Parris Island is a beautiful spot in the low country of South Carolina. The island itself is described in this month’s “Leatherneck” magazine as being 4 miles long and 3 miles wide. The 8,000 acres includes only 3,200 acres of dry land.
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot this year is celebrating 100 years of making Marines, with the officially recognized date being Nov. 1. It was on that date when the Navy turned over the land and buildings to the Marine Corps in 1915.
I was lucky enough to have a tour of the island several years ago with my husband. The tour started out at the train station in Yemassee. The recruits arrived by train until 1965, according to the magazine article. When we stopped in Yemassee, the train station was still there, but evidently looked a lot smaller to the Marine I was with.
The causeway to the island was a much more relaxed drive than the one he took on a bus with other recruits. The land approach to the island was not installed until 1929. Before that, the only approach was by a shuttle boat.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. is the oldest major base in the Marine Corps and is the only place where women are trained to be Marines. The women arrived aboard the island in November 1943.
I was fortunate to have been able to see the museum on the island, the parade grounds and various statues that grace the island camp.
Leatherneck’s article, “Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Celebrates ‘100 Years of Making Marines’ ” highlights the recruit depot, and explains the history of the island and the evolution of the training grounds that make Marines. So this year, Marines will celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday and the birth of MCRD Parris Island in November.

Stocking for Soldiers continues through Nov. 2
The Stockings for Soldiers and Shelters Program will continue through Nov. 2. The staff at DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory supplies the red and white stockings free of charge at two of their four locations between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pick up a stocking or two at the Willoughby Hills or South Euclid locations. A list of suggested stuffers will be included with the stockings. The filled stockings need to be returned no later than Nov. 6.
DeJohn works with organizations that will send the stockings to troops overseas or to organizations locally that provide care for those who cannot care for themselves. For more information, call 440-516-5555 or visit www.dejohnfuneral.com/news-events/.

Fairport post offer perch fry
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will host a perch fry on Oct. 23 at the post home. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is served 4 to 7 p.m. The dinner is open to the public. For information call 440-352-1123.

Geauga County council hosts pancake breakfast 
American Legion Geauga County Council will host a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin Ave. in Burton. All proceeds will benefit
Geauga County Veterans in need.
An adult breakfast will be $ 10 and children’s portions for those ages 6 through 12 will be $5. For details, call 440-635-6390 or 440-313-2095.

Painesville Legion offers breakfast
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast buffet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at the post home.
Breakfast is $6 and includes eggs, home fries, bacon sausage, pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy and coffee. For details call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Legion auxiliary unit collects for Thanksgiving baskets
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 214, 4304 Center St. in Mentor, will be collecting nonperishable food items for local families in need.
The Thanksgiving basket donations will be delivered Nov. 21 just in time for the holiday. Food and cash donations are needed. Food donations can be placed in the large barrel at the post and cash donations can be given to an auxiliary officer or a bartender on duty. For details, call the post at 440-942-7762.

Tailgate party at Painesville Post 336
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336 will host a Browns/Steelers tailgate party at the post pavilion, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15. Admission is $10 and includes food, draft beer, pop and a chance to win the $1,000 grand prize.
Limited tickets are available. Proceeds will benefit the Auxiliary Adopt-A-Family program.

Turkey raffle at Mentor VFW Post 9295
VFW Post 9295 Auxiliary’s annual turkey raffle will be 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at the post home, 8282 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. Those who plan to attend should call the post at 440-255-3493.

Learn to paint at Gunny’s Hall
Christmas Gnomes at the Hall, join Rachel with Artists Uncork’d and uncork your creativity at 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at Marine Corps League Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor. Learn step-by-step instruction on how to paint your own painting. Beginners are welcome.
Cost is $25 per person and all supplies are included. Sign up on line at www.artistsuncorkd.com. Payment in cash or check is due the day of the event. Please bring a food dish to share.

To submit items for this column, send them to Larece Galer, The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or email LGaler@News-Herald.com

Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and turned the tide of World War II 71 years ago tomorrow, June 6, 1944. Many of those young men of the D-Day invasion are now in their twilight years and the battle is a memory that by the grace of God they survived.
I am certain that many of the television channels will present programs about this invasion on the shores of France in 1944. I already have seen a few.
Of the five beaches where troops came ashore, two were assigned to the Americans: Utah and Omaha. Two beaches — Gold and Sword — were assigned to the British and the Canadians were assigned Juno.
Troops in landing craft survived rough water on the only clear day reported for weeks, and overcame seasickness, the weight of heavy equipment packs and the possibility of jumping off the craft and drowning with the equipment. Once ashore, they were open to be fired upon from the German guns.
Overcoming all of the obstacles, the young men made it work and broke through the lines, turning the tide of Hitler’s war. To honor those veterans, Heartland of Mentor will host a display of D-Day items in the hospitality room between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. June 6. The collection of Ron Cigany includes items such as uniforms, weapons and memorabilia from D-Day.

Gunny’s Hall annual garage sale
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host its annual garage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6 at the detachment.
Saturday hours will be half-price day. The sale will benefit the Marine Corps League. For details, call 440-974-9380.

Legion Riders host Traveling Wall
American Legion Riders Chapter 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a Remembrance Tribute to Ohio Veterans featuring the traveling Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam Memorial Wall on June 6.
At 1 p.m., a ceremony will be presented by Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 5 Ohio. The event is open to the public. A dinner will be offered following the ceremony and music will be provided by DJ Woody.
For details, call Steve Anderson at 440-413-1055 or Mike Bodnar at 440-346-2141.

