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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.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Fairport Mardi Gras to salute veterans

The Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras has been an annual event for as long as I can remember. The big parade begins the fun that’s all wrapped around the Fourth of July weekend.
This year, there will be a special salute to veterans on July 4. The salute will begin with a mini parade at 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Fairport Harbor Veterans Park and ending at the Fairport Harbor lakefront. Each child in attendance will receive a flag, while supplies last.
The event has been organized by the Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras Committee and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 26 Gold Star post of Fairport Harbor.
Veterans of military posts from Fairport and Painesville will be recognized and veterans and their families will be treated to free hot dogs, chips and souvenir bottle of water. Vendors at the Mardi Gras will offer food and drink specials throughout the day.
For details, call Karen Bidlack at 440-251-3150 or Sharon Lowthian at 440-463-6903.

Young Marines looking 
for additional staff members
The Greater Lake County Young Marines is looking for additional staff members. A few staff positions are available and need to be filled.
If you enjoy working with kids and want to help mold the future leaders of America, the group needs you. Prior service in any branch of the military is preferred, but is not necessary. Female volunteers are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are interested, download an application at glcyoungmarines.org. A background check and references are required as part of the application process.
For questions or further details email xo@glcyoungmarines.org.

AMVETS offering free membership
AMVETS Perry Post 1971, Eastlake Post 946 and Willoughby Post 942, are offering free membership to any veteran who signs up between June 26 and July 7, 2014. For details, call the post at 440-259-5131.

Junior Girls host car wash
The Junior Girls Unit of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a car wash and bake sale from 1 to 3 p.m. June 28 at the post home. All are welcome. For details, call Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Madison post family picnic
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host the post picnic beginning at 1 p.m. June 28. Bring a dish to share and stay for Jungle Terry at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Swiss steak on menu in Willoughby Hills
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Swiss steak dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. June 29 at the post home. Dinners are $9 per dinner.
For information or tickets, call the post at 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Rotary motorcycle run in Geauga County
Burton-Middlefield Rotary will sponsor an escorted motorcycle run on June 29 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton beginning at 10 a.m. sharp.
The ride will be led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland with his dog Midge. The sheriff will take the participants on a 55-mile ride through Geauga County. Cost is $25 per motorcycle, which includes a rider for free.
The ride will benefit Burton-Middlefield Rotary Veterans Housing and Assistance Fund.
To date, the Rotary Club has raised more than $100,000 for Geauga County veterans through various projects, including the Geauga County Veterans Memorial, Giant Eagle Gift Cards for veterans, veterans housing and providing veterans with heating oil assistance this past winter.
Registration forms are available online. Participants also can register on the day of the ride starting at 8 a.m.

Catholic War Veterans membership drive
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 will host a membership and poppy drive July 10 through 13 at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival on the church grounds in Mentor.
Membership requires that a member be a practicing Catholic and be an honorably discharged or active duty veteran. Associate membership requires the member to be a practicing Catholic and have a direct relative or family member who served honorably in this country’s military.
For more information about membership, contact Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at post1959.cwv.org.

Fifth annual Legion Riders pig roast
American Legion Riders Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, is getting ready for its fifth annual pig roast, beginning at 2 p.m. July 12 at the post.
Tickets are $15 per person and serving will begin at 3 p.m. There will be a live band, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Legacy Scholarship Foundation, which helps the children of those parents killed while serving our country. Legion riders all across the country have been raising money for this fund since 2001.
For more information, call Tom Tamborski at 440-724-6871.

