The July 2024 General Membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 was held at the post home on July 16.

President Liz Polkiewicz called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremonies according to the Ritual. There were nine members present. The Opening Prayer was recited, led by Chaplain Donna Mitchem. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Patriotic Instructor Kay Bell. Secretary Theresa Shepherd read the June 2024 Minutes and General Orders. The minutes were approved, and one correction was made. Treasurer Deb Miller gave the Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read and approved, pending audit. One guest was present: Laura Doscher, 4th District president.

COMMITTEES:

Hospital: Deloris Clayton reported that Iowa Veterans Home Bingo will be held at 9:45 a.m. on July 26. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

The audit for the Treasurer’s Report is scheduled for 1 p.m. on July 23. The 4th District Meeting will be held on Aug. 24. Registration will be between 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The auxiliary meeting location is still to be determined. Doscher asks for a free–will donation to cover expenses. The National Home Prayer was recited, led by Mitchem.

NEW BUSINESS:

Miller received flyers for Patriotic T–shirts, Polos and Sweatshirts. The flyers were handed out to auxiliary members to see if they were interested in purchasing them. Prayers were asked for from VFW member Steve Hyde for his wife, Marion Hyde, who is a member of the auxiliary. She has been battling cancer and is not doing well.

Deb Miller reported that Membership Letters are due by Dec. 31. She was able to finish the reports earlier than expected, and they will be turned in soon.

The Marshall County Veterans Affairs will host Camaraderie and Coffee at VFW Post 839. The purpose is to increase VFW membership. It will be held once a week and starts in August. The time will be 7:30 a.m. — there is no information on the start date.

The American Legion of Marshalltown needs volunteers to make poppies for the Poppy Project. This will be a fundraiser for the VFW Auxiliary.

Last month, Polkiewicz discussed with the auxiliary that she is stepping down due to her and her husband’s health. The auxiliary discussed who will her replacement. A vote was held, and current Secretary Shepherd accepted the auxiliary’s confidence. Shepherd will be step down as secretary, and Linda Fuller will replace her. Miller will be the co–secretary.

Following the vote, the Installation of Officers for the upcoming year was completed. The roster will be as follows: President — Shepherd; Senior Vice President — Betty Needs; Junior Vice President — Judy Schiebel; Secretary — Fuller; Treasurer & Co–Secretary — Miller; Chaplain — Mitchem; Conductor — Fuller; Guard — Carol Ewalt; Trustee (3 Year) – Diane Welch; Trustee (2 Year) – Mitchem; Trustee (1 Year) – Fuller; Patriotic Instructor – Bell.

After completing New Business and the Installation of Officers, Mitchem led the closing prayer.

Polkiewicz closed the meeting according to the Ritual. The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 20.