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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.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The Big Green Truck brings on memories

The Memorial Day weekend is behind us and summer seems to have popped up all of a sudden. With the extended weekend came the usual cookout and family gathering.
The AMVETS Memorial Day parade in Mentor-on-the-Lake included a tandem olive drab colored truck that carried Mentor-on-the-Lake City Councilwoman Desirea Thompson and some of her supporters.
The truck brought my father to mind, as it was the same model he drove while in the Army and courting my mother. I am told he paid a visit in the huge lumbering vehicle at 2 in the morning and was refused at the door by my somewhat peeved grandmother. I never did find out if she was mad because he parked on the front lawn or because of the hour of the visit.
The fact that my parents were married for 56 years before my father’s death leads me to believe that Grandma was not as mad as she led us to believe.
Parades were not the only form of remembrance taking place in the area. Volunteers from Col. Justice M. Chambers Detachment 555 of the Marine Corps League planted more than 700 geraniums at Mentor Cemetery on May 17 to honor those who would be remembered on May 26 during Memorial Day ceremonies.
May is coming to an end and June will begin in just a few days, and with that comes Flag Day. The day, June 14, is set aside to proudly fly the American flag. Be sure the flag you fly is in good repair and not faded or worn. Flag Day is a time to reflect on our freedoms and the principles of our great nation.

Survival Straps all-American product 
I recently received a sample of an American-made product called Survival Straps. The bracelets, key chains and lanyards are manufactured in the United States with American-made materials.
The paracord is made from military-specification parachute chord and can be ordered in colors with emblems supporting first responders, military services or a favorite charity.
If needed, the bracelets can be used in an emergency, since they offer several feet of military-spec 550 parachute chord when untied. If you use the strap in an emergency, you can mail your story to the company. In exchange for the story, they will replace the Survival Strap for free.
For details and more information about this all-American product, visit survivalstraps.com or call 800-971-3360.

Ohio Veterans Bonus deadline approaching
Veterans who served in Iraq between 2003 and 2011 have until Dec. 31, 2014, to apply for the Ohio Veterans Bonus and receive a financial award for their wartime service. Eligible veterans must have served between March 19, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2011.
The bonus is open to veterans who served anywhere in the world during the time of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The amount of the bonus is higher for those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. It is also open to the next of kin of those who were killed in action or died of disease as a result of in-theater service. The bonus is not subject to federal or state taxes, and can be used for any purpose.
For more information, call 877-644-6838 or visit veteransbonus.ohio.gov or visit any County Veterans Service office.

Men’s Auxiliary offers hot dog or burgers for dinner
The Men’s Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a hot dog or hamburger dinner May 31 at the post home. The dinner is $4 per person and includes potato or macaroni salad. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Cabbage roll dinner at Madison post
The Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a cabbage roll dinner from 3 to 7 p.m. May 31 at the post home. Dinners are $10 per person.

Job fair offered at Madison American Legion
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a job fair for American Legion members and families from noon to 2 p.m. June 5 at the post home. Positions available are manufacturing and warehouse jobs located in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties.
Recruiters and applications will be available during the event.

Singing Angels perform at Willowick Post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host the Singing Angels at 6:30 p.m. June 7. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in advance. Heavy appetizers, lemonade, ice tea and coffee will be served. Please call Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751 for tickets or American Legion Post 678, at 440-943-9659.

Ohio traveling wall at Painesville Legion
Painesville American Legion Riders Chapter 336 will host “A Remembrance Tribute to Ohio Veterans” at 1 p.m. June 7 at Brakeman-King Post 366, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. The event will feature the Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam Memorial Wall and a ceremony dedicated to our veterans presented by Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 5 Ohio.
This event is open to the public and will include lunch kiosks, Veterans Affairs information and sign-up, games for the kids and a dinner following the ceremony.
For details, call Steve Anderson at 440-413-1055 or Mike Bodnar at 440-346-2141.

