Blogs > At Ease with Larece Galer

Larece Galer brings you the latest military news. To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Pennies for Veterans



Country 104.7 FM WKKY, 95 West Main Street, Geneva is the drop off point for Pennies for Veterans. 

The coins collected will be delivered to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio where the donation will help with the burial costs for indigent veterans. Money collected will also help with the upkeep of the cemetery.

The tradition of leaving a coin on the headstone of a veteran began as far back as the Roman Empire. Each denomination of coin signifies a different military relationship.

A penny lets the family know that a visit to the grave site has taken place.

The nickel signifies that the visitor and the deceased trained together at boot camp.

A dime on the headstone signifies that the visitor served with the deceased in some capacity.

The quarter signifies that the visitor was with the service person when they were killed. 

To date the collection fills four large jugs. Visit WKKY.com for a look at the jar currently being filled and further information about the project. 

Coins collected will be delivered to cemetery on Saturday, August 4.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Home front stories wanted

Stories from the men, women and children who lived during World War II and the years that followed are being accepted for the War Era Project at the Ohio Department of Aging.

This is a great way to document the stories of the families left behind during that war. Stories from the children and wives of the men who fought the war would give a full picture of what the homefront was like at the time.

Submissions should be 500 to 1,000 words long and include the name, location and current age of the subject. Submissions will be accepted until Aug. 20.

Photographs submitted will not be returned. Stories can be emailed to WarEraStories@age.state.oh.us or mailed to Ohio Department of Aging, Attn.: War Era Story Project, 50 W. Broad Street, Ninth Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-3363.

Forty and Eight welcoming new members
The Forty and Eight of Lake County is welcoming new members. For details about the group, its mission and eligibility call Amos Bartrug at 440-812-3396; Joseph Milmont at 440-275-1249 or Bill Smith at 440-585-9682.

Honor guard volunteers time
American Legion Post 459 of Burton-Middlefield has an honor guard available to perform a full military funeral service to honor any serviceman or woman at their passing.
The honor guard is led by Newell Beaumier, sergeant-at-arms, and is available 24/7 with only a few days notice. For details, call Bo at 440-834-8764. Please leave a message if no one answers — the call will be returned. This is a free service to all who have honorably served.

Salute to veterans at University Circle
The annual University Circle Salutes Veterans Community Festival and Rib Burnoff will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4 at Mount Zion Congregational Church, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Western Reserve Historical Society History Center at the intersection of 108th Street and Magnolia Drive in University Circle.
This event, which is free and open to the public, is a special tribute to veterans, featuring a ceremony with local dignitaries, live musical entertainment, classic cars, community service booths and children’s games. For details, call Mount Zion Congregational Church at 216-791-5760.

GI gathering Aug. 11
A GI gathering for coffee and doughnuts at American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will be 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 11. For details, call 440-897-2396.

Dinner at Gunny’s Hall
Col. J.M. Chambers Foundation “Gunny’s Hall,” 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will serve a steak or chicken dinner by reservation at 6 p.m. Aug. 11. For reservations, call 440-974-9380.

Golf Outing benefits Wounded Warrior Project
Join in the World’s Largest Golf Outing and help support the Wounded Warrior Project at more than 100 courses nationwide.
Golf at Briardale Greens Golf Course in Euclid beginning at 4 p.m. Aug. 13. There will be chances to win a trip to the PGA Championship, a set of custom Nike golf clubs and more. Registration is $25 per person. To register visit worldslargestgolfouting.com.

Legion hosts steak dinner
The annual steak dinner at American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will be 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18. Tickets are available in advance from any post member or call 440-834-8764 for details.

Mini golf outing benefit
Red Mill Golf Practice Center will host a charity miniature golf outing to benefit WAGS4WARRIORS, an organization based in Northeast Ohio that provides service dogs to veterans affected by their combat experience.
The dogs are found at local rescue shelters, trained, and matched to veterans at no cost to them. For details, visit wags4warriors.org.
Play 18 holes of miniature golf, from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25, with 100 percent of the money donated to Wags 4 Warriors. Donations are $5 per golfer.
Businesses interested in hole sponsorship by providing prizes are welcome. Red Mill Golf Practice Center is located at 4243 Red Mill Valley Road, Perry. For details, call 440-259-4211 or email redmillgolf@gmail.com

Indianhead Division alert
The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the national association and the annual reunion in Reno, Nev., from Aug. 23-26, visit the website at www.2ida.org; call Bob Haynes at 224-225-1202; or email 2idahq@comcast.net.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

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Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park events


Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park
8005 Cleveland Massillon Rd.,                     Clinton, Ohio 44216

