LAKE WASHINGTON VETERAN

ALL AMERICAN VFW POST #2995

REDMOND, WASHINGTON       SEPTEMBER 2008

www.vfwpost-2995.com or www.vfwpost-2995.org  

 

                                                           

Commander:                         Pat Murphy                           425-453-1822     

                                                                                Sr. Vice Commander:         Rick Tolbert                         425-885-1030

                                                                                Jr. Vice Commander:         Mike Gervais

                                                                                Quartermaster:                   Jim Vaux                               425-822-2075

                                                                                Post Surgeon:                      Doni Gord                             425-466-6239

Chaplain:                          Don Johnson                            425-454-2179

Service Officer:                  Don Mancini                        206-276-8439

Judge Advocate:                   Dave Ritch                            425-746-7961

                                                                                Adjutant                                Brent Wilde                          425-883-1357     

Auxiliary President:           Jennifer Masterjohn          425-891-2856

                                                            Men’s Auxiliary Pres.        Tom Grigsby                      425-869-0982

 

 

 

 

COMMANDER REMARKS:

 

First, I want to thank all those who welcomed our wounded veterans from Fort Lewis.  They thought the food was great and appreciated our reaching out to them.  We are looking forward to entertaining another group of service people in the future.

 

Kudos to the breakfast organizer, Joan & Jennifer for Sunday breakfasts.  I am pleased that we have the program going again.  Let Jennifer & Joan know if you would like to assist.

 

I really appreciated the packed attendance at our last Post meeting.  It is obvious that members with to be pro-active in terms of the activities of the Post 2995

 

Finally, let me clean up some misconceptions (RUMORS) that are going around the Post. 

 

            1.  That we are selling the Post.  This is absolutely NOT TRUE.  As the membership has been told before many times “there is no offer of any kind on the table.”  If you need to know something please ask a member of the Home Board.   (And see the additional article in this edition from Tom Smith)

            2.  Another statement (rumor) made by a member was that the Home Board was taking kick backs relating to a possible real estate transaction from selling the Post.  Some rumors even included that one member would be earning a commission from a sale. These rumors are totally untrue.  If there were ever to be any transaction, the Post Home Board will not be compensated in any manner. 

           

We have told members several times that there is no offer made on the post.  As a member you have the right to know what the current status is concerning the Post.  You will not find out the truth by visiting the rumor mills.  Every officer of this Post will give an honest, straight answer if you ask and will keep you posted on any changes.

 

Pat Murphy

Commander Post 2995

 

 

The “SALE” Issue, by Tom Smith

 

Upfront, here’s the summary:

 

1.      Is the Post being sold?  No.

2.       Did the Post Home Board put the Post up for sale?  No.

3.      Is there an offer on the table?  No. 

4.      Does the Post Home Board expect an offer any time soon?  No. 

5.      Has the Post Home Board expended or committed any funds in these inquiries?  No.

6.      Are there discussions going on?  Yes, they approached us, we didn’t approach them. The discussions are all preliminary and at the “what if” stage. 

7.      How many meetings have there been with the entity that is inquiring?  Two face-to-face and perhaps an additional three or so short phone calls.  The most recent face-to face meeting was a few months ago.

8.      Is anyone in our organization being compensated in any way?  No.

9.      Will anyone in our organization be compensated in any way if this transaction opportunity someday proceeds?  No.  No.  No. 

10.  Will this transaction someday proceed?  We don’t know.  It is too early to even guess.

 

The only activity that has occurred on this issue since my last article is that one of the two entities that made inquiries has dropped out – they found other property.  The other entity is still inquiring, and there have been a total of two meetings (most recent April or May) and maybe three or four short phone calls since. 

Each of these has been reported in the Post Home Board meetings, which are open to everyone.  They are in the minutes, and these minutes are read at every post meeting. 

For the remaining inquiry that is still alive, that business entity is exploring the ideas of leasing or purchasing the eastern part of our property.  That could to possibly include the big hall downstairs.  Their idea is that this possible transaction could generate enough cash to expand and upgrade the main canteen area, and to still put a large amount of cash in the bank, similar to the “T-Bills” the Post received during the trade for the current property many years ago. 

 

We have no indication at this point that they will ever make a formal offer.

 

If this transaction ever does occur, how would it shape up?  If we ever do receive an offer, the Post Home Board would examine it and make a recommendation to the membership.  NO transaction will ever occur unless approved by the membership in a full meeting by a vote that takes place in accordance with our by-laws.  No officer or board member has the authority to do otherwise. 

In closing, I would like to address two specific issues:  For the first time this past Monday, a former Post commander passed to me the rumor that members of the Post Home Board were “on the take” with regard to potential Post 2995 real estate transactions.  Another version of the same rumor is that I or someone else on the Board would be receiving a commission if the Post sells.  Those rumors are false.   It would be totally unethical for any Board member to receive any compensation in any such transaction.  These accusations are serious.  For those spreading these falsehoods, please remember that it’s your fellow vets you are talking about. 