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, May 14, 2014

Month of May offers opportunities to appreciate military

The month of May is Military Appreciation Month.
The Friday before Mother’s Day is Military Spouse Appreciation Day and third Saturday of the month is Armed Forces Day, followed by Memorial Day the last Monday of the month.
This may be the only appreciation some military families get for their service. Take just a minute to think about what a military spouse gives up every time their spouse is transferred to a new duty station.
They give up friends and their job. The children give up school and perhaps the friendly support system built up over the time at that duty station. Yes, the choice was theirs, but this choice protects the freedoms we all share in.
Show appreciation to the living before they become a part of Memorial Day.

Boulevard of Flags Committee says Thank You
A heartfelt thanks from the Boulevard of Flags Committee to the 50-plus volunteers who came out May 10 to help raise the flags. The assistance as always was greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Biagio’s for providing the doughnuts.

Hambden church hosts bike blessing Sunday
Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 GAR Highway in Hambden Township, will host Rolling Thunder for a bike blessing and a veterans tribute service on May 18.
Motorcycles will gather on Chardon Square at 9:30 a.m. for departure at 9:45. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
A potluck picnic will follow at Hambden Township Park and participants are asked to bring a dish to share. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided by the church. Cooking will be done by the Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.
Cleanup and other assistance will be performed by the Young Marines.

PLAV Ladies host golf outing
The Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 of the Polish Legion of American Veterans will host a golf outing fundraiser at Briardale Greens Golf Course, 24131 Briardale Ave. in Euclid at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 17.
Proceeds will benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Tickets are $80 per person and include coffee, donuts, lunch at the turn, green fees and cart, followed by a full buffet dinner at PLAV Post 31, 850 East 200th Street, Cleveland. For tickets call Theresa Krysiak at 216-337-8997 or John Major at 216-337-8996.

336 Red-Eye poker Run 
Painesville American Legion Riders Chapter 336, 4th Annual “336 Red-Eye” Poker Run will begin at 10 a.m. May 17, with proceeds benefiting Honor Flight Cleveland. The run begins and ends at the post home, 60 Chester Street, Painesville. Tickets are $15 and are available at the post or from Steve Anderson at 440-209-8724.

DAV 7th Annual Run for the River
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42, will present the 7th Annual Run for the River sponsored by V-Twin Cruiser MC, Saturday, May 17. The event starts at Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor and will end at the Wagon Wheel in Madison. Staging begins at 9 a.m. Tickets are $8 per bike pre-sale and $10 day of the run.
Proceeds benefit Greater Cleveland Fisher House and DAV Chapter 42. For tickets call Mandi Thompson at 440-382-6818

Burton Legion Post hosts garage sale
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Street, Burton will host a community garage sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17, at the post home. For details call Mike Karlinsky at 440-286-1202.
Catholic War Veterans membership drive this weekend
John Paul II Post 1959 Catholic War Veterans will have a membership and Poppy drive after Masses May 17 and May 18 at St. Bede the Venerable, 9114 Lake Shore Boulevard, Mentor. For further information call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander at 440-257-2156.

WAGS 4 Warriors meet and greet
Wags 4 Warriors will host a meet and greet at the new Painesville location, American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester Street, Painesville at 6:30 p.m. May 22. The hour long meeting will introduce the public to what Wags 4 Warriors does and membership.
The mission of WAGS 4 Warriors is to unite Veterans, whom upon returning home suffer with PTSD and/or TBI with an appropriate dog. At NO COST to the Veteran, WAGS 4 WARRIORS will provide all of the training, equipment and support for a dog to become the Veterans service dog. Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring the program are encouraged to attend.

Marine Corps League golf outing
The 25th Annual Marine Corps League Col. J.M. Chambers Golf Classic will begin with a shot gun start at noon, June 6, at Madison Country Club, 6131 Chapel Road, Madison. Tickets are $80 per person.  To sponsor a hole or for tickets call 440-974-9380, before May 26.

Singing Angels at Willowick Legion
American Legion Post 678, 570 East 328th Street, Willowick will host the Singing Angels at 6:30 p.m. June 7.  Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in advance. Please call Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751 for tickets or American Legion Post 678, at 440-943-9659.

