The October 2024 General Membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 was held at the Post Home on Oct. 15. President Theresa Shepherd called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremonies according to the Ritual. There were 12 members in attendance and two guests.

The opening Prayer was recited by Chaplain Donna Mitchem. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by the Patriotic Instructor Kay Bell. Secretary Linda Fuller read the September Minutes and the General Orders. The minutes were approved. Treasure Deb Miller gave the Treasurer’s Report. The report was accepted as read and approved pending the audit.

The committee’s reports were as follows: Diane Welch reported that there were 1857 coupons. Deloris Clayton reported that the Iowa Veterans Home November Bingo will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 22. Fuller reported that the VFW is taking action to help veterans, service members and military families affected by the hurricanes.

Unfinished Business: The check that had been given to the IVH for the food warmers was void because the need had been filled. Judy Schiebel and Enid Weis delivered the items for Camp Courageous. Betty Needs and Fuller attended the Pow Wow in Des Moines on Oct. 5. The National Home Prayer was recited according to the Ritual.

New business: The December Bingo will be held on Dec. 20 because of Christmas. Volunteers are needed at 9:45 a.m. Miller needs to order new checks. She is in contact with someone else to send the coupons. Sewing day is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 and again on Oct. 23. The Craft Show will be on Nov. 15 at the IVH. Liz Polkiewicz reported that she will be buying the cookies for the VA Clinic instead of the Auxiliary. Miller has been in contact with the VA Clinic. The medical claims have been backlogged and if the veterans need to make trips out of town for appointments, they need gas cards. Miller checked and found out that the grant for the food drive is open from Oct. 1 until June 1, 2025. The Honor Guard is checking into taking the bus to pick up veterans and drive them to the Election Center. The Unit will decide what to do for President Brenda’s Special Project for the National Home. The items needed are diapers, wipes and formula. Clayton made a motion that the food drive be on Nov. 16. Schiebel seconded it.

Miller will contact Sherriff Joel to see if someone can bring the truck again this year. A veteran in need asked for help paying a utility bill. Clayton made a motion that we would pay the utility company. Bell seconded it. IVH Halloween Party is at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. Volunteers are needed in the dining hall. The Annual Christmas Party will be held on Dec. 13. Social Hour will be at 5 p.m. Dinner to be served at 6 p.m. Free will donation. The men are preparing the meal and the Auxiliary will furnish the desserts. The December meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. that day. The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 19.