Gathering of Eagles returns 
Gathering of Eagles XVIII Air Show will be July 19 and 20 at Lost Nation Airport, 1969 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby. This year, the show will feature “Korea — the Forgotten War,” with many war birds from that era.
The Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center also will be at the show to help inform veterans of benefits they may be entitled to.
Interested veterans are asked to bring their DD214 (discharge papers) for assistance. Tickets are $13 per person, $25 for couples and children ages 4 to 12 years of age will be admitted for $7.
Proceeds of the show benefit the restoration of the last known restorable-to-flight B-29 “Doc.” Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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, June 19, 2014

Willowick Korean Veterans visit with middle school students

Willowick Middle School students spend time with Willowick Korean War Veterans



Middle School Students meet Korean Veterans

Residents of the city of Willowick paid a visit to Willowick Middle School students on June 2. These were not any ordinary citizens — these were Korean War veterans who were willing to spend time talking with the students about their experiences in Korea during what is now referred to as the “Forgotten War.”
Linda McKee, a teacher at Willowick Middle School, did the organizing and veterans who attended were Charles Albert Jr., Richard Avenmarg, Michael Carroll, Chet Cutshall, Edward Kalich, Kenneth Kleinhenz, Richard Kliever, Dick Shaeffer, Anthony Taddeo and Edward VanBergen.
The hardbound book “Korea Reborn” is a beautiful tribute to all of the men and women who served to keep Korea free. Veterans of the war can receive a free copy of the book by contacting a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

Young Marines looking 
for staff members
The Greater Lake County Young Marines group is looking for additional staff members. A few staff positions are available and need to be filled. If you enjoy working with kids and want to help mold the future leaders of America, we need you. Prior service in any branch of the military is preferred, but is not necessary. Female volunteers are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are interested, download an application at www.glcyoungmarines.org. A background check and references are required as part of the application process.
For more details, emailxo@glcyoungmarines.org.

Ladies Auxiliary to host 
rummage sale
The Ladies Auxiliary Annual Rummage Sale will be June 19 and 20 at the Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon. There will be an eclectic mix of goodies and a bake sale on site. Donations will be accepted. For more information, call Kristin at 440-567-0748 or Loretta at 440-834-1753.

AMVETS offering free membership
AMVETS Perry Post 1971, Eastlake Post 946, and Willoughby Post 942 are offering free membership to any veteran who signs up between June 26 and July 7. For details, call the post at 440-259-5131.

Military Night at Captains game
Military Night with the Lake County Captains will be 7 p.m. June 21 against the South Bend Silver Hawks. The night is open to current military and veterans. Rolling Thunder will be a large part of the evening festivities, handling the dedication of the POW/MIA chair. Riders will meet near the American flag located on the northwest corner outside of Classic Park in Eastlake. Those participating in the on-field procession should be there by 6 p.m., entering the field at approximately 6:15 p.m. There will be fireworks after the game. For discounted tickets, call 440-975-8085, ext. 116.

Junior girls to host car wash
The Junior Girls Unit of VFW 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a car wash and bake sale from 1 to 3 p.m. June 28 at the post home. All are welcome. For details, call Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Swiss steak on menu 
at Willoughby Hills VFW
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Swiss steak dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. June 29 at the post home. Dinners are $9 per dinner. For information or tickets, call the post at 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Rotary motorcycle run 
in Geauga County
Burton-Middlefield Rotary will sponsor an escorted motorcycle run on June 29 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton beginning at 10 a.m. sharp.
The ride will be led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland with his dog Midge. The sheriff will take the participants on a 55-mile ride through Geauga County. Cost is $25 per motorcycle, which includes a rider for free.
The ride will benefit Burton-Middlefield Rotary Veterans Housing and Assistance Fund. To date, the Rotary Club has raised more than $100,000 for Geauga County veterans through various projects, including the Geauga County Veterans Memorial, Giant Eagle gift cards for veterans, housing for veterans, and assistance for veterans with heating oil this past winter.
Registration forms are available online at bmrmotorcyclerun.com or register the day of the ride starting at 8 a.m.

Air show salutes Korean War
Gathering of Eagles XVIII Air Show will be July 19 and 20, at Lost Nation Airport, 1969 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby. This year, the show will feature “Korea — the Forgotten War” with many war birds from that era.
In addition, the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be there to inform veterans of benefits they may be entitled to, so interested veterans are asked to bring their DD214 (discharge papers) for assistance.
Tickets for the show are $13 per person, $25 for couples, and children ages 4 to 12 years of age will be admitted for $7. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20.
Proceeds from the show benefit the restoration of the last known restorable-to-flight B-29 “Doc.”