Legion Golf Outing June 7
American Legion Post 459, will host the Fifth Annual Golf Outing at 10:30 a.m. June 7, at Pleasant Hill golf Course in Chardon. Tickets are $70 per person. For presale discounted tickets or information call 440-897-2396.

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, May 7, 2014

Gathering of Eagles returns in July

The Gathering of Eagles Air Show XVIII will be held July 19 and 20 at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby.
This year, the show will salute the veterans of the “Forgotten War” — those soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines who served in Korea.
The Korean War saw the first jet-to-jet air combat and was the first war to put helicopters into regular action. The Gathering of Eagles will salute the men and women who were a part of this conflict. The event will feature aircraft, re-enactors and a classic car show.
Gathering of Eagles is seeking sponsors. If interested, please call Hap Berichon at 440-290-8364 for details.

Ladies host breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3862 Ladies Auxiliary, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a breakfast from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 10 at the post home. Breakfast is $5 per person. For details, call 440-942-3980.

Mother’s Day plant sale in Burton
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a Mother’s Day Plant Sale from noon to 7 p.m. May 9 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at the post home. This sale is rain or shine, with proceeds benefiting the School Scholarship Fund.

Volunteers needed to help raise flags
The Eastlake Boulevard of 500 Flags volunteer Committee will host a work party at 9 a.m. May 10 to sort and raise the flags. Please bring gloves and pliers if you plan to volunteer.
For information on volunteering, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.

Red-eye run benefits Honor Flight
Painesville American Legion Riders Chapter 336 will sponsor its fourth annual “336 Red-Eye” Poker Run, beginning at 10 a.m. May 17. Proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Cleveland.
The run begins and ends at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. Tickets are $15 and available at the post or from Steve Anderson at 440-209-8724.

Steak dinner at Mentor AMVETS
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a steak dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 10 at the post. Dinners are $12 each.
For details, call 440-527-1911.

Junior AMVETS hosts dinner
Department of Ohio Junior AMVETS State President Jonathan Kirkpatrick will help at a spaghetti dinner to be served 4 to 8 p.m. May 17 at AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Proceeds benefit the Ghost Rider Foundation. For details, call 440-728-4635.

Ladies of PLAV host golf outing
Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 of the Polish Legion of American Veterans will host a golf outing fundraiser at Briardale Greens Golf Course, 24131 Briardale Ave. in Euclid, at 8 a.m. May 17.
Proceeds benefit the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. Tickets are $80 per person and include coffee, doughnuts, lunch at the turn, green fees and cart, followed by a full buffet dinner at PLAV Post 31, 850 E. 200th St. in Cleveland. For tickets, call Theresa Krysiak at 216-337-8997 or John Major at 216-337-8996.

Bike blessing in Hambden
Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 GAR Highway in Hambden Township, will welcome Rolling Thunder for a bike blessing and veterans tribute service on May 18.
Motorcycles will gather on Chardon Square at 9:30 a.m. for departure at 9:45. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
A potluck picnic will follow at Hambden Township Park and participants should bring a dish to share. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be provided by the church.
Cooking will be done by the Chardon VFW Post. Cleanup and other assistance will be performed by the Young Marines.

DAV hosts annual ride
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42 will host the 7th Annual Run for the River sponsored by V-Twin Cruiser MC. The event begins at 9 a.m. May 17 at Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor. Tickets are $8 per bike in advance and $10 the day of the run.
For tickets or further details, call Mandi Thompson at 440-382-6818.

Wags 4 Warriors meet and greet in Painesville
Wags 4 Warriors will host a meet and greet at the new Painesville location, American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, at 6:30 p.m. May 22.
This hour-long meeting offers the chance to learn firsthand about what Wags 4 Warriors does, how to become a member and how to help. Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring the program are encouraged to attend.

25th Annual MCL golf outing
The 25th Annual Marine Corps League Col. J.M. Chambers Golf Classic will begin with a shotgun start at noon June 6 at Madison Country Club, 6131 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 and include lunch, dinner and refreshments. Hole sponsors also are needed. For details, to sponsor a hole or for tickets, call 440-974-9380 before May 26.

