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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.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Dinner a December tradition

I am not sure where this month has gone, but November has just flown by. December will begin with the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Hellriegel’s Inn, 1840 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township.
The event is a tradition for some who have attended since it was first organized in 1965. The Pearl Harbor Remembrance dinner is a local effort to “Remember Pearl Harbor” and the Japanese attack that launched America into World War II. The dinner honors both the living survivors and those who were killed during the attack.
After the death of Hellriegel’s owner Bill Kochevar in 1995, the Remembrance dinner was discontinued. After Army veterans Albert DiIorio and Silvio Trifiletti purchased the inn, they began the dinners again in December 2000.
The rules have been relaxed and now anyone is welcome to attend the event in uniform or not. To reserve a seat for the annual tradition or for more information, call Hellriegel’s Inn at 440-354-9530.

Pearl Harbor Day event in Burton
Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459 will host a Pearl Harbor Day Service at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Burton Village Square Gazebo. The public is encouraged to attend. For details, call 440-834-8765.

Pearl Harbor Day event in Willowick
American Legion Post 678 and Eastlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 will co-host a ceremony in honor of Pearl Harbor Day at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 inside Eastlake City Hall Council Chambers.
The public is invited to attend.

Football party at Painesville Post
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a football game party beginning at noon Saturday at the post home. Come in for the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. Comes as the best dressed or spirited OSU fan and win $25. Food and raffles also will be available. Proceeds will benefit the Auxiliary Adopt a Family Program. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Elementary students hope to stuff the bus
Sub Zero Mission will team with Heritage Middle School, 135 Cedarbrook Drive in Painesville, to Stuff the Bus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the school.
Donations of gently used or new adult men’s and women’s coats, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, fleeces, sweatshirts and hoodies will help with Sub Zero’s mission: “Nobody should freeze to death in America.”
Sub Zero Mission will distribute the items directly to the homeless and financially destitute with a concentration on America’s homeless veterans.
For details email Sub0Mission@aol.com.

Fundraiser for Boulevard of Flags in February
Boulevard of 500 Flags will host a fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple. Tickets are available at Eastlake City Hall or by calling Ed Doherty at 440-796-5047; Dennis Morley at 440-951-3934 or Joe D’Ambrosio at 440-946-4861.

Bonus deadline nears
Ohio veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Ohio Veterans Bonus and receive the thank you for their service awarded them by Ohio’s citizens.
The bonus continues for veterans of the Iraq War, who have until Dec. 31, 2014, to apply. No deadline has been announced for veterans of the Afghanistan War and all veterans who served after Oct. 7, 2001.
For details call toll free 877-OHIOVET, option 2; or visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov.

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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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Christmas is time to share

In the past week, the weather has taken a turn into winter, as the sunshine and breezes of the weekend turned to high winds and colder air in a matter of 24 hours. The holidays cannot be far behind.
It seems that Christmas is already here, judging by the retailers in the area. Please remember to pick up that new unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots collection.
This time of year also lends itself to cleaning out closets. You will be looking for that lost glove or the winter coat that has migrated into the depths of the hall closet.
Why not donate some of those gently used coats and gloves to Sub Zero Mission? The mission’s purpose is to help keep the homeless from freezing injury because of extreme temperatures.

Boulevard of Flags Thank You
“Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to the Boulevard of Flags to take down the flags on Nov. 16,” said Joe Strand, chairman of the Boulevard of Flags committee.
Strand also reported that it was the biggest turnout ever and the committee truly appreciated the help from everyone who participated.
The committee is now planning a dinner fundraiser for the end of February 2014. Details will be announced as soon as they become available. For information about volunteering, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.

Students hope to stuff the bus
Sub Zero Mission is a charity established to help prevent injuries caused by freezing in extreme weather to the homeless and financially destitute Americans, with a special focus on military veterans.
Heritage Middle School, 135 Cedarbrook Drive in Painesville, is helping with the mission. The students are preparing now for the drive that will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6.
Donations of adult men’s and women’s coats, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, fleeces, sweatshirts and hoodies will all be welcome. Donate any school day between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to help stuff the bus on Dec. 6. On that date, the community is also welcome to help stuff the mission bus.
In addition, students will be making fleece blankets and donating them to Sub Zero Mission.
The donated items will be delivered to the homeless during the winter months of 2013 and 2014.

