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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, September 24, 2014

Lack of respect in salute

I have always been big on respect, chain of command and good manners.
I have always believed that giving respect to superiors earns the return of that respect. That comes from learning the Golden Rule early on and remembering what I would like to be treated like. This past week, I have begun to wonder what in the world is happening to the respect we show those who protect us.
Yes, I am referring to the “Latte Salute” that has been all over the news. If you have been under a rock somewhere and have no idea what I am talking about, I am referring to the half-hearted, coffee in hand salute that President Obama gave one of his Marine guards while disembarking from the Marine One helicopter.
I understand that as the commander in chief he is to be saluted, and since he is not actually in the armed services, his returning a salute is not required by protocol.
Really? How about some plain old respect for those that keep us all safe and sound? When it comes to safety I cannot think of anyone I would rather have on my team than the United States Marine Corps.
The United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School Training Command manual calls the salute “the most important of all military courtesies.”
Mr. President, those men who salute you and protect you are not part of the household staff, they are United States Marines who deserve your respect. The return of a salute is not required by you, but if you are going to salute, do it respectfully, and not as an afterthought to your cream and sugar.

VFW hosts monthly dinner
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a monthly dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month at the post home. Call the post for details.

Rock-A-Thon rocks on
The 18th Annual Rock-A-Thon to benefit the Hospice of the Western Reserve Peaceful and Proud Program will be Sept. 27 in front of Perry AMVETS Post 11971, 4129 Main St. in Perry. The post is looking for sponsors and rockers for the event. For details call 440-259-4242.

Newbury Legion hosts pig roast
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, will host its fifth annual pig roast dinner in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Dinner hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 advance sale. Tickets are half price for children ages 12 and younger, or those kids can have a free hot dog dinner. The event also includes a pie auction and a 50/50 raffle. For details or ticket information, call 440-834-1159.

Clambake season
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a clambake at 4 p.m. Oct. 4, at the post.
Dinner will be $21 and extra clams will be $6 per dozen. Dinners must be ordered in advance and all orders are due by Sept. 27.
For details, call 440-867-8145.

VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host its annual clambake beginning at 4 p.m. Oct. 4.
Tickets are $31 for bake with steak; $25 for a bake with chicken; and extra clams will be $8. Tickets will be available in advance only and must be purchased before Sept. 30. Reservations can be made at the post using check, cash or credit/debit cards or on the website at VFWPost4358.org.
For questions, call the post home at 440-944-1642.

VFW Post 3863, Ladies Auxiliary Unit, at 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a clambake from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the post home.
Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 29 at the post. Ticket prices are $20 bake with chicken; $23 bake with steak; and extra clams will be $8 per dozen.
For information or questions call the post at 440-943-3980 or Jera at 440-477-8301.

Tailgate party at Painesville Legion
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a Browns/Steelers tailgate party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at the post home. Tickets are $10 and include admission, $1,000 raffle, food, soft drinks and draft beer. For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Reverse Raffle at Madison VFW
VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 4 p.m. Oct. 18.
Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner. The evening will include an open bar, Chinese auction, side boards and 50/50 raffle.
For details or tickets, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Billy Sullivan to appear at Willoughby VFW
The Willoughby VFW, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host an evening with Billy Sullivan from 8 to 11 p.m., Oct. 25 at the post home.
Sullivan toured with The Raspberries, played with Gary Lewis and the Playboys and shared the stage with Mark Lindsay, Mitch Ryder, Peter Frampton, Mark Farner, Ian Hunter and many other rock ’n’ roll legends. His performance will include music from the 1950s through to today.
The event will be a membership drive with all proceeds benefiting the VFW Charities. Bar-type food and a cash bar will be part of the fun. Tickets are $5 for members or $10 for nonmembers. For tickets, call Don Boston at 440-669-3495.

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, September 17, 2014

Letter to the Editor helps locate post items

A letter to the editor in the Lorain Morning Journal recently made me curious.
The letter asked the whereabouts of the colors, rifles and memorabilia of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 38, that once stood on West 38th Street in Lorain.
With that letter Stephen Bansek of Lorain was able to locate the items for the PLAV and will be collecting them from a past commander that had them stored in his basement for safekeeping.
“Those are historical items,” said Department Commander Michael Polichuk.
Polichuk stressed the importance of  post history and the need of to get younger members interested and active in the organization to keep the group viable into the future. The items will be returned to Polichuk at his home post PLAV Post 58 on Professor Avenue in Cleveland.

