Marshalltown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 839 debated and established a wide range of activities for the new year during Tuesday’s January meeting.

Out of varied discussion and planning came setting public fundraiser fish fries on Feb. 24 and March 17 also a ham and beans meal for VFW members at 5 p.m. prior to the Feb. 21 regular meeting. Other times and cost are yet to be determined.

Delmar Roberts and Rick Johnson led discussion about the before-meeting meal. Johnson informed that the post freezer already holds a sufficient amount of ham. Linda Fuller and Debra Miller with other women’s auxiliary members joined the men to discuss fish fry details.

Commander Rob Shepherd presided over the lengthy session. Considerable discussion among the 13 veterans in attendance dwelled on “the shopping smart” approach amid multiple topics affecting Harry C. Harter Post 839 finances such as taxation rules, discounts while shopping, costs for lighting the new POW/MIA sign outdoors, disability laws, etc.

Johnson, who served guard duties for the meeting, brought up apparent need for inside walls to receive painting and patching this year and the fellow vets voted in favor. Johnson also noted recent shortage of flags for veterans graves which could lead to questions about this year’s top fundraiser project..

Prior to the business meeting Bob Miller gave the combined VFW/American Legion Honor Guard report noting seven participations at veterans funerals the past month. It was reported that on Dec. 13, 2022, that Tom Whites’ services at Mitchell Funeral Home was the no. 101 in the year for the Honor Guard.

Another report was presented by Tonya Warnell who appeared with husband Wayne noting the area visit of The Flag That Heals in August, including a main visit at Mesquakie Settlement resulted in a donation of $800 to area Honor Guards.

Shepherd also reported on correspondence from Iowa Veterans Home indicating gratefulness for a recent monetary donation from VFW Post 839.

In addition to mentioned rituals, other leaders for the meeting included Gary Scott, chaplain; Roger Dirks, quartermaster; Larry Tuttle, adjutant and Laurel Degelau, who gave a Service Officers updated report.