VIETNAM WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATION

                                                   P.O. BOX 1138          BELLMORE, N.Y. 11710                                             Website: www.VWVA200 E-Mail: deacon119@vwva2006.com

 NEWSLETTER – Summer, 2021

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

7/22 – Executive Board Meeting – 7 PM – VFW Hall (Lounge)

7/27 – General Membership Meeting – 7:30 PM – VFW Hall – Cook Out 6 PM

No Executive Board or General Membership Meeting in August

9/23 – Executive Board Meeting – 7 PM – VFW Hall (Lounge)

9/25 & 26 – Bellmore Street Fair – 8:30 AM to 5 PM – Volunteers Needed

9/28 – General Membership Meeting – 7:30 PM – VFW Hall

 

COMMANDER’S REPORT – Well, it appears as if things are starting to return to normal now that the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. Traffic and outdoor activity

has picked up considerably and activities are once more being planned. Hopefully

all of our members and their families are in good health. Our losses during the pan-

demic run deep and are memories are full of “how things use to be”. The important thing is never to lose hope for there is always light at the end of the tunnel not matter how dark that tunnel might be. 

Our regular monthly membership and Executive Board meeting have resumed as we pre-

pare for an active end of summer and second half of the year events. I want to thank everyone for hanging in there during these past 15 months or so as I know it hasn’t been easy. Our membership remains strong, and we again had a renewal rate of X 95% again this year. In case you didn’t attend the last membership meeting, we now have a new

design for our membership cards, some of which were given out at the last meeting, or

mailed out for those not there. Only a couple of Annual membership cards need to be

sent out. The 5 Year and Lifetime cards will start to be distributed in the next week or so.

your patience is appreciated. 

Prior to the start of the July General Membership meeting on 7/27 we will have a cook-out (members only please) beginning at 6 PM. This is in lieu of our Annual Picnic which was not held this year due to event restrictions in place at the park when we schedule our date. Come by early for a burger, refreshments, etc. and share a story or two with your fellow veterans. To ensure adequate food, please let me know,  by 7/25,  by phone(516-946-2906), e-mail (Hilltrail68@hotmail.com), or text. If you signed up at the last meeting, there is no need to re-notify.

Congratulations go out to member Paul Mundy who received the Veterans Service Award from the Town of Hempstead on June 26^th. An award that was well deserved! 

The Bellmore Knights of Columbus and the Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a Family Picnic at Forest City Park on Sunday August 1^st from 11 AM to 5 PM. Cost is $20. pp, $30. per

couple, $50. Per family. There will be food, games, crafts, and prizes at the picnic which should make for a great outing. The K of C /Auxiliary has been a frequent donor to this organization so let’s make it a 2 way street and help suppose their event. 

If you have a VA Disability Rating of 40 % or greater, you can obtain a Lifetime Liberty Pass from NY State which includes free golfing, swimming, tennis, and visits to historic sites in NYS, including Nassau County. To apply for the pass, contact the NYS Parks website or call 518-474-2324. 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Hotline to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.  

The Dept. Of the Interior has announced new rules that will allow veterans the opportunity to visit the National Parks without paying a fee. To take advantage of this benefit, veterans will have to present a government issued identification card such as an VA Health or ID card, or a veteran designation on a state issued driver’s license or ID card. Information is available at nps.gov. 

The NC Veterans Service Agency is in the process of hiring a Veterans Counselor and a Veteran Counselor Trainee. If you are a veteran and are interested in one of these positions, contact Debra Turner @ (516) 572-6565. You may also send a resume, copy of your DD-214 and schedule an interview with the NC VSA office.

Building 11 at the Northport VA facility is again re-opened and being operated by United Veterans Beacon House. Covid-19 tests are also available at the Northport VA, either nasal swab or oral swab.

                                     

Semper Fidelis, 

Bob Kohler

Commander