Fairport community party aims to fill the cruiser
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 and the Fairport Harbor Police Department will host a Christmas Community Party “Fill the Cruiser” event from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the post home, 540 New Street, Fairport Harbor.
Help fill the cruiser with new unwrapped toys to benefit Toys for Tots and then join in the activities inside. The afternoon event will include games, crafts, music, prizes and a visit with some very special guests.
Photos with Santa between 2 and 4 p.m. will be followed by Jungle Terry at 4 p.m. and Officer McGruff also will make the party special.
For details, call the post home at 440-352-1123.

Stockings filled with Christmas cheer
DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory is participating in the fourth annual Stockings for Soldiers and Shelters initiative. The program is for anyone who would like to pick up a free Christmas stocking to take home, decorate, stuff with Christmas cheer and return to the funeral home by Dec. 2.
The funeral home will ship the stockings at its expense to troops abroad or to area organizations in time for Christmas.
The stockings may be picked up at either funeral home location, 4600 Mayfield Road in South Euclid or 28890 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills. Pickup can be made between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, concluding Nov. 29.
For details call 440-278-7101. `

Red Roof Inns toy drop off sites
Red Roof Inns are official toy drop-off locations for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots annual collection. The annual toy collection benefits families who are in need of a little extra help during the holiday season.
Toy donation boxes will be available in the hotel lobby through Dec. 15 for donations to be made. The Red Roof Inn is located at 4166 Route 306 in Willoughby.

Bonus deadline nearing
Ohio veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Ohio Veterans Bonus and receive the thank you for their service awarded them by Ohio’s citizens.
The bonus continues for veterans of the Iraq War, who have until Dec. 31, 2014, to apply. No deadline has been announced for veterans of the Afghanistan War and all veterans who served after Oct. 7, 2001.
For details, call toll free 877-OHIOVET, option 2; or visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov.

Cost of life membership to change 
Marines wishing to take advantage of the life membership rates that are currently in effect with the Marine Corps League must have the dues in to the detachment office, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, by Dec. 28. Dues will increase after Jan. 1.
The age ranges for life membership and the amount will both change. For information about the changes, call the Col. Justice Chambers Detachment 555 at 440-974-9380.

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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Thursday, November 14, 2013

New Post a positive

Veterans Day was an eventful one in Lake and Geauga counties, as the majority of communities observed the day with some type of service.
In my opinion, the most exciting event was the official opening of the new American Legion Post
at Lake Erie College in Painesville.
I have heard comments both pro and con about the new post. In my opinion, if a new post opens that is a good thing. The more members the American Legion attracts, the better.
Having a post on campus makes it accessible to student veterans, regardless of their age, making membership more convenient. Members can attend post meetings without leaving school.
The importance of the post is not where it is housed or even who the members are.
The importance comes with community involvement by the post.
The uniforms may be gone, but these members will still be serving the community.

Spaghetti dinner 
benefits medical needs
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 678 will host a benefit spaghetti dinner from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the post home, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
The dinner benefits an auxiliary member who is in need of assistance because of mounting medical bills.
The dinner also will include door prizes.
Tickets are $10 per person and are available in advance at the canteen or by calling Pat Simonitis at 440-944-2843.

Dinner helps kids soar
Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 252 of Painesville will host a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in  Painesville.
Dinners will be $6 each.
The event is open to the public and proceeds will benefit a trip for the cadets to glider camp.
For details, call 440-354-2719.

Stuff a stocking 
with holiday cheer
DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory invites the community to be a part of the Stockings for Soldiers and Shelters program.
Stop in at either DeJohn Funeral Home location at 28890 Chardon Road Willoughby Hills or at 4600 Mayfield Road in South Euclid between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and pick up a free Christmas stocking to take home, decorate and stuff with Christmas cheer.
Included with the stocking will be a list of items to send to our troops overseas or to distribute to organizations locally that provide care for those who cannot care for themselves.
Return the stuffed stocking by Dec. 2 and the distribution will be done by the funeral home at its expense.
For details, call Christina Vidmar at 440-278-7101 or email to cvidmar@dejohncares.com.

Veterans running out 
of time to apply for bonus
Ohio veterans who served during the Persian Gulf War have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Ohio Veterans Bonus and receive the thank you for their service awarded them by Ohio’s citizens.
The bonus continues for veterans of the Iraq War, who have until Dec. 31, 2014, to apply.
No deadline has been announced for veterans of the Afghanistan War and all veterans who served after Oct. 7, 2001.
For details, call toll free 877-OHIOVET, option 2; or visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov.

Willoughby post serves 
fish fry dinners
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, is hosting fish fry dinners the first and third Fridays of the month at the post home. For details, call the post home at 440-951-9233.

Volunteers for work party wanted
Volunteers are needed to take down the flags at the Boulevard of Flags, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake.
Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather and bring gloves. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday.
Should the weather be rainy on both days, please meet at the same time on Nov. 23.