 

Tom Smith

Past Commander

Member, Post Home Board

 

TROOP SUPPORT PROGRAM

 

            Our troop support team gets a special privilege.  We get to read all the thank you letters from the troops who receive our packages.  This ranges from postcards to e-mails.  As you know we send our boxes to front-line troops.  They have limited access to computers and also limited access to every day necessities like showers.

            A few days ago we had 90 degree weather.  There were health advisory warnings.  Our front-line service men do not have that personal comfort.  They carry 60 pounds of body armor and do not have the luxury of seeking shade.  They get to sleep in a bombed out building and some are limited to one canteen of water a day and a shower a week.

            One of our most touching e-mails came from Gerald Weeks.  He is a combat medic with the 101^st Airborne Division and is training other medics.  They are based 2 miles from the Pakistan border.  He explains that they are in the middle of nowhere and are under attack from the Taliban on a regular basis.  He thanks God, their artillery and air support for keeping them alive.  He writes, “the Afghan soldiers are brave and do not shrink from a fight. They love their country as much as we do ours.  I am proud to have the opportunity to serve my country and to suppress evil in this world.”  He closed by saying, “May God bless and keep you all healthy and safe.  Sleep well; we are looking out for you as you did for us.”

            This past month you may have seen our Troop Support team standing outside the Bellevue village Bartells or the QFC crossroads taking donations.  Or you may have seen Jim & Brent cooking their barbecue in the rain to raise money for our boxes.  While our troops are over there we will be doing our best to help them.  Thanks to your donations we are doing a good job.

            Please don’t forget that we meet every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the post.  Your participation is most welcome!

 

Thank you,

John Kenny

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:  September 12 Day of Caring by United Way.

The barbecue cook off has been cancelled.

Oktoberfest – Friday, October 3^rd

Halloween Party – Too much fun!

New Year’s Eve Party – This will be a semi-formal event.

 

SUNDAY BREAKFASTS ARE BACK STARTING SUNDAY, August 3.  Breakfast served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Come and join us!

 

If you know of anyone in stress, in the hospital, etc.  please call the chaplain, Don Johnson  (425) 454-2179

 

THE SOFT TOUCH featuring Jim McKay, Steve Tindall & Tim Nichols plays every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m.

 

 

Dinner will be served on Wednesdays:

Sept. 3             Chicken parmesan , Veggies and Salad

 

Sept. 10           Pot Roast & Potatoes

 

Sept. 17           Trout, veggies

 

Sept. 24           Swedish meatballs & pasta

 

 

REMEMBER THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S AUXILIARIES:

As a member of the VFW your sons, daughters, parents, grandchildren, etc. are automatically qualified to be members of the Auxiliaries.  Membership provides your family members a way to be involved in VFW activities along with you.  In addition, auxiliary members are entitled to come to the canteen and bring their friends as well, without a VFW member present.

 

HONEY DIPPED CHICKEN WITH FRENCH FRIES AVAILABLE ON ANY NIGHT WE DON’T HAVE DINNER.

 

 

 

POST MEETING WILL BE SEPTEMBER 2 DUE TO HOLIDAY ON MONDAY THE 1^ST.

 

THE POST WILL BE CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 1.

 

 

 

 

 

IT’S YOUR ORGANIZATION

Our VFW Post 2995  is involved in assisting many of their members and our people serving in harms way.  I am asked, often, “What can I do for the cause?”  Volunteers are always welcome, however, if you are unable to volunteer, the Post could use financial assistance with the many programs we support.  If you would like to help please write a check to the VFW POST 2995 and mail it to the address in the newsletter.  Your support will help enhance your post and its programs.  Any amount is welcome. Thank you.

Pat Murphy, Lifetime VFW member

 

 

 

 

 

FOR HALL RENTALS call Sharon at:

Home 425-736-2917  or VFW 425-883-2995

 

ATTENTION!!  The newsletter is going to be available at VFWPost-2995.org then click on newsletter.  If you would like to receive it this way please let Pattie know and we can save some money on postage.  Thanks.

If you have items for the newsletter please leave them in the box at the VFW or fax Pattie at 425-453-3431 or e-mail murphyptt@aol.com.  Please have items in at least by the 20th of each month. 

Also, PLEASE try not to be so wordy.  We know you love to write but your articles will be shortened if they are deemed too long by the editor.  Every page costs money.

 

 

 

MILLIONS OF DISABLED VETERANS AND SENIORS WILL NOT RECEIVE THEIR ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENT CHECK IF THEY DO NOT FILE A 1040 TAX RETURN.  EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FILE A RETURN YOU MUST FILE THE 1040A TO GET THE REBATE.  YOU CAN GET THIS FORM AT THE LIBRARY OR ON LINE.  WRITE THE WORDS “STIMULUS PAYMENT” ACROSS THE TOP OF THE FORM YOU FILE.  FOR FURTHER HELP GO TO www.irs.gov or call 1-866-234-2942