Singing Angels to appear at Legion Post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host the Singing Angels at 6:30 p.m. June 7. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased in advance. Heavy appetizers, lemonade, ice tea and coffee will be served. Please call Kim Carroll at 440-567-9751 for tickets.

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, May 1, 2014

Spring needs to catch up

May is starting out with a wide selection of events at posts and detachments in the area.
Spring may be taking its time to get here, but the posts are not waiting around for nicer weather. Many are pushing ahead, hoping the weather catches up with them.
This is also Poppy Month and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214 from Willoughby will have poppies at the Willoughby outdoor market in the City Hall parking area.
The program is one of the oldest and most widely recognized American Legion Auxiliary programs.
The poppies are assembled at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky and are distributed throughout the state.
Proceeds from the poppy sales go exclusively for the rehabilitation of veterans, welfare of the families of veterans, and the rehab of hospitalized military service personnel returning home and awaiting discharge.
The red flower is a symbol of freedom and of the blood sacrificed for that freedom. When you see a poppy being offered, please help by donating generously.

Mentor-on-the-Lake 
parade May 25
AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host the annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 25. Some mailers were sent out with an incorrect day.
The event on May 25 will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a lineup at Rice Elementary School, 7640 Lake Shore Blvd., and will be led by local motorcyclists leaving at 1 p.m.
The parade will follow at approximately 1:05 p.m.
For details, call Rob Burnham at 440-354-0867 or Joe Kirkpatrick at 440-728-4635.

Madison plans solemn march for Memorial Day
Madison Village invites any youth group to march with veterans in the Memorial Day parade.
Music will be provided by the Madison High School Marching Band. Also invited are war re-enactors and anyone who has a military vehicle. The parade begins at 11 a.m.
If you are interested in participating in this solemn occasion, call Mike Evangelista at 440-417-4804.

Grilling equipment 
to be raffled
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will raffle off a top-of-the-line Weber Grill, grilling tools, two bottles of wine and a gift certificate for steaks at 1 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Winner need not be present to win.
Tickets are six for $5 and available at the post home. For details, call 440-942-7762.

Gunny's Hall will  host pasta dinner
Gunny’s Hall will host a pasta dinner from 4 to
7 p.m. May 3 at the hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor.
Tickets are $10 each and the evening also will include a 50/50 raffle and sideboards, with the drawing at 7:30 p.m. For details, call 440-974-9380.

Annual Auxiliary spaghetti dinner at Willoughby Hills post
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4358 Ladies Auxiliary will host a spaghetti dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. May 4 at the post home, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills.
Proceeds benefit the Ladies Auxiliary annual projects.
Reservations are requested by calling Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903 or the post home at 440-944-1642.

Painesville post offers breakfast before the run
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast buffet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 4, prior to the Louie Run. All are welcome to attend. For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

Burton Auxiliary 
hosts plant sale
The American Legion Post 459 Ladies Auxiliary Unit will host a Mother’s Day Plant Sale. It will be held from noon to 7 p.m. May 9 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at the post home, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton.
This sale will take place rain or shine, with all proceeds benefiting the School Scholarship Fund.

Work party to raise the flags
The Eastlake Boulevard of 500 Flags volunteer committee will host a work party at 9 a.m. May 10 to sort and raise the flags.
Please bring gloves and pliers if you plan to volunteer.
The work parties are open to anyone.
The committee operates completely on donations
 and with the help of volunteers.
For more information on volunteering, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344.

Steak dinner at 
Mentor AMVETS
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a steak dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 10 at the post.
Dinners are $12 each and open to the public.
For details, call 440-527-1911.

Junior AMVETS host spaghetti dinner benefit
Department of Ohio Junior AMVETS State President Jonathan Kirkpatrick will be on hand to help at the spaghetti dinner that will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. May 17 at AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor.
Only 100 tickets will be sold.
Tickets are available at Post 40 and at Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Ghost Rider Foundation. For details, call Joe Kirkpatrick at 440-728-4635.

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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