AMVETS welcomes public 
to holiday bazaar
AMVETS Post 40 will host a holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the post, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor. The sale is open to the public. For details, call the post at 440-257-5825.

‘Big Boys’ for tailgate party at Eastlake post
VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a “Big Boy” Browns Tailgate party, beginning at 1 p.m. until game time Sunday at the post home.
Big Boys will be $5 each and an order of fries will be $1.
For details, call 440-942-3980.

Sausage gravy and biscuit 
breakfast at Madison post
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host a sausage gravy and biscuit breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday at the post home. Breakfast for adults is $5 and a child’s portion will be $3.50.
The breakfast proceeds will benefit veteran activities and the scholarship fund.
For details, call 440-428-3050.

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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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Weekend is time to celebrate veterans

Sunday is the 238th birthday of the Marine Corps.
This is a special day celebrated by all Marines. The usual festivities include a birthday ball, cake and the annual birthday message from the commandant.
This year I wish all of the Marines, those I am related to and those who are family because they are Marines, a happy birthday.
The festivities on Sunday will be followed by the solemn ceremonies of Veterans Day on Monday. There will be many ceremonies marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Armistice was signed to end World War I.
No longer called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a day to honor all of those who have served this great nation.

Ohio Veterans Bonus 
deadline nears
Ohio veterans who served during the time of the Persian Gulf War have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Ohio Veterans Bonus and receive the thank you for their service awarded them by Ohio’s citizens.
The bonus continues for veterans of the Iraq War, who have until Dec. 31, 2014, to apply. No deadline has been announced for veterans of the Afghanistan War and all veterans who served after Oct. 7, 2001.
For details call toll free 877-OHIOVET and select option 2, or visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov.

Gunny’s Hall serves all week
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, serves an all-you-can-eat Sunday breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon between Labor and Memorial days. The cost is $7.50 per person and special orders can be taken for an additional $1.50.
The detachment also serves lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu will include the daily special and regular menu items.
Fish fry meals will be served 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday at the hall.
For details or questions, please call 440-974-9380. Meals are open to the public.

Fairport post offers 
fish fry dinners
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, hosts fish fry dinners every second and fourth Friday of the month. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinners from 4 to 7 p.m.
The public is welcome. For details, call the post at 440-352-1123.

Painesville Auxiliary hosts dinner
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336, 60 Chester St. in  Painesville, will host a braised beef pot roast dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today at the post home. Dinner will be $8 each.

Catholic War Veterans 
membership drive
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will have a membership and poppy drive at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge in Concord Township, and at St. Mary Magdalene, 32114 Vine St. in Willowick, during all Masses Saturday and Sunday. For details call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander at 440-257-2156 or email him at cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Work party at Boulevard of Flags
Volunteers are needed to take down the flags at the Boulevard of Flags beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 16, at 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake. Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather and bring gloves. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be Nov. 17.
Should the weather be rainy on both days, please meet at the same time on Nov. 23.

Baskets of Appreciation 
volunteers wanted
Volunteers are needed for the third annual Baskets of Appreciation for families of service men and women in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. You can help make the holidays brighter while their loved ones serve our country.
Items being collected should all be new toiletry items, toys, games, and DVDs or CDs. Also being collected are stocking stuffers, healthy snacks, miscellaneous goodies, hats, gloves and scarves, all infant items, kitchen and bathroom items, and sweat shirts and pants.
Baskets measuring 12 inches or larger are also needed. Items will be collected through November and stored at Uncle Bob’s storage. Call Sally at 440-975-8880 for donation details.
Items will be assembled at the Lake County Fair Grounds 4-H Building from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Nov. 15, with pickup on Nov. 16. Volunteers are needed to help pack, so bring a friend and spend a few hours for a worthy cause.

Holiday bazaar 
at AMVETS Post 40
AMVETS Post 40 will host a holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the post, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor. The sale is open to the public. For details, call the post at 440-257-5825.

Auxiliary Unit helps member
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 678 will host a benefit spaghetti dinner from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at the post home, 570 E. 328th St. in  Willowick. The dinner benefits an auxiliary member who is in need of assistance.
The dinner also will include door prizes. Tickets are $10 per person and are available in advance at the canteen or by calling Pat Simonitis at 440-944-2843.

‘Big Boy’ night at Eastlake post
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a “Big Boy” Browns tailgate party beginning at 1 p.m. until game time Nov. 17 at the post home. Big Boys will be $5 each and an order of fries will be $1. For details, call 440-942-3980.

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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