Legion hosts golf outing
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, Burton-Middlefield American Legion will host its annual golf outing beginning at 10:30 a.m., June 6 at Pleasant Hills Golf Course, 13461 Aquilla Road in Claridon Township.
Call Bruce Zupancic at 440-897-2396 for details.

Party helps fund scholarship 
The Lance Cpl. David Baker Scholarship Fund Party will begin at 1 p.m. June 7 at American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison.
The afternoon will offer food, a raffle, 50/50 raffle and live music by Larry, Larry, Darryl and Cheryl. For information, call Dean Bader at 440-537-6511.

6th Annual Steak Roast at Newbury Post
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, will host its 6th Annual Steak Roast in Hunter Pavilion behind the post home from 4:30 to 7 p.m., June 13.
Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 440-635-6390; 440-567-9061 or 440-269-3184.

Rolling Thunder participates in Military Night
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Ohio will participate in Military Night at Classic Park in Eastlake on June 13, when the Lake County Captains take on the Kane County Cougars at 7 p.m.
Tickets for this special evening must be purchased by June 6. The evening will feature a military service personnel parade, pre-game motorcycle procession, Military Jersey Silent Auction, a supply drive, the POW-MIA remembrance ceremony and fireworks after the game. For details, call 440-975-8085 or email JYorko@Captainsbaseball.com.

Painesville color guard fundraiser
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a fundraiser for its color guard from 7 to 10:30 p.m. June 20 at the post home.
Live music will be performed by Wicked Vinyl. For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

Father’s Day breakfast
Andy Nowacki , Lake Erie College, American Legion Post 807 will host a Father’s Day pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon June 21 at American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick. Cost is $5 per person.

Annual golf outing at Madison Country Club
The Col. Justice M. Chambers Gene Deka Memorial Golf Classic will be 1 p.m. June 27 at Madison Country Club.
Cost is $80 per person and includes lunch, dinner and refreshments, 18-hole scramble, golf cart, and prizes for longest drives, pin shots and putts.
Tickets must be purchased before June 15. Make checks payable to Col. J.M. Chambers Golf Classic, 8720 Twinbrook Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 or call 440-974-9380 with questions.

Cruise In at Willowick Legion
A Veteran Car and Motorcycle Cruise In will be noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday at American Legion Post 678, 590 E. 328th St. in Willowick.
All cars and motorcycles are welcome. Registration fee is $5 or a donation for the homeless veterans shelter.
The event will offer food, drinks, 50/50 raffle and more. For details, call the post at 440-943-9659.

Gunny’s Hall kitchen summer hours
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will close the kitchen on Mondays for the summer. New hours will be Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Regular menu items will be available and a fish fry will be available on Friday. The Sunday morning breakfasts will not be available again until September.
For details, call the detachment 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.

I was recently given a copy of the magazine Volunteer by a friend who is a member of the Painesville Civil Air Patrol.
Knowing I liked aviation, he thought I would enjoy the magazine full of stories about flying and the Civil Air Patrol. I was surprised to find a story about “Smilin’ Jack’” a cartoon character who flew airplanes. I had no idea there was a comic strip by this name, it’s the same name I’ve been calling this friend for several years. The nickname fits, because he is always smiling.
The comic began in 1933 and ran on the comic pages until 1973, when “Smilin’ Jack” retired. The creator, Zack Mosley, was a member of the Civil Air Patrol Squadron that flew from Coastal Patrol Base 3 in Lantana, Florida, eventually becoming a colonel in the Civil Air Patrol.
The nationally syndicated cartoon was seen all over the country.
The patrol helped with submarine spotting and chasing during the war along the coast. At the time, civilian single-engine planes were outfitted with small bombs in case they had the opportunity to hit an enemy ship. Today, the Civil Air Patrol teaches young people about aviation and search and rescue.
The Painesville squadron will host a spaghetti dinner at American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, on April 11. The dinner will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. and is $6 per person.
Proceeds will benefit cadets attending the annual encampment this summer.

Fish fry at Fairport Harbor VFW Post 7754
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will host a fish fry lunch and dinner on April 3 at the post home. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner 4 to 7 p.m. Carryout will be available. For details or to order a meal, call 440-352-1123.

Gunny’s Hall closed 
for Easter
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will not serve breakfast on April 5 because it will be closed for Easter Sunday. For details or questions, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

Pancake and sausage breakfast in Burton
Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 12 at the post home. Adult breakfast is $9 and the child’s portion for ages 12 and younger is $5. For more information, call 440-635-0223.

Blessing of the Bikes at Willowick Post
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host the Second Annual Blessing of the Bikes April 12. The parking lot will open at 10 a.m., with the blessing at noon.

Fundraiser benefits
6-year-old
American Legion Family of Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a fundraiser beginning at 3 p.m. April 18 at the post home.
Proceeds will benefit 6-year-old Kallie Kramp, who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Dinner tickets are $10.
A basket of cheer and an iPad mini with a keyboard case will be raffled off. Tickets are $5 each for the raffle. DJ Trenda will entertain from 7 to 11 p.m. Donations are being gratefully accepted.
Call 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m. for more information.

