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The VFW Auxiliary to Weimar Post 5875 met in regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. with 10 members present. The meeting was opened according to the Ritual by Charlene Muras. Minutes of the meeting in January were read and approved.
There are currently 11 annual members and 25 life members for a total of 36 members.
Draping of the Charter was conducted for Alice Peck Shutz who passed away on Feb. 3. Alice joined the VFW Auxiliary in 1966.
Communications:
Brian Jessogne read a letter sent from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Houston on behalf of the Houston Michael E. DeBakey VAMC thanking our Auxiliary for sending 116 Christmas cards for distribution.
Committee Reports: Veterans and Family Support
• The Parkview coffee on Jan. 16 had 9 veterans, 4 residents and 3 Auxiliary members present. The next coffee at Parkview is on Feb. 20.
• Eleven Auxiliary members volunteered for the VFW BBQ chicken plate drive through on Feb. 8.
Nursing
Auxiliary members made and distributed 26.5 dozen cookies, and Sara Bansal put together 150 nurse survival/thank you kits that were also delivered, to seven area clinics and nursing homes.
Patriotism/Americanism
• Jeanette Koenig has gathered seven patriotic books for donation to the libraries of Weimar High School, Weimar Junior High School, Weimar Elementary School, and for St. Michael’s School. They will be delivered by the end of February, and a brief presentation will be given to the kindergarten classes on patriotism, flag etiquette, and what being a veteran means.
• Art contest information has been distributed to the schools. Any child can participate (including home schooled), but they must be sponsored by the Auxiliary. Jeanette Koenig has the applications, and they should be turned in by March 31.
Health and Hospital – Dolores Lauck Donations collected and distributed for the Warming our Vets program is as follows:
• 17 sweats
• 84 pairs of socks
• 5 blankets
• 20 gloves
• 14 hats Auxiliary Outreach Four Auxiliary members volunteered for the Consider Love Food pantry distribution on Jan.
22.
Youth
Jeanette Koenig collected and mailed 348 cards for the Valentine’s for Vets program all made by the students at Weimar Elementary and Junior High Schools and St. Michael’s Catholic School.
Legislative
The primaries are coming up on Tuesday, March 3, so please be sure and vote! It is important to know that voting locations will be combined for this election so confirm where you are going before you leave.
Chaplain
On Sunday, Feb. 8, there was a grave side Memorial Service held for Alice Peck Shutz by the Auxiliary. Charlene Muras, Linda Wick, and Dorlores Lauck attended from our Auxiliary. Our District President, Barbara Koehn, attended; as well as the President and several board members from the VFW Auxiliary to Post 6382 in Hallettsville. Alice had been a lifetime member of the Auxiliary since 1966.
New Business:
• Feb. 26, is the next Consider Love Food Pantry at the VFW Hall. Volunteers are asked to arrive around 8:30 a.m.
• Our next Auxiliary meeting is March 10. Visitors are welcome.
Good of the Order:
Jeanette Koenig gave a brief recap of the VFW Auxiliary and its mission. Since 1941, the VFW Auxiliary has united individuals from all walks of life with a common goal to improve the lives of veterans, service members, their families and our communities. Jeanette also shared some of our Preamble explaining what entitles people to participate in the VFW Auxiliary.
We were reminded us of a lesser-known patriotic holiday this month. On Feb. 15, 1898, the USS Battleship Maine, anchored in Havana Harbor, was blown up killing 268 sailors onboard. This event contributed to the start of the Spanish-American War in April of that year.
We should fly our flag on President’s Day, Feb. 16.
The meeting was closed according to ritual at 6:45 pm to be reopened on March 10, at 6 p.m. If you are passionate about supporting veterans, active- duty service members and their families, you are encouraged to attend the next Auxillary meeting to learn more. Your time and talents can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and their families. Please consider joining.
