everyone Deployed – not just to get a free drink!
RED shirts are on sale in the Canteen for $25.00 Get yours now!
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Meat Raffle
A regular activity sponsored by the VFW/Auxiliary is the Meat Raffle, held every Saturday afternoon from 2:00 ‑ 4:00 PM. During this activity, eight (8) packages of meat are raffled off, with the first number drawn winning a package of meat, the second number drawn winning pull‑tabs, and the third number drawn winning $3.00. This occurs for eight rounds, after which there will be two 25-packs of pull-tabs raffled off, then a 50/50 raffle, with the winner awarded half of the money collected for that round. At the conclusion of the Meat Raffle, all non‑winning tickets are thrown together, and three thickets are drawn, the winners choosing from a $20, a $10, or a $5 bill.
The Auxiliary hosts the Meat Raffle the first & third Saturdays of each month; the VFW works the remaining Meat Raffles each month. So come on down, enjoy the fun and camaraderie, and DON’T FORGET YOUR FRIENDLY BARTENDER!
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