Wickliffe post host 
polka party
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will host a polka dance beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 18.
Tickets are $25 per person and include beer, wine and ethnic foods. Patty C and the Guys will entertain. For more information or tickets, call the post home at 440-585-4191.

Catholic War Veterans host membership poppy drive
The Catholic War Veterans of Lake, John Paul II Post 1959, will host a membership poppy drive at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Wickliffe on April 18 and 19 at all Masses.
The members also will be selling tickets for the Super Raffle that will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake during the Annual Reverse Raffle. Grand prize will be $5,000
Tickets can be purchased from any CWV member. For more information, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Deepwood Run begins 
at Gunny’s Hall
The Deepwood Run will be 9 a.m. April 19 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor.
The run is $15 per person and will feature a breakfast buffet with bloody marys, a Chinese auction and raffles. Event proceeds will help enhance the quality of life of persons with developmental disabilities. Tickets may be purchased online at thedeepwoodrun.org or by calling 440-350-5209.

Fundraiser helps 
Boulevard of Flags
Boulevard of Flags will host its annual fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. April 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 and include a sit-down dinner with open bar. Proceeds will benefit the Boulevard of Flags at 35150 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake.
To purchase tickets, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344 or Lois Sbrocco at 440-946-3439.

Open house 
for Operation STAT
The First Operation STAT Open House will be May 16 at VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake.
Standing Tall for American Troops will offer free hamburgers and hot dogs at the event. The open house will educate the public and veterans of the services offered by the organization.
Other military organizations will be invited and be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and promote their groups.
The event is open to the public.

PLAVA hosts golf outing
The Polish Legion of American Veterans and Auxiliary Ladies Auxiliary Chapter 31 of Cleveland will host an Armed Forces Day Golf Outing to Benefit Greater Cleveland Fisher House, beginning at 7 a.m. May 16.
Tickets are $70 per person. Call 216-337-8997 or 216-337-8996 for tickets or 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.

Joe DiFranco was presented the French Legion of Honor Award at American Legion Post 214 in Willoughby on Feb. 22.
The 92-year-old received the honor in front of about 80 onlookers. DiFranco was awarded the medal by honorary French Consulate Stephen J. Knerly.

A longtime Lake County resident, DiFranco was a member of the Army’s 862nd Engineer Aviation Battalion during World War II. Serving in France, Belgium and Germany, he earned a Purple Heart for wounds sustained during a Luftwaffe bombing raid.
The barracks he was in took a direct hit, injuring DiFranco and two others, one of whom was trapped under a large beam.
“I don’t know where I got the strength when I lifted that beam,” DiFranco said. All three were seriously injured, but survived the attack.
It took almost a year for the French Legion of Honor Award to be processed. The award from the French government is a tribute to the soldiers who fought to free France from the Axis powers.
In addition to the French Legion of Honor Medal, DiFranco earned the Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Expert Army Marksmanship Qualification Badge of the M1 rifle and the World War II Victory Medal.
He is the proud father of Steven DiFranco and Diana Everett and grandfather to John Ours, Adam Ours and Dr. Alice Ours Vitiello.

Honor guard available
American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton has an honor guard available with a few days’ notice to perform a full military funeral service to honor any service man or woman at their passing.
For details call 440-834-8764, please leave a message if no one answers.

Gunny’s Hall Sunday morning breakfast buffet
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, offers a Sunday morning breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to noon.
Cost is $7.50 with additional menu items at reasonable prices. For details, call 440-974-9380.

Polka dance at Post 7 in Wickliffe
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will host a polka dance beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 18 at the post home.
Tickets are $25 per person and will include beer, wine and ethnic foods. Patty C & the Guys will play. All are welcome. For details, call 440-585-4191.

SAL offers Lucky Shoots on Saturdays
Sons of the American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, offers Lucky Shoots beginning at 9 a.m. every Saturday through March 14.
Sign-up begins at 9 a.m. and shoots begin at 10 a.m. Full shoots are $30. For details, call the post at 440-428-7893.

Militaria Collectors Show at Lakeland
Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive in Kirtland, will host a Militaria Collectors Show March 20-21 in the main gym.
Admission for the show is $4 for adults and $2 for children. The public is welcome and parking is free. For details, visit www.lakelandmilitaryshow.info or call Dean Becker at the Lakeland Campus Police Department at 440-525-7241.

Willowick post rents hall
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, has a banquet hall for rent.
The hall’s capacity is 200 people and it’s ideal for weddings, reception, parties and gatherings. Contact the post for more information at 440-943-9659 or post 678@sbcglobal.net.

Sixth annual fundraiser at Willoughby VFW
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host its sixth annual fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. March 28 at the post.
Abbey Rodeo will perform at 8 p.m. The event also will feature a 50/50 raffle and sideboards.
Proceeds will benefit VFW Charities.
Tickets are $10 for VFW members and $12 for nonmembers. A special will be offered for membership sign-up. For tickets, call 440-669-3495 or the post at 440-951-9233.

Blessing of the Bikes April 12
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a Blessing of the Bikes on April 12.
The parking lot will be open at 10 a.m. with the blessing at noon. There will be vendors, a DJ and food. The public is welcome
For details, call the post home at 440-943-9659.

