The October General Meeting of the VFW Post 839 was held at the Post Home on Oct. 21. 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 1 guest, Mary Buresh. She will be transferring her membership to 839. Chaplain Donna Mitchem recites the opening prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Sheperd.

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 treasurer’s report was approved, subject to audit. Diane Welch reported 152 coupons. Deloris Clayton reported Oct. 24 is Bingo at the Iowa Veterans Home, be there by 9:30 a.m. Judy Schebiel reported on the buddy poppies fundraiser recently. The audit was completed before the meeting and the membership approved it.

Old Business: It was decided the unit would have a table with Buddy Poppies at the Emergency Food Box fundraiser. The fundraiser will be held at the Post Home on Nov. 8. If people bring a food donation or money donation, they will receive a hot dog sandwich and a bottle of water. Fuller made a motion to donation $100 to Wreaths Across America. This group places a wreath on Veterans graves — the cemetery at Van Meter and the Iowa Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Welch seconded it. Motion carried. Members only Christmas Party will be held at the Post at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. There will be a short meeting before the party. Sign up ahead of time and pay for each meal. It will be a catered meal. Clayton made a motion to donate $100 to the IVH Holiday Party. The money will pay for cookies for the residents. Mitchem seconded it, motion carried. Clayton made a motion to donate $200 to the Adopt A Veteran for Christmas Stars. Each resident gets a gift through this program. Pam Gorham seconded it and motion carried. National Home Prayer was recited.

New Business: Dave’s Cakes will be at the Hy-Vee on Nov. 1 for a fundraiser for the Post. The unit has one member on sick call. Praying for her and her family. Miller made a motion to donate $100 to the National President scholarship fund, Welch seconded it motion carried. Scheibel made motion to send $50 of the Birthday money to the National Home. Mitchem seconded it and motion carried. Pow Wow State meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Airport in Des Moines Nov. 1. Gorham has made a wreath to enter in the competition.

Mitchem recited the closing prayer. Sheperd closed the meeting according to the Ritual. Next meeting will be held at the Home Post at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 18.