The March 2024 General Membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 met at the Post Home on March 19. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by President Liz Polkiewicz, followed by the Opening Ceremonies according to the Ritual. There were seven members present. There were no guests present and no applications for new membership. The Opening Prayer was recited by Chaplain Donna Mitchem. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Polkiewicz.

The February minutes were read by Secretary Theresa Shepherd. The Minutes stood approved with one correction made. There was no General Correspondence. The Treasurer’s Report was given by Treasurer Deb Miller. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read and approved, pending audit. Two bills were presented for cookies and coffee for the VA Clinic in Marshalltown and a receipt for convention expenses by Polkiewicz. The bills were accepted and paid.

Committees:

Legislative: Linda Fuller reported that she successfully subscribed to Action Corp. and stated that many of the state’s schools have dropped out of the GI Bill.

Hospital: Several members of the auxiliary reported that the Mexican Dish for Iowa Veterans Home’s Foreign Food fair was not favorable. Next year it either needs to be prepared differently or a new dish is needed.

Historian & Media Relations: VFW Headquarters is accepting video interviews with long-standing auxiliary members.

Patriotic Art: Miller reported that there have been no entries as of yet for the Patriotic Art contest. Committee reports are due March 31.

Unfinished business:

• The auxiliary’s next Food Drive with the Sheriff’s Office will be held on March 22 at Hy-Vee from Noon to 4 p.m. The Food Drive will continue at the VFW Post Home on the same day from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• The National Home Prayer was recited, led by Mitchem.

New business:

• The Emergency Food Box will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on April 20. The celebration will be held at the Coliseum. No time was given for the event.

• A Memorial will be built in the Southwest corner of the Courthouse Lawn. Donations for the memorial will be collected at next month’s meeting.

• The VFV Auxiliary, District 4 is asking for donations to produce a new flag. A motion was made by Fuller to donate $50. The motion was seconded by Mitchem. The motion carried.

• The Closing Prayer was recited, led by Mitchem.

• Polkiewicz closed the meeting according to the Ritual.

• The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 16.