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.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Congress needs to catch up to local offices

Earlier this month, Congress approved the creation of a veterans identification card.
I was surprised when I heard this because Lake County Recorder Ann M. Radcliffe and Geauga County Recorder Sharon Gingerich have been issuing these ID cards to veterans for the past two years.
For years, veterans who are not enrolled in Veterans Affairs programs have had to carry a paper copy of their DD-214 (discharge papers) to prove they were honorably discharged. Proof of discharge is needed to secure the many discounts that businesses offer in the area.
Congress is slow, but I never thought that they were that far behind — such a simple thing took this long?
The veterans of these two counties have been enjoying the benefits that the card brings, thanks to the two county recorders who are staying current in offering the service to honorably discharged veterans in both counties.
To obtain a veterans ID card, call the Geauga County Recorder’s Office at 440-285-2222 or the Lake County Recorder’s Office at 440-350-2510.

Post cancels events 
American Legion Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, has canceled the GI Get Together and annual community garage sale because of renovations at the post. The events will be rescheduled later in the fall. For questions or more information, call the post home at 440-834-8621.

Buckeye Boys Golf Outing
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host the Third Annual Boys State Golf Outing beginning at noon Aug. 28, at Lost Nation Golf Course. Tickets are $50 per person and include golf, cart and a steak raffle.
Please sign up at the post home by Aug. 26 or sponsor a hole for $20 per hole. For more information or to sign up, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762.

Catholic Veterans poppy drive
The Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 will be at St. Mary Parish, 242 N. State St. in Painesville, on Aug. 15-16 after all Masses hosting a membership drive and a poppy drive (donations are welcome).
Members also will be selling tickets for the reverse raffle that will be Oct. 24, at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Chardon hosts Chinese auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 8 at the post home.
For details, call 440-285-3699.

Support veterans 
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will again host Veterans Appreciation Day from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the post home.
This is a free event for all veterans and their spouses. There will be food, music and veteran-oriented vendors.
To keep this event free, the post will host a breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9. The cost is $5.

Learn to ride at dealership
Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, is offering Operation Personal Freedom Ride Free through Sept. 13.
All current and former U.S. military personnel can learn to ride for free through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy.
Learn more about this program by stopping at the store or by logging onto H-D.com/militarylearntoride.

Toys for Tots golf outing
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, has rescheduled the annual Toys for Tots golf outing.
The event will be Sept. 12 at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 for players and $20 for the dinner only. Hole sponsorships and tickets for the golf outing are available. Call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380 or Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810.

Newbury Legion farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts the Community Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 12.Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day.
For more information, email bob810@windstream.net, or call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 to reserve a space.

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.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Removing history won’t change it

The division over the Battle Flag of the Confederate States of America unfortunately is another blemish on America’s history. The American Civil War was the first, now the nation is dividing again over the battle flag.
Removing the flag will not remove the Civil War from America’s history or the hate that exists in some people’s hearts. This is a period that Americans should study and learn from, so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
The removal of a battle flag or the general deletion of all things Civil War will not make American history any different. It cannot be changed. The only thing that will change the racist attitudes in this country will be to teach our children that we are all one nation and respecting differences is a normal part of life. Americans need to be living under one flag, the Stars and Stripes.
Personally, I find several flags offensive, but the attempted deletion of history or the rewriting of it is an act used by several former world leaders — the ones that come to mind are Hitler, Stalin and Mao. Do you really want that sort of censorship to happen in America?

Catholic War Vets at Parish Festival
The Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 will be at St. Justin Martyr Parish Festival in Eastlake from July 24-26 having a membership and poppy drive. Donations are welcome.
Tickets for the reverse raffle also will be on sale. The raffle will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake. For information and tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Madison Legion hosts reverse raffle
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a reverse raffle with a $1,000 main board beginning at 4 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, call the post at 440-428-7893.

Car wash and bake sale hosted by youth
The Youth Unit of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595, 570 Liberty Street in Painesville, will host a car wash and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Funds raised will be used in support of veterans, active duty military, their families and the community. The unit is open to young people ages 5 through 16 who desire to learn volunteerism, leadership, patriotism and team work. Call Jill Householder for information at 440-352-9522.

Men’s Auxiliary hosts steak fry
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a steak fry dinner with all the trimmings from 5 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Dinners are $12 each. For details, call Jane at 440-354-9090.

GI get-together at Burton Post
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a GI get-together from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 8 at the post home. Coffee and doughnuts will be served to all veterans in attendance. For details, call 440-563-8715.

Chardon Ladies host annual Chinese Auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 8 at the post home.
For details, call 440-285-3699.