Fundraiser for Boulevard of 500 Flags
The Boulevard of 500 Flags 2015 annual fundraiser dinner will be 6 to 11 p.m. April 24 at the Patrician Party Center, 33150 Lakeland Blvd. in Eastlake.
Tickets are $35 and include a sit-down dinner with open bar, Chinese auction, door prizes, sideboards and a 50/50 raffle.
To purchase tickets, call Joe Strand at 440-942-9344 or Lois Sbrocco at 440-946-3439.

Junior Girls host chicken Alfredo dinner
The Junior Girls Unit of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a chicken Alfredo dinner 1 to 3 p.m. March 8 at the post home.
Dinner donation is $7 per person. For details, call 440-354-9090.

European Tour scheduled in May
American Legion Post 214 and Military Historical Tours will host a European tour from May 31 through June 10.
The tour will in Reims, Verdun, Normandy and D-Day Anniversary commemoration at Omaha Beach, American Cemetery and Pointe Du Hoc. For details, call 703-590-1295 or 800-722-9501.

Eastlake post plans corned beef dinners
VFW Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will serve a corned beef dinner, sandwiches and Reubens on March 15 and corned beef sandwiches and Reubens on March 17. Hours are noon to 8 p.m.
For details call 440-942-3980.

Willoughby Legion to host St. Patrick’s Day party
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby will host a St. Patrick’s Day party from 5 to 11 p.m. March 14 at the post home.
Reuben or corned beef sandwiches with fries, cole slaw and pickle will be $10. The evening will include sideboards, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Please sign up at the post or reserve a spot by calling 440-942-7762 after 3 p.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.

The holidays are over and the time away from work was very relaxing, even with all of the holiday events. The posts will be making the late winter and early spring schedules.
The pancake breakfasts and fish fry dinners will be starting. Before we realize what has happened, it will be spring. Now that is an optimistic statement after the subzero temperatures we have been having.
Many of the posts have Facebook pages to get the word out. If the post you belong to does, be sure to let us know that so we can friend you on Facebook.
A recent article in one of the national newspapers made the posts and detachments seem like they had no contact via the Internet, but I know a lot of you have Facebook pages, emails and even Twitter accounts. If that’s the case, send me the information so we can let the public know where to look for information from posts and detachments. Let’s make sure that the younger generation understands that the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Marine Corps League all communicate with the latest equipment.
Send event listings to lgaler@news-herald.com, or fax them to 440-975-2293.

Dinner helps veterans in need
The American Legion, Geauga County Council will host a benefit chicken paprikash dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Burton American Legion Post, 14042 Goodwin St. in Burton.
Dinner donation is $8. The event also will include a 50/50 raffle. For details, call 440-635-6390 or 440-313-2095.
All proceeds go toward helping Geauga County veterans in need.

Fairport VFW Hall closed until further notice
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, has announced that the post hall will be closed until further notice because of circumstances beyond its control. Fish fry dinners also been canceled. For questions, call the post home at 440-352-1123.

Sons host lucky shoots at Madison Post through March 14
Sons of the American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host lucky shoots every Saturday Jan. 10 through March 14 at the post home.
Doors open at 9 a.m. to sign up and shoots begin at 10. Full shoots will be $30 each. Breakfast will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Willoughby post hosts benefit for domestic violence victim
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host a benefit for the family of Nicole Devine, a victim of a homicide in Willoughby, beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 10, at the post home.
Tickets are $15 and will include an Italian dinner with live music. All proceeds will benefit the family to help with expenses related to her death. For more information, call 440-951-9233.

Willoughby Legion serves pancake breakfast
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 11 at the post home.
A pancake breakfast will be $5 and a French toast breakfast will be $6. Breakfast for children ages 12 and younger will be $3.
For details, call the post home at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

Young Marines look for new recruits
The Greater Lake County Young Marines are accepting applications for the new recruit class scheduled to begin March 21. Orientation will be Feb. 21.
For more information, visit the group website at www.glcyoungmarines.org or call Bill Sickles at 440-413-6707.

Willowick Legion has hall for rent
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, has a hall for rent.
The hall has a capacity for 200 people and is ideal for wedding receptions, parties etc. Photos are available at post678@sbcglobal.net or for more information, call the post home at 440-943-9659.

Honor guard available in Geauga County
American Legion Post 459 of Burton-Middlefield has a military honor guard unit that will perform full military honors at the funeral of any honorably discharged service person upon their passing.
The honor guard can be reached at 440-834-8764, if no one answers please leave a message.

Gunny’s Hall open for meals
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a Sunday breakfast buffet that is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays between Labor Day and Memorial Day. The cost is $7.50 per person and special orders are available.
Daily lunches are served Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fish fry meals available on Fridays. There are also weekly specials offered.
For details, call the hall at 440-974-9380.

Dinner gives lift to Gathering of Eagles
The United States Aviation Museum, sponsor of the annual Gathering of Eagles air show, will host a pasta dinner at La-Vera Party Center, 32200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills, from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7.
Tickets are $30 each. All proceeds will benefit the Gathering of Eagles air show.
For more information, call Don Manno at 440-442-4151.

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.

The War Dog Memorial at 35576 Lake Shore Blvd. in Eastlake will be getting a makeover on Aug. 16.
The memorial honors the four-legged heroes of this country’s conflicts.
At 9 a.m., members of Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 will begin cleaning up the memorial. The group will be clearing out weeds, removing overgrown plants and replacing them with new plants and mulch.
A new donated flagpole will replace the existing pole and new emblems for Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan will be installed.
Rolling Thunder plans to host a flag-raising ceremony once the work is completed.