Gunny’s Hall open for lunch
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor, is serving daily lunches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fish fry dinners on Friday evenings. There are also weekly special offered.
For details, call the hall 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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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Flag Day, a day to be proud

I am looking forward to Flag Day. Why? Because after 12 years in the house, we have a flagpole without a weather vane and a new flag flying proudly.
The pole was put up by my grandfather sometime in the 1950s and he saw fit to top it off with a weather vane, complete with a swiveling arrow. The arrow was famous for shredding flags into long strips and twisting them into a nasty knot several feet off the ground.
After the last one got shredded and twisted, I found a steeplejack who would come to the house, take the weather vane off the top of the pole, install a nice ball in its place and run new line. Deal!
Once completed, only two flags have ended up in flag retirement ceremonies and those had become weather worn.
Just to be safe and keep an eye on that weather vane, I planted it in a flower garden on the opposite side of the house.
June 14 is a celebration of the Stars and Stripes, our national flag. The day was not officially established until President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation on May 30, 1916, almost 30 years after the first observances in Wisconsin, New York and Pennsylvania had taken place.
President Harry Truman made the day official when he signed an Act of Congress in 1949, making June 14 the official birthday of our flag.

Flags to be retired
American Legion Post 678 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 will host a flag retirement ceremony at the Boulevard of Flags, 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake, at 11 a.m. June 14. The public is invited to the ceremony.

Newbury hosts fifth annual steak roast
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, will host its fifth annual steak roast in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post from 4 to 7 p.m. June 14.
Tickets for the roast are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. The dinner will include a 50/50. For tickets or more information, call 440-635-6390 or 440-834-1159.

Madison Legion hosts flea market
Madison Post 112, at Middle Ridge Road and Route 528 in Madison, will host a flea market beginning at 9 a.m. June 14.
Lunch will be available. All money raised will benefit Veterans helping Veterans. For details, call 440-724-6871.

Father’s Day breakfasts
n VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a Father’s Day breakfast buffet from 10 a.m. to noon June 15. The buffet is open to the public. For information, call the post home at 440-942-3980.
n Blue Star Mothers Geneva Chapter 57 will host a pancake breakfast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15 at Geneva VFW Post 76 on Depot Street in Geneva. Tickets will be available at the door.
n Madison VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison, will host a sausage gravy, biscuit, potatoes, eggs, coffee and juice breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon June 15, at the post home. Adult breakfast will be $5 and children ages 10 and younger will eat for $3.50. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.
n VFW Post 2595 Ladies Auxiliary, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a Father’s Day breakfast, beginning at 9 a.m. June 15, at the post home. For details, call 440-354-9090.

Chardon VFW Auxiliary to host sale
The Ladies Auxiliary Annual Rummage Sale will be June 19 and 20 at VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon. There will be an eclectic mix of goodies and a bake sale on site. Donations will be accepted. For more details, Call Kristin at 440-567-0748 or Loretta at 440-834-1753.

Military night with the Captains
Military Night with the Lake County Captains will be 7 p.m. June 21 against the South Bend Silver Hawks. The night is open to current military and veterans.
Rolling Thunder will be a large part of the evening festivities. Riders will meet near the American flag located on the northwest corner outside the stadium. Those participating in the on-field procession should be there by 6 p.m., entering the field at approximately 6:15 p.m. There will be fireworks after the game. For discounted tickets, call 440-975-8085 ext. 116.

Veterans job fair in Cleveland
A free military hiring fair sponsored by Hiring our Heroes-Cleveland will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26 at Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. in Cleveland. To register, visit hiringourheroes.org/cleveland.