Breakfast helps support Veterans Appreciation Day
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will again host Veterans Appreciation Day from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the post home.
This is a free event for all veterans and their spouses. There will be food, music and veteran-oriented vendors.
To keep this event free, the post will host a breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9. The cost is $5.

Learn to Ride at Mentor dealership
Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, is offering Operation Personal Freedom Ride Free through Sept. 13.
All current and former U.S. military personnel can learn to ride for free through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. Learn more about this program by stopping at the store or by logging onto H-D.com/militarylearntoride.

Toys for Tots golf outing Sept. 12
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, has rescheduled the annual Toys for Tots golf outing.
The event will be Sept. 12 at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 for players and $20 for the dinner only. Hole sponsorships and tickets for the golf outing are available. Call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380 or Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810.

Newbury legion hosts farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts the Community Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 12.
Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day. For information, email bob810@windstream.net, or call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 to reserve a space.

Madison Legion schedules golf outing
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host its annual golf outing beginning at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 1.
Tickets are $65 per person and sign-up is required by July 26. Call the post at 440-428-7893 for reservations and information.

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.

Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Appreciation Day a fun outing

The posts are all doing a fine job of making sure to provide activities for everyone. The weather has not been cooperative this year, yet the calendars are full of golf outings, bike runs, picnics and more.
One coming event that I always look forward to is the Veterans Appreciation Day that takes place in September at American Legion Post 336 in Painesville.
The joint effort between the post home and the Veterans Affairs Painesville Outpatient Clinic is a fun afternoon.
This afternoon event is a place to meet old friends and make some new ones. Information about veterans’ benefits and businesses that offer specials for veterans is available for the asking.
These are benefits that are earned and must be applied for. Take advantage of that, sign up and use what you have earned.

VFW at Party in the Park
Painesville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595 will host a booth at Painesville Party in the Park from July 17-19.
Information about the VFW programs and Ladies Auxiliary programs will be available. Sign up for a free drawing for a flag set.
Membership for any active duty eligible service person will be free. This year, the second year’s membership will be free for any eligible veterans or Ladies Auxiliary member joining at the Party in the Park. For details, call Jill or George Householder at 440-352-9522.

Painesville Legion serves lasagna
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will serve a lasagna dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. July 17 at the post home. Dinners are $8 and include salad, roll and dessert. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Fifth annual Red Eye Run
American Legion Riders Chapter 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host its fifth annual poker run, titled the “336 Red Eye Run.”
The event, slated for July 18, begins and ends at the post, with the first bike out at 11 a.m. and the last bike in by 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for riders and $10 for passengers. Buyers of the first 100 tickets receive a free run patch.
The run will be rain or shine and motorcycles are not required. For details, call Steve Anderson at 440-209-8724 or Mike Bodnar at 440-346-2141.

Euclid Vets Classic Car Cruise
Euclid Vets Association will host its Third Annual Classic Car Cruise In and Motorcycle Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19. The event will be at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 E. 260th St. in Euclid.
Music of the ’50s and ’60s will be playing and the event will be held rain or shine. There is no admission to the show, but donations to the Gary Sinese Foundation for Wounded Vets will be gratefully accepted. Dash plaques and goodie bags will be given to owners of the first 100 cars.

Catholic War Vets welcome new members
The Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 will be at St. Justin Martyr Parish Festival, 35781 Stevens Blvd. in Eastlake, on July 24-26 having a membership and poppy drive. Donations are welcome.
Tickets for the reverse raffle also will be on sale. The raffle will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake. For information and tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Madison post hosts reverse raffle
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a reverse raffle with a $1,000 main board beginning at 4 p.m. July 25 at the post home. Tickets are $40 per person.
For more information, call the post at 440-428-7893.

Painesville Youth host car wash and bake sale
The Youth Unit of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a car wash and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Funds raised will be used in support of veterans, active duty military, their families and the community.
The unit is open to young people ages 5 through 16 who desire to learn volunteerism, leadership, patriotism and teamwork. Call Jill Householder for more information at 440-352-9522.

Veterans Appreciation Day in September
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will again host the Veterans Appreciation Day from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the post home.
This is a free event for all veterans and their spouses. There will be food, music and veteran-oriented vendors.
To keep this event free, the post will host a breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9. The cost is $5.

Golf Outing rescheduled
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, has rescheduled the annual Toys for Tots golf outing.
The golf outing will be Sept. 12 at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison. Tickets are $80 for the players and $20 for the dinner only.
Hole sponsorships and tickets for the golf outing are available. Call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380 or Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810.