 President Harry S Trumen is quoted as saying "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service our our country can never be repaid.  They have earned our undying gratitude.  America will never forget their sacrifices.  This quote is a perfect example of why the many volunteers at the Ohio Veterans' Memorial park are holding a very special dedication at noon on Saturday, August 4, 2012.  The dedication is  to honor the currently 304 brave Ohioans that gave their life in Beirut, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

The Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2006 for the sole purpose of creating a Memorial Park to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Ohio men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States.  Our mission is to interpret and preserve Ohio's military history for all generations so they may truly understand the cost of freedom.  The park is to be a source of pride and solace to the families and comrades of the veterans honored there and to provide an unforgettable lesson in history to all who visit. 

The Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park is located at 8005 Cleveland Massillon Rd, Clinton, OH 44216.  The parks sits on 2.7 acres of land that was donated by the Clinton Cemetery.  We held our first dedication and ground breaking ceremony in August 2007.  On May 17, 2009 we dedicated the longest freestanding military monument which is 125 foot long black granite wall engraved with the names of the 3,095 men and woman who gave their life in Vietnam.  The east side of the wall depicts photos as well as a description of each of the wars in Ohio's history beginning with the war of 1812 to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.   On May 17th we also unveiled a Gold Star Mother Statue holding a US Flag which sits facing the names of the 3095 and looks down on the name of Sharon Lane the only female honored on the wall from Vietnam.  On November 13, 2010 we dedicated the largest POW/MIA pond in the country and on November 11, 2011 we dedicated a Cobra AH-1F attack Helicopter.  In addition to these larger attractions at the park.  When you arrive at the park you will begin your journey on the main brick walkway.  As you continue down the main path toward the wall, there are individual walkways and a flag to honor each branch of service.  The walkway is paved with engraved bricks; each brick tells a story about an individual or organization honoring one of our many service members living and dead.

On August 4, 2012 the Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park will be holding its 2nd Annual Concert in the Park and 5K/10K Run.  This event is an annual fundraiser to help pay for, grow and maintain the park.  This year the event is being held to raise approximately $18,000 so we can honor the currently 304 brave Ohio men and women lost in Beirut, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Day by etching their name on to the East side of the wall.  The  2nd Annual Concert in the Park includes a car show sponsored by Don Sitts Auto Sales from 10 am - 2 pm and 8 hours of live continues music which will begin at 3:00 pm.  The cost is $10 children 12 and under free. 

The 5K/10K registration starts at 6:00 am and the run starts at 7:30 am.  Cost until July 25th is 5K = $20; 10K = $25 and July 26 - race day 5K = $25; 10K = $30.  On-line registration will be accepted until 5:00 pm on August 3rd at www.rsracingsystems.com.  Runners can also donate an additional $10 to have the name of one of the 304 HEROES added to the back of their race t-shirt.

The Dedication is free and open to the public and begins at 12:00 pm.  There will be several Gold Star families giving a short speech to honor their son or daughter.  Jason A Domingues the Assistant Director of the Department of Veteran Services will be joining us and LCPL Mathew Wojtecki a US Marine and author of "Every Other Four" will be one of the guest speakers.  

Some of the Heroes that will be Honored:
Kevin Kessler 32 of Canton was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and was assigned to the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4thInfantry Division.  SSG Kessler died August 30, 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.  SSG Kessler was a 1996 graduate of East Canton High school.  SSG Kessler was the husband of Adrian, a son to Kristine & Rod Williams and Larry & Sue Kessler.   SSG Kessler was a brother to Emily, Laura, and Daniel.  Most important SSG Kessler was expecting a child at the time of his death.  SGT Swanberg said “I saw him rise through the ranks of SPC, SGT, and SSG. I was there for each promotion. HE is the true definition of a hero. HE was and IS the definition of what an NCO is and what everyone should strive to be. He was truly a good man, and I, along with many MANY others, will miss him.”*

Joseph A Bauer 27 of Cincinnati was a SPC of the US Army.  SPC Bauer was  assigned to 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th fires brigade died July 24, 2010.  SPC Bauer was the husband of Misty, the son of Roger Bauer and Lynn Bauer, SPC had five brothers, two sisters, four half sisters, a half brother, a step sister and a stepFamily members described SPC Bauer as reserved and quiet, focused and determined, but with a big heart.

Marine Lance Cpl Stacy A Dryden 22 of North Canton died October 19, 2008 while serving as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Lance Cpl Dryden was a 2004 graduate of GlenOak High School and is survived by her mother Thea Dryden and father Ronald "Scott" Dryden and a sister to Jake.  Sgt Johnson a fellow marine has been quotes as saying "She made a difference.  She was the first one to lend a helping hand to those that needed it and comfort them when they were down."