Willoughby Hills auxiliary hosts Swiss steak dinner
Willoughby Hills VFW 4358 Ladies Auxiliary, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Swiss steak dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. June 29 at the post home. Dinners are $9 per dinner.
For information or tickets, call the post at 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Rotary to host motorcycle run
Burton-Middlefield Rotary will sponsor an escorted motorcycle run on June 29 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton beginning at 10 a.m.
The ride will be led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland with his dog Midge. The sheriff will take the participants on a 55-mile ride through Geauga County. Cost is $25 per motorcycle, which includes a rider for free.
The ride will benefit the Burton-Middlefield Rotary Veterans Housing and Assistance Fund. To date, the Rotary Club has raised more than $100,000 for Geauga County veterans through various projects, including the Geauga County Veterans Memorial, housing for veterans and Giant Eagle gift cards for veterans, along with providing heating-oil assistance to veterans this past winter.
Registration forms are available online, while registration the day of the ride will begin at 8 a.m.

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, June 5, 2014

Improvements in VA health care needed very quickly

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been all over the news in the past few weeks.
In my opinion, no matter how veterans health care and claims are handled, processing will never be done fast enough for those who fought for the rights we all share and enjoy. The men and women who served deserve the best care that is available and should have been getting that sort of care from the beginning.
I am sure there are improvements that need to be made, and technology and the aging veteran population demand that those changes are made. Perhaps a faster processing time, shorter wait times in the emergency rooms or more outpatient clinics for easier accessibility. Whatever is needed should be done and done as quickly as possible.
There is not a place or a person that is perfect and there will never be a 100 percent effective health care system. What disappoints me is the fact that this country’s heroes are paying the price for the inadequacy of that system.

Burton Legion fifth annual 
golf outing
American Legion Post 459 in Burton will host its fifth annual golf outing beginning with registration at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Golf Course in Chardon. For discounted tickets in advance or further information, call Bruce at 440-897-2396. Proceeds will benefit scholarships, Americanism and various American Legion programs.

Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam 
Memorial Wall in Painesville
Painesville American Legion Riders Chapter 336 will host “A Remembrance Tribute to Ohio Veterans” at 1 p.m. June 7. The event will feature the traveling Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam Memorial Wall and a ceremony dedicated to veterans will be presented by Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 5 Ohio. The event is open to the public and will be at the post home, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. For details, call Steve Anderson at 440-413-1055 or Mike Bodnar at 440-346-2141.

Legion Riders’ third annual 
flea market
Madison Post 112, American Legion Riders will host the third annual flea market and craft sale at the post, Middle Ridge Road and Route 528 in Madison. The flea market will start at 9 a.m. and is open to the public. Lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is still available. For details, call 440-724-6871 and leave your name and phone number. All money raised will benefit Veterans Helping Veterans.

Father’s Day pancake 
breakfast
Blue Star Mothers Geneva No. 57 will host a pancake breakfast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15 at Geneva Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 76 on Depot Road in Geneva. Tickets will be available at the door.

Rummage sale in Chardon
The Ladies Auxiliary Annual Rummage Sale will be June 20 and 21 at VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon. There will be an eclectic mix of goodies and a bake sale on site. Donations will be accepted.
For more information, call 440-567-0748 or 440-834-1753.

Military Night with the Captains
Military Night with the Lake County Captains will be June 21 at 7 p.m. against the South Bend Silver Hawks. The night is open to current military personnel and veterans. Rolling Thunder will be a large part of the evening festivities. There will be fireworks after the game. For discounted tickets, call 440-975-8085, ext. 116.

VFW hosts Swiss steak 
dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host a Swiss steak dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. June 29 at the post home. Dinners are $9 per dinner. For information or tickets, call VFW Post 440-944-1642 or Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903.

Rotary ride benefits veterans
Burton-Middlefield Rotary will sponsor an escorted motorcycle run on June 29 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N. Cheshire St. in Burton, beginning at 10 a.m. sharp. The ride will be led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland with his dog Midge. The sheriff will take the participants on a 55-mile ride through Geauga County. Cost is $25 per motorcycle, which includes a rider for free.
The ride will benefit Burton-Middlefield Rotary Veterans Housing and Assistance Fund. To date, the Rotary Club has raised more than $100,000 for Geauga County veterans through various projects, including the Geauga County Veterans Memorial, Veterans Giant Eagle Gift Cards, and veterans housing, along with providing veterans’ assistance with heating oil this past winter.
Registration forms are available online at bmrmotorcyclerun.com. Registration the day of the ride will begin at 8 a.m.

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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