The September General Meeting of the VFW Post 839 was held at the Post Home on Sept. 16. President Theresa Shepherd called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. followed by the opening ceremonies according to the Ritual. There were 12 members present and one guest. The District President Laura Doscher paid a visit. Chaplain Donna Mitchem recited the Opening Prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Patriotic Instructor Kay Bell.

Secretary Linda Fuller presented the minutes of the last meeting and read the General Orders. The minutes were approved. Treasurer Deb Miller presented the treasurers report. The treasures report was approved subject to audit. Bell made a motion that the two bills be paid and Carol Ewalt seconded it. Judy Scheibel reported on the buddy poppies program. A Special thank you to Fareway, Hy-Vee and Theisen’s for allowing a display.

Deloris Clayton reported that Iowa Veterans Home Bingo will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 26. Diane Welch reported 333 coupons received. Fuller reported that there are a lot of Key Bills in Congress concerning the veterans. Ewalt reported she has sent a thank you to Ginger McCready for making banners for the buddy poppy fundraiser. She sent six Birthday cards to IVH for Veterans having birthday’s this month. Miller handed out new sheets updated for Bingo at IVH and contact sheet for officers.

Old Business: Miller still has two sweatshirts to deliver and collect money from. Scheibel made a motion to give the Post some of the money received for buddy poppies. It will go into the relief fund that only can be spent on Veterans. Clayton seconded it. Thinking of having another day on Veterans Day doing Poppies. Tabled it until next meeting. Shepherd brought up about paying for a Lifetime membership for Diane Welch. Bell made the motion and Mitchem seconded it. Starting in October when they do the audit, they will do it before the being of the meeting, instead of setting up time on another day to do it. The National Home Prayer was recited.

New business: Doscher talked about making sure the auxiliary has all of the decreased members off its membership list. National in the future will be making us pay for back years that they weren’t members any longer. She encouraged us to use Malta system more. At the district meeting on Dec. 13 at Knoxville, members will be voting on raising the district dues from .50 cents to $1. She also had some Iowa president pins for sale. Shepherds of the Sheep Dog. Fuller asked if we would donate some money to the Blue Star Mothers in Johnston. At the district meeting in Des Moines in July the group came and talked about sending packages to the men and women now serving overseas. Fuller made the motion we donate $200 and Clayton seconded it. There will be a food/cash drive on Nov. 8 held at the Post Home. Those wanting to donate will receive a free hotdog and a bottle of water. Miller had several fliers for different projects coming up. Oct. 31 Halloween Dance at IVH at 1:30 p.m. If people want to come in costume, do so. Christmas Open House Holiday Cookie Donation 2025 is on Dec. 6 at IVH and Adopt a Veteran for Christmas gift, Dec. 12 at IVH, were tabled until next month.

Mitchem recited the closing prayer. Shepherd closed the meeting according to the Ritual. Next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Home Post.