90 years old, still flying high
Russell M. Schupp of Grand River Village is one of the “Greatest Generation.”
He was classified a 4-F — unfit for military service — after attempting to join the armed forces during World War II. Since he was not able to join, he became a civilian volunteer with the American Field Service. He drove an ambulance in Italy.
Nothing keeps him down. After the war, he raised a family, traveled and has loved adventure. He has tried parasailing, hot air ballooning and camel riding in Egypt.
Since he had tried just about everything, his daughter, Rachel Parsons, asked if there was anything left on his “bucket list.” The answer was to ride in a helicopter.
On Aug. 7, in honor of his 90th birthday, Schupp boarded a helicopter and toured the fair skies of Cleveland. As I said before, nothing keeps him down.

Fundraiser helps build Fisher House
The Lake County Veterans Service Office and the Men’s and Ladies’ Auxiliaries of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 in Fairport Harbor have teamed up to raise funds 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. Any donations for the auction would be greatly appreciated.
The Fisher House is hoping to break ground in spring 2015. For details on the event, to make donations or to get tickets, 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.

Willoughby Legion hosts golf outing
The annual American Legion Post 214 golf outing will be at noon Aug. 22 at Lost Nation Golf Course, 38890 Hodgson Road in Willoughby.
Tickets are $45 per person and include 18 holes of golf, a steak dinner and prizes at the post following the outing.
Put together a foursome, they do not need to be a Post 214 members. All profits will benefit Buckeye Boys State and Americanism and Government Testing. For details, call the post at 440-942-7762.

Willoughby VFW serves fish fry dinners
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.

Fairport fish fry returns Sept. 12
VFW Post 7754, 540 New St. in Fairport Harbor, will begin serving fish fry lunches 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.

Gunny’s Hall hosts clambake
A clambake will be served 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.

Shannon McBride Scholarship fundraiser Sept. 13
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 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

Remembrance ceremony Sept. 14 at Painesville VFW
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.

Civil Air Patrol serves up spaghetti
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.

Day for Appreciating Veterans 
A Veterans Appreciation Day is planned for Sept. 26 at American Legion Post 336, Chester St. in Painesville.
The event will be hosted by the Painesville Veterans Affairs 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.

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.

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.

It is hard to believe that Christmas 2013 has arrived already and will be celebrated in less than a week. I feel very blessed this year.
I think about those who will be without for the holidays and all that I have and I am blessed.
I see family members home safe and think of those serving overseas in dangerous areas and I am blessed.
I think of those who have no home as I am warm inside and I am blessed.
I think of those who may be going hungry and my table is laden with good food and I am blessed.
To the families of the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who are protecting us and to those on active duty and veterans of this country, thank you. We are blessed.

Korean War veterans given thank you

Korean War veteran Gene Gaster of Madison attended the Korean-American Association invitational luncheon on Dec. 6 at the association headquarters in Cleveland. The luncheon was given to express gratitude to all Korean War veterans.

“The South Korean people are so humble and appreciative of all that America has done for them,” Gaster said. “As a rule and not the exception, they are extremely polite, well-mannered and friendly.”
Gaster said it is heartwarming to know that as a country, we can be sincerely thanked for our sacrifices, and a simple thank you goes a long way.

Hosting the event were Ann S. Jhin, president of the National Unification Advisory Council; Kil Young Kim, president of the Federation of Midwest Korean-American Association; Sang-Il Kim, consul general of the Republic of Korea in Chicago; and Song-Pil Gak, chairman of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Council from Kyeongsangbuk-do province of South Korea; and the lovely Korean ladies who prepared and served the meal.

Photos courtesy of Gene Gaster

“I want to thank each and every one personally for the beautiful medal awarded and the certificate of acknowledgement that every Korean War veteran in attendance received,” Gaster said.


Veterans Upward Bound offers educational transition program
The Veterans Upward Bound Program at Cuyahoga County College will begin the next session of the Academic Enrichment Program on Jan. 7.
The program at the Metro Campus will be 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and will offer refresher/preparatory programs in a classroom setting with other veterans. The program will help with math, English, science and basic computer skills to prepare veterans for the college or vocational placement test and help them to achieve higher scores.
VUB provides veterans the opportunity to enter post secondary education prepared for a more successful program of study.
Veterans interested in enrolling in the program call 216-987-4938.

Greater Lake County Young Marines accepting registrations
Greater Lake County Young Marines is now accepting registrations for the next recruit class orientation at 2 p.m. Jan. 18. The next recruit class will begin Feb. 15.
The Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school. The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the official youth program of the U.S. Marine Corps and the focal point of the Marine Corps Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.
The Greater Lake County unit meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. one Saturday each month. Drill is at the Eastlake Police Activities League (PAL) Center, Kennedy School, 34050 Glen Drive in Eastlake.
For details visit www.glcyoungmarines.org or call 440-413-6707.

Gunny’s Hall breakfast AWOL for holidays
There will be no breakfast served at Gunny’s Hall on Sunday and Dec. 29 because of the holidays. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will return again in January.

Burton post plans January breakfast
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the post home. Tickets are $8 adults; $5 ages 12 and younger. For more details, call 440-834-8765.

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.