Gift to college will benefit veterans and families
Cuyahoga Community College will be increasing support services to veterans and their families thanks to a significant gift from The Lerner Foundation, which established the Alfred Lerner Veterans Services Center at Tri-C’s Eastern Campus in Highland Hills.
An estimated 10,000 veterans and their families will be served through outreach services and programs. The center is named for the late Alfred Lerner, a philanthropist and businessman who served in the United States Marine Corps.

Lake County Speedway hosts POW/MIA Recognition Night
Lake County Speedway will host a POW/MIA Recognition Night on Sept. 20 at the speedway, 500 Fairport Nursery Road in Painesville. The evening offers free grand stand admission while American Legion Post 336 Color Guard will present the colors. Flu shots, food and prizes also will be a part of the event. For details, visit www.Lakecountyspeedway.com.

Willoughby post hosts fish fry dinner night
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry every first and third Friday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. A full menu is offered. For details call 440-951-9233 or stop in at the post for a meal.

Civil Air Patrol serves spaghetti
Painesville Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 252 will host a spaghetti dinner 4:30 to 7 p.m., Sept. 20, at the American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
The public is welcome. Proceeds will benefit Civil Air Patrol programs. For details, call Ken Voyticky at 440-655-6600.

Men’s auxiliary to host breakfast
VFW Post 2595, Men’s Auxiliary will host a breakfast at 9 a.m., Sept. 21, at the post home, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville. Breakfast of pancakes and sausage or eggs, bacon and potatoes will be $5. For details call Jane at 440-354-9090.

Breakfast at Madison post Sunday
The VFW Men’s Auxiliary Unit of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road East in Madison, will host a sausage gravy, biscuit, eggs and potatoes breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, Sept. 21 at the post home.
Adult breakfast will be $5 and breakfast for children ages 10 and younger will be $3.50. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, veterans fund and the food bank. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Veterans Appreciation Day at Painesville Legion post
A Veterans Appreciation Day is planned for Sept. 26, at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
The event will be hosted by the Painesville VA Clinic and will include prizes, food, guests, a Color Guard, benefit information and flu shots. All veterans are welcome.
For details call the Painesville VA Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Annual Rock-A-thon benefits hospice
The 18th Annual Rock-A-Thon to benefit the Hospice of the Western Reserve Peaceful and Proud Program, will be all day Sept. 27 in front of the Perry AMVETS Post 11971, 4129 Main St.
The post is looking for both sponsors and rockers for the event. For details, call 440-259-4242.

Newbury Legion hosts annual pig roast
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road, will host the Fifth Annual Pig Roast dinner in the Hunter Pavilion behind the post 4 to 7 p.m., Sept. 27.
Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 advance sale. Tickets are half price for children ages 12 and younger or a free hot dog dinner. The event also includes a pie auction and a 50/50 raffle.
For details, call 440-834-1159.

Clam bake season
• VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St, in Painesville will host a clambake at 4 p.m., Oct. 4, at the post. Tickets are pre-sale only. Dinner will be $21 and extra clams are $6 and orders are needed by Sept. 27. For details, call 440-867-8145.
• VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host its annual clam bake, beginning at 4 p.m., Oct. 4. Tickets are $31 with steak; $25 with chicken and extra clams are $8.
Tickets are pre-sale only by Sept. 30. Reservations can be made at the post using check, cash or credit/debit cards or on the web site at VFWPost4358.org. For questions, call the post home at 440-944-1642.
• VFW Post 3863, Ladies Auxiliary Unit, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a clam bake 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the post home. Tickets are pre-sale only by Sept. 29 and available at the post. Ticket prices are $20 with chicken; $23 with steak and extra clams are $8 per dozen. For further information, call 440-942-3980 or Jera at 440-477-8301.
• Col. Justice M. Chambers Det. 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a clam bake, at 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Gunny’s Hall. Tickets are $20 per bake and $6 for extra clams. For tickets, call 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, September 11, 2014

Rolling Thunder Chapter 1, Ohio rolls out lunch for veterans

Rolling Thunder Chapter 1, Ohio volunteers served veterans a picnic lunch Sept. 6, at the Veterans of America Resource Center on 152nd Street, Cleveland.
Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and beverages were on the menu for the residents of the center.
The transitional living center provides meals, shelter, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, financial literacy and career counseling for homeless veterans.


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Eastlake Dog Park and Memorial get face lift

Rolling Thunder Chapter 1, Ohio volunteered the time and effort to clean up and refurbish the Eastlake Dog Park. The park was the scene of a flag raising and dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 7.
The group cleaned up the Memorial, spread new mulch, erected a new flag pole and light and also planted some new bushes.


