The October 2021 general membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 met at the post home and opened at 6:37 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Betty Needs, president, led opening ceremonies according to Ritual. Five officers and two members answered roll call. Special guest Kathy McDonald, Iowa Third District VFW Auxiliary president was also in attendance. The opening prayer was given by Conductress Linda Fuller in the absence of Chaplain, Liz Polkiewicz.

There we no birthdays and two members were noted on the sick call list. An update was given on a member who encountered a leg injury, she is doing better and will be returning to work soon. Secretary, Deb Miller read the September minutes, the minutes were approved as read.

The VFW Auxiliary, Department of Iowa General Orders #5 by VFW Auxiliary Department President, Jeanette Henry was then read. There were no other communications to be presented.

Due to the absence of the treasurer, there was no TreasurerÕs Report. One bill was presented for MinuteMan, Trustees Fuller and Delores Clayton recommended payment. The proceeds from the last Culvers tip night were reported. Discussion was then held on what fund the Money March and Life Memberships were to go into. It was determined monies received for these two items are to be deposited into the general fund.

A Committee report by Hospital Representative Clayton was given. She informed the group on how the Iowa Department VFW Auxiliary Hospital account was funded and used. Kay Bell reported that 5,173 manufactures coupons were given to a local organization, CIRSI.

Old business included discussion of Stamps for the Wounded, with more information to be provided in the November meeting by Miller. An announcement was made that two chairmen positions are still needed for the following programs: Veterans & Family Support and Chief of Staff & Mentoring for Leadership. Miller will chair the Chief of Staff & Mentoring for Leadership.

Members were informed that the setup time for the upcoming VFW Auxiliary Bake Sale at the American Legion AuxiliaryÕs ÒFall Into StepÔ Craft Fair being held at the National Guard Armory on Nov. 13 will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 12. At the conclusion of old business and prior to new business, the National Home Prayer was led by Fuller and recited by members present.

New business started with the announcement that member Marian Hyde along with a couple VFW and Marshalltown VFW/American Legion Combined Honor Guard members will be awarded a Quilt of Valor at Marshall CountyÕs Freedom Rock at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23. Also announced was Anthony Polkiewicz, a VFW member and spouse of auxiliary member Polkiewicz had recently been a recipient of the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

It was announced that the yearly audit was completed prior to the meeting by McDonald. She made recommendations and noted that the group is moving in the right direction. A discussion was held on sponsoring a Thanksgiving Dinner for a local family. Due to time constraints and the pandemic, it was decided to not pursue this event. Along the same topic, a motion was made by Carol Ewalt and seconded by Bell to provide a Christmas Meal for a VeteranÕs Family in need. Miller will contact the Marshall County Veterans Affairs for a list of names, they will be presented at the November meeting.

Next, McDonald talked about the process of identifying the remains of MIAÕs and returning them to their families. Resources to learn more are available at VFW Action Corps and to receive updates, send a request via email to vfwac@vfw.org.

It was noted that the December meeting will be held at 4 p.m., prior to the memberÕs Christmas Party, date to be determined. With no further new business, Fuller gave the closing prayer.

The closing Ceremonies were conducted by Needs according to Ritual; the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 18. All members are encouraged to attend, and guests are welcomed.