A motorcycle run and a visit to the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2011 changed Adam Cook’s life.
Cook promised he would be back to visit the veterans at the hospital who were patients of the spinal cord injury floor. The run and the visit gave birth to Operation S.T.A.T. (Standing Tall for American Troops).
“The most disturbing stories we heard were that we were the only people some of them had seen in weeks, months, and some, even years.” Cook said. “This news was absolutely unacceptable to me.”
Operation S.T.A.T. has returned each year since then to help brighten the holidays for the patients at the medical center.
Operation S.T.A.T. is in need of volunteers to help fill Christmas stockings for the patients at the medical center. Stop by American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, between noon and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If necessary, volunteers will return noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 20 to finish packing the stockings. Cook hopes to fill 3,000 stockings for the patients. Volunteers are asked to show up and lend a hand.
Stockings are filled with donated items, such as playing cards, dominoes, individually wrapped cookies and crackers, notepads and stationary items.
Volunteers who want to help with the delivery are asked to meet at American Legion Post 678 at 7 p.m. Wednesday for details about the process. The filled stockings will be delivered to the patients at the medical centers by volunteers after a short briefing at 11 a.m. Dec. 22.
For details about Operation S.T.A.T., call Adam Cook at 440-413-6225 or Coletta Hribar at 440-474-0082.
Donations may be mailed to Operation S.T.A.T., P.O. Box 38, Chardon, OH 44024

Gunny’s Hall hosts toy raiser
Col. J.M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, Gunny’s Hall fundraiser for Toys-for-Tots will be 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road, Mentor.
The event will include music, a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. Please bring a new unwrapped toy to donate or a cash donation.
For details, call 440-974-9380.

Stockings for Soldiers a smash
DeJohn Funeral Homes & Crematory’s “Stocking for Soldiers” program saw tremendous community support in the fifth year of the program. More than 900 stockings will be sent to returning American military troops and veterans for the winter holidays.
The community effort involved schools, churches, senior groups and the general public and is sponsored by the funeral home. The stockings will be turned over to the USO Office of Northern Ohio, which will distribute the stockings during various events and at local armories leading up to Christmas.

Help warm the homeless and stuff the bus
Sub Zero Mission will host the stuff-the-bus event at Mentor Plains United Methodist Church, 7271 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
Donate gently used men’s and women’s winter coats, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, sweatshirts and hoodies and help stuff the bus.
Items collected will be delivered to the homeless during the 2013-2014 winter months. On any given night, there are tens of thousands of homeless on the streets of America, and one in five of them are veterans.

Frog leg dinner hops into Painesville post
The Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a frog leg dinner 5 to 8 p.m. today at the post home. Dinner is $10 and includes frog legs, french fries, hush puppies, slaw and dessert. For details call 440-357-7711.

Fish on menu in Willoughby
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 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.

Steak dinners offered at AMVETS
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will serve a steak dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at the post home. Dinner will be $12 and includes steak, salad, corn, baked potato and roll. The dinner is open to the public. For details, call 440-527-1911.

Ohio Military Reserve host Open House
Alpha Company, 1st Battalion of the Ohio Military Reserve will host an open house for Ohio citizens wanting to serve their state and country in a disaster response unit locally.
Ohio Military Reserve is a part of the Ohio Adjutant General’s Office and serves only in the state of Ohio responding to natural and other disasters. The unit drills one weekend each month and attends a one-week annual training camp at Camp Perry in Port Clinton.
No prior military experience is required and ages 17 to 62 are accepted. The open house will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the National Guard Armory, 1175 W. Vine St. in Alliance.

Gunny’s Hall breakfast AWOL for holidays
Breakfast at Gunny’s Hall will not be served Dec. 22 or Dec. 29 because of the holidays. Breakfast will be served as usual after the new tear. For more details, 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.

Thirty years ago this month, the bombing of U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, shook our nation, as the cowardly attack took American lives and served as a warning of things to come.
The War on Terror is still being waged against an enemy whose uniform consists of clothing worn on the street.
To honor the fallen, the annual Fall Veterans Memorial will be at 12:15 p.m. Saturday at Mentor Civic Center. The service will be about 45 minutes in length and commemorate the soldiers, sailors and Marines that served in Beirut and the invasion of Grenada.
While the greatest loss of life was Oct. 23, 1983, when 220 Marines, 18 sailors and 3 soldiers were killed in the barracks bombing, another 30 were lost in Beirut from the U.S. Peacekeeping Force and three were lost in Grenada.
The Lake County Marine Honor Guard will conduct the color guard details; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754 in Fairport Harbor will handle the honor salute; and Beirut veteran Al Opra will play Taps.
Marine veteran Bill Sickles, commander of the Greater Lake County Young Marines and a Beirut veteran, will be the guest speaker.
The memorial service is open to the public.

Chardon VFW Post serving cabbage roll dinner
VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a cabbage roll dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the post home. Call the post for tickets at 440-285-3699.

Learn about benefits at Willoughby Legion
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a registration for Veterans Affairs benefits (health information, etc.) from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the post home.
Please bring a copy of your DD-214, financial information for 2012, spouse information such as date of birth and Social Security number, as well as the date of marriage. Come and speak with a VA employee and learn about the benefits you are entitled to.
For details, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762.
 
Flag disposal ceremony at AMVETS
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor, will host a flag disposal ceremony at 2 p.m. Oct. 12, at the post home. If you have old flags that need to be disposed of, they can be dropped off at the post for proper disposal.
 