Care packages help make deployment a bit more bearable

The fact that this country has deployed personnel all over the world brings to mind the USO and the care packages that were so popular only a short time ago.
The deployed service personnel need to know that the American people support their efforts and that they have not been forgotten. Small snack packs and treats, DVDs, pocket games and personal care items are all a welcome respite from the challenges of being deployed.
The Craft and Antique Co-Op at 1871 North Ridge Road in Painesville has continually collected treats and personal items for our country’s deployed armed forces personnel. The co-op actively participates in fundraisers for the USO and for Fisher House, a home away from home for families of service personnel being treated at the Cleveland Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland.
Please remember we still have soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving around the world and small comforts of home make deployment a bit more bearable.

Fairport fish fry meals 
are back
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will begin serving fish fry lunch and dinners Sept. 12 at the post home.
Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. For details, call the post at 440-352-1123.

Scholarship fund raiser 
at Fairport VFW
A fundraiser for the Shannon McBride Scholarship endowment at Lakeland Community College (Jim McBride basic police academy scholarship; Fairport Harbor Police Association and CPD Pipes and Drums Band Uniform Fund) will be 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Fairport Harbor VFW, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor.
The event will include country and western bands and the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums. Tickets are $20 per person. See Jim McBride or Fairport Harbor Police Chief Mark Kish for tickets or email chiefjtm@aol.com

9/11 Remembrance day
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a 9/11 Remembrance, POW/MIA Recognition and Flag Retirement Program at the post home at 6 p.m. Sept. 14. The public is welcome. For details, call George or Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Free veterans dinner
A veterans hospitality dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland. This is a family event to bring area veterans together in appreciation of their service.
The dinner and dessert are free, and family and friends are welcome. There will be activities for children.
Please re-register to assure adequate food at ghostriderfoundation@gmail.com

Civil Air Patrol serves 
spaghetti dinner
Painesville Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 252 will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Sept. 20 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. The public is welcome.
Proceeds will benefit civil Air Patrol programs. For details, call Ken Voyticky at 440-655-6600.

Marine recruiters appear 
at Lake County Speedway
United States Marine Corps recruiters will be at the Lake County Speedway when the track hosts National POW/MIA Recognition night at the races Sept. 20 at the track, located at 500 Fairport Nursery Road in Painesville. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and racing begins at 6.

Veterans Appreciation Day 
A Veterans Appreciation Day is planned for Sept. 26 at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. The event, to be hosted by the Painesville VA Clinic, will include prizes, food, guests, a color guard, benefit information and flu shots. All veterans are welcome.
For details, call the Painesville VA Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Annual Rock-A-Thon 
in Perry
The 18th Annual Rock-A-Thon to benefit the Hospice of the Western Reserve Peaceful and Proud Program will be Sept. 27, in front of the Perry AMVETS Post 11971, 4129 Main St. in Perry.
The post is looking for sponsors and rockers for the event. For details, call 440-259-4242.

Clambake season
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League will host a clambake at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor on Sept. 13; reservations are needed by Sept. 6.
The bake will begin at 3 p.m. and offer side boards and a 50/50 raffle. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m. Dinners are $28 per bake and extra clams will be $7.
For reservations, call 440-974-9380.
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host its annual clambake beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 20. Tickets are $23 for a bake with chicken; $25 for a bake with steak ;and extra clams will be $7 per dozen. Music will be by Dan Elish from 7 to 11 p.m.
The last day to buy tickets will be Sept. 15. All proceeds benefit the building fund. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host its annual clambake 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the post home.
Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 18. Tickets are $24 bake with steak; $22 bake with chicken; and extra clams will be $8 per dozen. The event will feature side boards, 50/50 raffle and cornhole. Call the post at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. for details.
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a clambake at 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the post.
Dinner will be $21 and extra clams will be $6 per dozen. Dinners must be paid for in advance and orders are needed by Sept. 27. For details, call 440-867-8145.
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit of VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in  Eastlake, will host a clambake from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the post home.
Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 29 and may be obtained at the post. Ticket prices are $20 bake with chicken; $23 bake with steak; and extra clams will be $8 per dozen. For information or questions, call the post at 440-943-3980 or Jera at 440-477-8301.

