The VFW Auxiliary of Post 839 met at the post home on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 6:30 PM. Senior Vice President, Diane Welch opened the meeting according to ritual. 10 members were present which included 6 officers. Two guests, Sandy and Sue from the IA Department were also in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. June minutes were read and approved with addition of monies and food given to the Food Box.

General orders were read, and 4 Outstanding Performance Certificates for Department Programs were present to the group, which included:

• Veteran & Family Support — Promotion of Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness

• Veteran & Family Support — Second most direct assistance to Veterans and/or active-duty military and/or their families

• Veteran & Family Support — Fundraising activities for Veterans & Military Support Programs, i.e., Map, Unmet Needs

• Membership — Mentorship of Continuous Members (Group B).

Marian Hyde motioned that the awards be submitted to the Times Republican for publication. Motion was 2nd by Kay Bell. Motion carried.

Communications read was a Thank You from the Stamps for the Wounded. Donna Mitchem, Treasurer gave the Treasurer’s Report, it was filed subject to audit. Presentation of bills included reimbursement for Adopt a Unit items and postage. Committee report by Kay Bell was given, 380 manufacturer coupons were clipped and given to CIRSI and 2,640 for deployed military personnel. There were no special committee reports.

The joint VFW/VFW Aux page was discussed, and members were shown how to search for the page. Everyone is encouraged to like our page “VFW POST 839 Marshalltown, Iowa” to keep current on happenings. Unfinished business included a request to send a Thank You to WalMart for their support of our Adopt a Unit program. New business started with items that need to be order from the VFW Store, which included a VFW Aux banner, Chaplin Prayer & Patriotic Instructor Books. Draping of the Charter ritual was performed for member Harriet Marcario. There were no Trustee Reports.

Due to the resignation of President Connie Kennelly and Secretary Marla Kremer, nominations from the floor were taken to fill the vacant offices. Those nominated were Betty Needs as President and Deb Miller as Secretary. Since there were no other nominations, the two nominees were sworn into office by Sandy Weldon.

VFW Aux Department Programs were discussed. Following are the programs and their respective chairman’s:

• Americanism — Theresa Shepherd

• Community Outreach — Judy Schiebel

• Buddy Poppy & VFW National Home for Children

• Chief of Staff & Mentoring for Leadership

• Historian & Media Relations — Deb Miller

• Hospital — Liz Polkiewicz

• Legislative

• Membership

• Scholarships

• Veterans & Family Support

• Youth Activities

There are open chairman opportunities still available, all members are encouraged to accept the challenge and actively show their support for our military personnel andveterans!

The VFW is planning a Tenderloin Meal on July 23rd from 4 — 6:30. This is still in the planning stage, so please watch our joint Facebook page; “VFW Post 839 Marshalltown, Iowa”!

The VFW Flag distribution in May was extremely successful! Rob Shepherd, Commander, played patriotic music at his station; everyone agreed this was a great idea. A discussion on purchasing boom boxes to continue doing this on future endeavors was tabled until the closer to our next event The prayer for the VFW National Home for Children was recited. Betty Needs will assume the chairman’s position for the care packages being assembled for our Adopt a Unit program. The meeting was closed at 8:07 PM according to ritual. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 3rd, 6:30 at the post home. All those interested in joining or guests are encouraged and welcomed to attend.