Veterans programs involving disability benefits and military honors for deceased comrades highlighted discussions during Tuesday’s Marshalltown Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting. Pre-planning for a July 29 VFW garage sale also took up business topics.

Outgoing Harry C. Harter Post 839 Commander Dallas Clark presided. The post charter was draped in memory of Jerry Clark, for which earlier honors were observed by the joint VFW/American Legion Honor Guard.

Rick Johnson, a former Post 839 commander, reported on the recent successful Flags For All Veterans Graves fundraiser. Ken Breinig cited Marshalltown JBS staff and employees for exceptional contributions in that project.

Johnson reported that Post 839 is planning a VFW garage sale for July 29, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Again public cooperation is asked for advance donations of saleable items, excluding clothing and bedding items. VFW quarters at 109 E. Meadow Lane will accept dropoff of items from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 19 and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 27. Post 839 Auxiliary will sponsor a bake sale in conjunction with the garage sale.

Breinig’s report on Honor Guard actions included eight military honors for deceased veterans during May, plus participations such as rifle cleanings and practicing commands. He also updated status of the Honor Guard bus replacement fund.

Major discussion led by Laurel Phipps and Delmar Roberts followed Service Officer Dennis Myers’ report on proposed Veterans Affairs funding limitations for veterans disability benefits. Quartermaster Roger Dirks and Clark reported on the recent Iowa VFW Department Convention in Waterloo. Dirks noted that rules call for monetary penalties for posts not represented at district and such state confabs.

In other business, Post 839 voted a financial donation to the Iowa Special Olympics program. Dirks gave quartermasters receipts and disbursements figures; Adjutant Jim Bacino read roll call and past minutes; Don Douglas did guard duties and Chaplain Mel Pitzen read prayers.