Clambake season
n The Annual Steam Engine Clambake will be Oct. 12 at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor.
Dinner includes one dozen clams, chicken, sweet potato, corn, clam chowder, cole slaw, roll and butter, and homemade ice cream. Tickets are $20 per person and extra clams will be available. For details and tickets, call 440-974-9380.
n American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center S. in Willoughby, will host a clambake beginning at 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at the post. Steak and one dozen clams will be $24 and chicken with one dozen clams will be $22. Entertainment by D.J. Woody will be provided from 7 to 11 p.m. Call the post after 3 p.m. to place your order at 440-942-7762.
n AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Road in Mentor, will host a clambake, beginning at 4 p.m. Oct. 19, at the post home. Tickets are $20 each and a cash bar will be available. For tickets, call John McCallister at 440-521-7235.
n Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host the annual clambake from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26, at the post home. Tickets are $25 per person and $10 for extra clams. Tickets are available only in advance before Oct. 20. For information or tickets, call 440-285-3699.

Fish dinners at Willoughby Post
VFW 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 440-951-9233.

Gunny’s Hall serving 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, call 440-974-9380. Meals are open to the public.

AMVETS host holiday bazaar
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a holiday bazaar at the post from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16. The event is open to the public. Tables are $15 or donate a gift basket to raffle and receive half price for the table. For details, call 440-257-5825.
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.

The weather is cooling off, but events at area posts are heating up. The calendars are beginning fill with all sorts of dances, dinner specials and fund raisers.
These events are the perfect opportunity to reach out to a younger veteran and his or her family. Ask that veteran to an event, introduce him to other members and make him or her feel welcome.
The posts offer something for everyone, and making that new member feel an immediate part of the post home is important in building membership and maintaining active members.
If a member does not feel like a part of the event, then a return visit is unlikely. If your post is using some creative ways to introduce veterans to membership, please email me at lgaler@news-herald.com and let me know what you are doing to gain and keep members.
 
‘Connected Warriors’ in Chagrin Falls
Vietnam vet Bob Conway, U.S. Marine Corps, and his wife, Betsy, have started an Ohio Chapter of “Connected Warriors.” All vets and immediate family members are invited to attend free yoga classes taught by Betsy, a certified yoga instructor, starting at 2 p.m. today at Federated Church in Chagrin Falls. Mats and T-shirts will be provided. For more information, call 561-926-4886 or by email at indigo1950@gmail.com.
 
Pancake breakfast benefits Sub Zero
Sub Zero Mission will host a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kirtland Community of Christ church, 9017 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland. A “freewill” donation will help Sub Zero Mission prepare for the winter months by helping with the purchase of warming items for the area homeless. For details, call Liz Cimaglio at 440-452-4947.
 
Breakfast at Gunny’s Hall is back
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, is again serving 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 lunches daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu will include a daily special and regular menu items. Both meals are open to the public. For information, call 440-974-9380.
 
Flag retirement ceremony Sunday
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295 of Mentor and Boy Scout Troop 75 will perform a flag retirement ceremony at noon, Sunday at Veterans Park, 5730 Hopkins Road in Mentor. The public is welcome to attend.
 
Veterans Memorial Park Day at Progressive Field
Ohio Veterans Memorial Park Day at Progressive Field will be Sunday. The Cleveland Indians will play the New York Mets beginning at 1:05 p.m. Use code OVMP to get the discount pricing. Lower reserve seating will be $29 and mezzanine seating will be $24, $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Veterans Memorial Park.
A special veteran will throw out the first pitch. A picnic lunch is also available at an additional cost. Visit www.ovmp.org to order tickets or call 330-773-2385 for more information.
 
Madison post hosts golf outing
American Legion Post Jay Wilson 112 of Madison will host a golf outing for members and guests at 1 p.m. Sept. 14. The golf outing will raise funds for the charities program, benefiting the Madison Food Bank and other community programs.
Donations of door prizes, and hole sponsorships for $25 each, are needed. Sponsors’ names will be posted on the post website at www.americanlegionjaywilsonpost112.org with links to sponsor websites.
Tickets are $65 per person and include a steak dinner, hot dog and pop at the turn. For details call the post at 440-428-7893 or Frank Magda Jr. at 440-796-3562.
 
Auxiliary hosts spaghetti dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4358, 29412 White Road in Willoughby Hills, will host spaghetti dinner 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at the post home. The dinner is $8 per person and reservations by Sept. 11 are requested. Please call Rosina Drenski at 440-944-4903 or the post at 440-944-1642. Proceeds will benefit needy families through the Auxiliary Christmas Projects.
 
Poor man’s reverse raffle at Willowick Legion
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 678, 579 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a poor mans reverse raffle at 7:45 p.m. Sept.. 20 at the post home. Tickets are $10 each and only 200 tickets will be sold.
The first ticket will be drawn at 7:45 p.m., and food, beverages and side boards will all be part of the fun. Proceeds will benefit American Legion charities. Tickets are available at the canteen or from any SALs member.
 
Golf outing benefits Sub Zero Mission
The Second Annual Sub Zero Mission charity golf outing will be 11:30 a.m. Sept. 21 at Madison Country Club, 6131 Chapel Road in Madison. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit Sub Zero Mission, a charity to prevent freezing and injury caused by extreme weather exposure to homeless and financially destitute Americans, with a special focus on military veterans.
For details, call Del Bethel at 440-286-1387 or 440-622-4157 or email to del@subzeromission.org.
 