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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Monday, September 8, 2014

Evening will benefit Fisher House

I am looking forward to attending the benefit for Cleveland’s Fisher House Saturday evening.
The Fisher House is most easily explained as a home away from home for families of veterans who are undergoing treatment at the Cleveland Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Wade Park. The housing is free for veterans’ families and it allows the veterans to have a support unit close by while undergoing treatment. Groundbreaking for the Cleveland Fisher House is expected in 2015.
The Lake County Veterans Service Office and the Men’s and Women’s Auxiliaries of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, in Fairport Harbor, will host the fundraiser for the Greater Cleveland Fisher House. A reverse raffle and dinner will be Sept. 6 at the VFW post, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor.
Tickets are $30 per person and include dinner, open bar and a ticket on the main board. Donations for the auction would be greatly appreciated.
For details, call Gini Geffert at 440-289-5699 or the VFW post at 440-352-1123. For more information about Fisher House, visit www.greaterclevelandfisherhouse.org.

Eastlake War Dog park dedication
Rolling Thunder will raise the POW/MIA Flag at the War Dog Memorial on Lake Shore Boulevard, just east of Route 91 in Eastlake.
 The group spent time cleaning and refurbishing the memorial area with donations of mulch from the city of Eastlake; a flagpole from EZ Pole of Eastlake; three bayberry bushes donated by Pettiti’s Nursery of Madison; and plaques and flags donated by Rolling Thunder Chapter 1.
The memorial will be dedicated following the 9/11 ceremony at Boulevard of 500 Flags at 11 a.m. Sept. 7. The public is welcome to attend.

Ladies Auxiliary serves monthly dinner
VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison, will host the monthly ladies auxiliary dinner on the first Saturday evening of each month at the post home.
The ladies will serve dinner 4 to 7 p.m. each first Saturday and proceeds benefit VFW Auxiliary charities. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Willoughby VFW Post hosts fish fry dinners
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry every first and third Friday of the month 5 to 8 p.m.
A full menu is offered. For details, call 440-951-9233 or stop in at the post for a meal.

Patriot Day program in Burton
A Patriot Day Program will be hosted by American Legion Post 459 at the Burton Village gazebo in Burton at 11 a.m. Sept. 11.
The public is welcome to attend and observe this solemn holiday. For details, call 440-834-8764.

Clambake at Gunny’s Hall
A Clambake will be served on Sept. 13 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in  Mentor, with reservations needed by Sept. 6.
The bake will begin at 3 p.m. and offer side boards and a 50/50 raffle. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m.
Dinners are $28 per bake and extra clams will be $7. For reservations, call 440-974-9380.

Fundraiser to benefit scholarships
A fundraiser for the Shannon McBride Scholarship endowment at Lakeland Community College will be 6 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Fairport VFW, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor.
The event will include country and western bands, and the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums.
Tickets are $20 per person. See Jim McBride or Fairport Harbor Police Chief Mark Kish for tickets or email chiefjtm@aol.com

9/11 remembrance at Painesville Post
VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a 9/11 remembrance, POW/MIA recognition and flag retirement program at the post home at 6 p.m. Sept. 14.
The public is welcome. For details call George or Jill Householder at 440-352-9522.

Sub Zero golf outing scheduled
The Third Annual Sub Zero Mission Charity Golf Outing will be Sept. 20 at Madison Country Club, 6131 Chapel Road in Madison.
To reserve your team, contact Sub Zero Mission at 440-286-1387 or 440-622-4157 or email del@subzeromission.org. Sponsors and players are needed. Tickets are $100.

Civil Air Patrol serve up spaghetti
Painesville Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 252 will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
The public is welcome. Proceeds benefit Civil Air Patrol programs. For details, call Ken Voyticky at 440-655-6600.

Marine Corps recruiters at Painesville Speedway
United States Marine Corps recruiters will be at the Lake County Speedway when the track hosts National POW/MIA Recognition night at the races Sept. 20 at the track located at 500 Fairport Nursery Road in  Painesville.
Gates will open at 4 p.m. and racing will begin at 6 p.m.

Veterans Appreciation Day at Painesville post
A Veterans Appreciation Day is planned for Sept. 26 at American Legion Post 336 on Chester Street in Painesville.
The event, to be hosted by the Painesville VA Clinic, will include prizes, food, guests, a color guard, benefit information and flu shots. All veterans are welcome.
For details call the Painesville VA Clinic at 440-357-6740.

Rock-a-Thon returns to Perry AMVETS
The 18th Annual Rock-A-Thon to benefit the Hospice of the Western Reserve Peaceful and Proud Program will be Sept. 27 in front of the Perry AMVETS Post 11971, 4129 Main St. in Perry. The post is looking for sponsors and rockers for the event. For details, call 440-259-4242.

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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