Marshalltown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 839 installed officers for the coming new year’s session and set plans for a host of activities during Tuesday’s May meeting.

Installing officer Rick Johnson through rituals installed the following staff, dominated by Vietnam War veterans: Rob Shepherd, commander; Pete Dumer, senior vice commander; Russ Rosenburger, junior vice; Roger Dirks, quartermaster; Larry Tuttle, adjutant; Gary Scott, chaplain; Steve Hyde, judge advocate; Mike Culp, 3-year trustee; Jerry Kremer, 2-year trustee; Laurel Degelau, 1-year trustee and Rick Johnson, guard.

Johnson, a former commander of this Harry C. Harter Post 839, and Commander Shepherd led planning for future acquisition of a patriotic mural and signs outside 107 E. Meadow Lane quarters and other service emblems.

The 16 members in attendance voted positive to join American Legion, joint Honor Guard and others to donate $300 toward 10 feet of new fence each for Riverside Cemetery’s replacing storm damage.

Johnson appealed for volunteers needed toward the joint JBS/VFW meat sale on May 20, also for traditional “Flags for Veterans Graves” project in front of cooperating stores May 26-28.

Shepherd reported on law owing needs for VFW property. He noted potential for hiring nearby youths. Veterans voted in favor for acquiring someone using their own equipment for not more than $50 for each mowing.

Dirks’ quartermaster report updated post financial status. He noted that the post charter was draped in honor of Kenneth Long.

Bob Miller reported on VFW/American Legion Honor Guard activities, noting already participating in 42 military funerals this year and eight in April. His wife, Deb, an active veterans auxiliary member, reviewed coming Memorial Day and Veterans Day plans.