Cornhole tournament at detachment
Col. J.M. Chambers, Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a cornhole tournament fund raiser beginning at 2 p.m. Sept. 21, at Gunny’s Hall.
The tournament is open to the public and is $10 per person to enter. ($5 fund raiser and $5 tournament) To register in advance or for more information, call 440-974-9380.
 
Ohio Women Veterans Conference Sept. 28
The Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus will be the site for the Ohio Women Veterans’ Conference. Registration will be 8 to 10 a.m., followed by the conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28.
Advance registration is recommended by visiting www.ohiovet.gov click on the link “Women Veterans Advisory Committee”
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.

The weather should be turning warmer soon and that means one thing, — it will be cleanup time.
The annual spring cleanup work party at the Boulevard of 500 Flags is coming and the committee will need help with putting up the flags and correcting flag pole lanyards. This is a great project for Scout troops to get involved with.
Watch for further details as the weather gets warmer.
At the post level, the land surrounding the various posts will probably need volunteers to clean up winter debris and plant flowers.
Because the term “post home” is often used, cleaning up of the post should not be any different than the clean up around your own home.

Aviation collection needs a home
I received a call from a friend in Austin, Texas, who needs help with finding a home for an aviation collection which belonged to a mutual friend who died at age of 94 in July.
The collection spans the 70 years Richard F. Cooke spent as a pilot. Cooke was a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps, a transport pilot, a civilian instructor at the Chagrin Harbor Airport and a corporate pilot for companies in Florida and Texas.
Contact with museums across the country thus far have not been successful. Cooke was originally from Euclid and lived in Eastlake before moving to Florida. If you have any ideas as to a home for the Cooke collection please contact me with the information.

Ohio CPAs help
active military file taxes
The Ohio Society of CPAs is offering free tax preparation services to Ohio military families this tax season.
Now through April, Ohio Certified Public Accountants will prepare 2012 tax returns for military personnel who are permanent residents of Ohio and currently deployed outside of the state.
To find an Operation CPA volunteer in your area, call The Ohio Society of CPAs toll-free at 888-959-1212 or email cpanswers@ohio-cpa.com.

Burton post serves
pancake breakfast
Atwood-Mauck Post 459 of the American Legion, 14052 Goodwin St., Burton, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast at the post home from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 24. For details, call 440-343-1478.

Patriot Tour in Cleveland
The Three Deuce Five Marine Foundation presents The Patriot Tour at 8 p.m. Saturday at Cretan Hall, 3853 W. 168th St. in Cleveland.
The evening comedy show with headliner Luca Palanca will begin at 8 p.m. Dinner and cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the dinner and the show, and a cash bar will be available. Proceeds will benefit the Marines and sailors of the 3rd Battalion 25th Marines-Brook Park, Ohio.
For tickets, call 440-342-0378.

VFW hosts
“Littlest Heroes” event
Willoughby VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will present a spaghetti dinner followed by a performance of Abbey Rodeo beginning at 6 p.m. March 23.
The event will raise funds for “The Littlest Heroes” as well as the VFW National Children’s Home, Cleveland Area VA Hospital Treats and Care Packages for the Troops.
Tickets are $18 per person, and due to advance sales, tickets may not be available day of show. For tickets or details, call the post home at 440-951-9233.
Madison post hosting Lucky Shoots on Saturdays
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host Lucky Shoots every Saturday through March 16 at the post home. Breakfast for shooters will be $2.50; those not shooting can eat for $5. For details, call the post at 440-428-7893.

Willoughby post has
hall available for rent
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, has a nice hall available for rent with kitchen facilities and a bar area.
For details, call the post at 440-951-9233 or email VFW1500@yahoo.com.

Honor guard available
The American Legion Post 459 of Burton/Middlefield has a military honor guard available to perform full military funeral services. The honor guard is led by Newell Beaumier and is available 24/7 with just a few days’ notice.
For details, call “Bo” at 440-834-8764.

Reverse raffle hosted by
Catholic War Veterans
St. Vitus Post 1655 of the Catholic War Veterans will host a reverse raffle April 16 at the Slovenian National Home, 6409 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland.
Only 175 main board tickets will be sold for a chance at $2,500 in total cash prizes and includes dinner and an open bar. Main board tickets cost $60 with additional dinner tickets for only $20. Consolation prizes and side boards will also be available.
Call Mike Blau for tickets and more details at 440-954-1426.

AMVETS serves
spaghetti on Thursday
AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, hosts a homemade spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. each Thursday. Cost is $7 per person, and the dinner is served with all the trimmings is open to the public. For details, call the post at 440-257-5825.

Breakfast at Gunny’s Hall
Support the Marines who have protected our freedoms and save yourself time over a hot stove on Sunday morning.
Have breakfast at Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Road in Mentor. Served every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon, between Labor Day and Memorial Day, the breakfast is $7.50 and is all-you-can-eat. For details, call the post at 440-974-9380.

Auxiliary collecting
warm clothing and blankets
Perry AMVETS Post 1971, Ladies Auxiliary, 4129 Main St. in Perry, is collecting gently worn or new warm clothes and blankets for homeless veterans.
The auxiliary will accept money and make the purchase if you choose to do that. The project will continue throughout the winter months and items may be dropped off at the post home during business hours.
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.