Newbury post hosts Farmers Market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts the Community Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 12.
Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day. For information, email bob810@windstream.net, or call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 to reserve a space.

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.

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

July a busy month for veterans

Veterans in Lake and Geauga counties are busy with events this month.
The Willoughby American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit can be proud that Martha Setlock is now the American Legion Department of Ohio president. Setlock has been a very active Auxiliary Unit 214 member for a number of years and will be an added benefit at the department level. Congratulations, Martha.
Veterans Appreciation Day will make a return to American Legion Post 336 in Painesville on Sept. 18. This event is a free one for veterans and their spouses and offers a chance to get together while getting information about benefits the veteran may be entitled to. Don’t miss the chance to attend.

Legion Riders host Red Eye Run
American Legion Riders Chapter 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host the Fifth Annual 336 Red Eye Run beginning at 11 a.m. July 18. The run starts and ends at the post home and proceeds will benefit veterans charities. Tickets are $15 for riders and $10 for passengers. Motorcycle is not required and the run goes rain or shine.
For details, call Steve Anderson at 440-209-8724 or Mike Bodnar at 440-346-2141.

Toys for Tots Golf outing rescheduled
The Col. Justice M. Chambers Toys for Tots Golf Outing at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison, has been postponed until noon Sept. 12.
Registration is available for the new date. Cost to play is $80 per person.
The dinner and prizes will be at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor. Dinner-only tickets are $20 per person. For reservations, call Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810 or Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380.

Farmers Market at Newbury Post
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, will host a farmers market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 12.
Call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 for details or reservations.

Legion Auxiliary serves bratwurst
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will serve a bratwurst sandwich dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. July 10 at the post home. Dinners include sandwich, macaroni salad, chips and dessert.
For details, call 440-357-7711.

Pig roast at Madison Post 112
American Legion Riders of Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a pig roast at 2 p.m. July 11 at the post home. Elm Street Blues band will be perform.
For details call 440-428-7893.

Veteran-owned businesses topic of event
Veteran-owned businesses are the focus of an event from 8 a.m. to noon July 22 at the Holden University Center at Lakeland Community College.
The program is free and includes breakfast while giving veterans an opportunity to learn about: special financial programs available just for veteran-owned businesses; contacting opportunities and government set-aside programs for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; and no-cost counseling services to help grow a veteran’s business.
To register, visit Lakeland Community College’s website at lakelandcc.edu or call Karen Wivell at 440-525-7739.

Rolling Thunder hosts Annual picnic
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Ohio will host the 18th annual picnic at Louis B. Stokes Veterans Affairs Hospital on July 25.
The annual event for house patients and residents at the hospital will include hot dogs and hamburgers. A disc jockey and bagpipers will entertain.
This event includes many volunteer organizations dedicated to making the fun afternoon a success for the veterans of the hospital.

Post 112 hosts reverse raffle
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a reverse raffle with a $1,000 main board beginning at 4 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
For more information, call 440-428-7893.

Catholic veterans group at festival
Catholic War Veterans, John Paul II Post 1959 will be at the St. Justin Martyr Parish Festival in Eastlake from July 24 through 26 hosting a membership and poppy drive.
Donations are welcome. The post will be selling tickets for the reverse raffle on Oct. 24, at the Patrician Party Center.
Tickets are $65 for the main board and $35 for an extra dinner ticket. Only 175 tickets will be sold. For information or tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Golf outing scheduled for Madison Post
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a golf outing on Aug. 1. Golfers are asked to sign up by July 26.
Cost is $65 per person and tee time is 11:30 a.m. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Painesville post hosts Veterans Appreciation Day
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a Veterans Appreciation Day from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the post home.
This event will be free to all veterans and their spouses. Free food, music and veteran-oriented vendors will be participating.
To help keep the event free, the post will host a breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 at the post home. The cost will be $5 and the morning also will include some raffle items. Donations for the raffles are now being accepted.

VFW booth at Party in the Park
Painesville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595 will host a booth at Painesville Party in the Park from July 17 through 19.
The booth will be a place to obtain information on any of the VFW or Ladies Auxiliary programs, enter into a drawing for a flag set or obtain membership information. Membership for any active duty eligible service person is free. Call Jill or George Householder for information at 440-352-9522.

Euclid Vets annual car show July 19
Euclid Vets Association will host its third annual classic car cruise-in and motorcycle show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19 at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 E. 260th St. in Euclid.
Dash plaques and goodie bags will be given to owners of the first 100 cars. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted. For details, call Al Nagy at 216-289-1632.

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.

Labels: , , , ,