Senior Airman Alecia Good 23 of Broadview Heights died February 17, 2006 while serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Senior Airman Good was a 2001 graduate of Brecksville-Broadview Heights Hish School.  SrA Good was survived by her daughter, her partnes Paul and Claire, a twin sister Ashley and her brother Paul.

Pvt Heath D Warner 19 of the US Marines died on November 22, 2006 in a roadside bombing in Iraq.  Pvt Warner attended Canton McKinley High School and enlisted in the Marines his Senior year.   His family said that Pvt Warner dreamed of going into the military from the time he was 5 and one of the photo memories they have is of their sone wearing the Army uniform of his grandfather.  Pvt Warner's father describes him as "a selfless young man" His brother Chandler described Pvt Warner as "his best friend".  Scott Warner the father of Pvt Warner will be speaking during the dedication ceremony.

For a complete schedule of events you can visit http://www.ovmpconcert.com/
                               

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Palmer Roberts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214 Poppy Days


Palmer Roberts American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214, of Willoughby hosted Poppy Days on four Saturdays in May at the Farmer’s Market in Willoughby. The unit set up tables with poppies, membership applications and other American Legion Auxiliary brochures and patriotic wrapped candy. 

Mayor Anderson stopped by the first Saturday and made a donation to the poppy fund and got poppies for his staff to wear in the Memorial Day Parade. 

The unit had a very profitable month at the market which helps with their assistance to veterans. Poppy funds may only be used for veterans and much of the money raised from the sale is used to support the VA hospitals, hospitalized veterans and homeless veterans. The unit hosts an annual cookout for homeless veterans from area shelters each year just prior to the Fourth of July Holiday. 

Donations to the fund are always graciously accepted and may be sent to the post home, Attn: Martha Setlock, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214, 4304 Center Street, Willoughby, OH 44094.

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Skyler Mastronicola Junior volunteer of the Year




Nomination letter of Skyler Mastronicola for Junior volunteer of the Year, she was announced the winner at the ALA Junior Convention in Columbus in May. 

Skyler Mastronicola is truly deserving of the honor of being Junior volunteer of the Year. The 13 year-old daughter of a retired Army Veteran exemplifies the ideals of being a good American. Skyler works diligently for all the Auxiliary programs and attends all the monthly meetings of Palmer-Roberts ALA Unit 214 and gives reports of junior activities. She marched in the community parades and took part in the Post POW/MIA program. Skyler helped with the Ninth District June Birthday Party for hospitalized veterans at Wade Park VA. She served lunch and spent time talking to the veterans. In September the local mall had a Salute to the Military day and Skyler helped the Auxiliary with their informational booth and she modeled clothing in the style show. Skyler carried banners with veterans at six college football games. She helped grade the Americanism and Government test papers and has been known to carry scissors to clip coupons. She was part of the Flag Day disposal of tattered flags.

In December, Skyler made over 100 paper ornaments for the Auxiliary fiber optic tree. She asked for a $1 donation from members, wrote their name on the ornament and hung it on the tree. She raised $125 half for the Marie Moore fund and half for the Gifts for Yanks.

Skyler also participated in the food drive for needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. At Christmas she and her family adopted one of the children and provided gifts. Skyler helped deliver the food and gifts to one of the families. She shopped and wrapped gifts for a needy family her school adopted at Christmas and went to the Mayor’s office and asked him for a donation.

She volunteered in May to get donations for the Poppy fund by taking poppies to the Willoughby Saturday Market. One of the main undertakings of the senior members is their dedication to homeless veterans. Skyler is always there-serving them food at a dinner or dessert at a Christmas party. She dressed as an elf to give out presents to those in the shelter.

During Valentine week, treat bags filled with goodies with a hear tied around each bag, were delivered to the homeless veterans shelter and to Wade Park VA Hospital for the hospitalized veterans. Skyler, with help from Grandma and Mom, made all the good bags. At Auxiliary events she served dinners, cleaned tables, washed dishes and made friends. Skyler danced a 12 hour marathon at her school for the benefit of autism and raised $200. She is a wiz at helping others on the computer or other electronic devices and often does so at the Post.

I consider Skyler a wonderful asset to our auxiliary and to veterans. Therefore I hope you will consider my nomination of Skyler Mastronicola as Junior Member of the Year.

Martha Setlock, President
Post 214 Ladies Auxiliary Unit
Skyler Mastronicola is the daughter of Bob and Gina Mastronicola of Eastlake.

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