VFW Post 9981 Newsletter 12870 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage AK 99515
February 2011
Volume 1, Issue 1
From the Post Commander
Special points of interest: New post location. Ladies Auxiliary start.
Welcome to the new newsletter and the new VFW Post 9981. We have accomplished what many thought was impossible. A new post and now totally debt free. Optimism can make it happen with a positive outlook, we moved ahead and made a reality. We have many to be thankful for in relationship to their contribution and dedication of hard labor. Kelly Thurow, our canteen manager, who gave so much of her time and talent, as well as her father who donated his carpenter skills of perfection. Denita Blinn and her mother for their efforts on the Oak Flooring and new signs for the post with their art skills. I would like to personally thank our Quartermaster, Davis Ryder, for his hard work and dedication as well. Thanks to my wife Ginger for putting up with and wondering at times whether I was married to her or the V. From those that donated plumbing skills, electrical skills, we have been blessed with help from all avenues of talent. Now we have new active duty members that have joined who live just nearby, they love it. Please join us in our efforts to support the many programs that support our warriors and their families. Comon down and join us. Food and fun for everyone. Commander Hubbard
Sr. Vice The new Post 9981 is incredible. It is so much better than the last location we were at. For the individuals that were involved in getting everything together, I personally think you have done an outstanding job. Not to mention, Post 9981 is out of debt and out from under a horrible situation. I commend the Commander on all that has been completed in the last few months. What an incredible project and what a great place to hang out and enjoy the fellowship of our friends!
In this issue: From the Post Commander
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Sr Vice
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Jr Vice
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Quartermaster
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As for the active duty side of the house…the 517th Airlift Squadron been occupied by supporting OEF and OIF. We are awaiting and welcoming our brothers and sisters from the Kullis Air National Guard who will make their move to Elmendorf AFB in the middle of February. It will be very challenging due to the ramp space and logistics to keep the C-17’s and the C-130’s in the air and supporting various missions that affect the security of the United States. I personally thank all the people that are involved with bringing this new Post to a complete success. You cannot thank the bartenders and the music performers enough for sharing their talents and for working for just tips. I cannot believe that all our efforts are coming together perfectly! This is just the beginning of an incredible year! Bruce Lund “B.A.”, Sr Vice
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Post officers
Jr. Vice The new Post 9981 is amazing. The setup and layout is much nicer than the old post. Our new location is so much better than the old location. This is truly a first class place, and the best post in Alaska! I know this could not have been accomplished without the hard work of all the volunteers. I cannot thank all those who supported and help enough. th
Along with all the flying, deploying, and training the 517 is involved with, we have a couple members who are base conservation agents. Hopefully, in a couple months we will have 4 more members of the squadron involved. This is a volunteer program in which members volunteer their evenings and weekends to patrol the base, educate the base population, and enforce local, state, and federal regulations. Once again, I cannot thank all those who worked to get the post up and running enough. You are the reason we have such a great post. Please take the time next time you are in to thank those who helped, the bartenders, and the musical talents. I’m looking forward to work slowing down and getting a break from school so I can come in and enjoy. Mark Blinn, Jr Vice
Commander:
Steve Hubbard
Sr. Vice:
Bruce Lund
Jr. Vice:
Mark Blinn
Quartermaster:
David Ryder
Adjutant:
Larry Wiltse
Surgeon:
Joe Federman
Chaplain:
Dennita Blinn
Ladies Auxiliary President:
TBA
Sr. Vice:
TBA
Jr. Vice:
TBA
Treasurer:
TBA
Secretary:
TBA
Chaplain:
TBA Men’s Auxiliary
President:
Quartermaster
Jim Dalzell
Sr. Vice:
Our Membership numbers are looking good, closing in on the big 500! But we can’t reach that number without your help, so bring any comrades you may know to our brand new location and let’s give them the grand tour, satisfaction is a guarantee. Don’t forget active duty personnel are always welcome to join or just swing by for a good time.
Jr. Vice:
The National VFW has a come out with a new membership website,, it’s up and running which makes it’s very easy for the Quartermaster to transfer your membership, order a replacement ID card, update your mailing address, plus other administrative work on the spot. (Less paperwork faster results) and as always if you have any membership questions, feel free to ask me or leave a note with one our lovely bartenders with your question and contact number and I will get back to you ASAP.
Chaplain:
David Ryder, Quartermaster
Treasurer: Secretary:
House Committee
John Denny Bill Hastie Eric Lucas
Past & Upcoming news and events Stay tuned here for all post up and coming events as well as the web site.
Newsletter deadlines are 3rd Monday of the month. Email to Eric Lucas: enmlucasva@yahoo.com
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New Location renovations What a year. Many, many changes. New location, new bar, new faces. For those of you who have supported the post, THANK YOU! We are turning a new leaf and word is getting out. We can’t do it with out member and auxiliary support. Come one, come all. The new location is the greatest and you make it a happening place. To everyone who poured their blood, sweat and tears into the new location, you have created a great place to come and unwind. Now let’s get the word out! Cheers!
From the canteen Thank you for continuing to support the canteen. New Bar, new tables, well, just about new everything. Always remember to tip your bartenders.
Post bartenders:
Danielle
Laura
Ginger
Amanda
Shaunae
Sara
Eric 3
Women's & Men's Auxiliary We are currently underway in establishing a new Charter for our Women's Auxiliary. Penny and Joy have been instrumental in helping with the paperwork and procedures for National. We have approximately 30 new Women who will be coming on board. The Women's Auxiliary has always been a wonderful supporting Team for our Veterans and to our Post. We welcome them with open arms. Laura McClusky will be the new incoming President and will spearhead getting things organized. The Men's Auxiliary is on Board with Big Jim taking charge. They have already gotten a new Flag Pole and will be putting it up and raising Ol’ Glory at Grand Opening this weekend. We have a lot of new members and will see good things come out of their efforts in supporting the Post and Veterans of the Post. We appreciate all that have been involved with making our new Post successful in everyway. You will be hearing from both Auxiliary Presidents in our next issue with new updates on the start-up efforts. Commander Hubbard
Feb 18 , 2011
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&11th
Keep us updated… Moving, getting ready to move or have moved? Send us an update of your where-bout's, either snail mail or email.
Shuffle board, Darts, Pool...What’s your game, come on and join us.
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SUN
Super
bowl Party
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Karaoke W/ James
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**General Member meeting 6pm
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Karaoke w/
Men’s Auxiliary meeting 6pm
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THU
Karaoke w/phil
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Ace on the River Band
FRI SAT GRAND OPENING
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Veterans of Foreign War Post 9981 12870 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage AK 99515 Tel: 907-770-5094 Fax: 907-770-5093 E-mail: vfwpost9981@alaska.com
We’re on the WEB http://VFWPOST9981.org Facebook: VFW Post 9981
POW/MIA Table You may notice this small table here in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly call POW's or MIA's… we call them brothers.
Red Rose denotes passion and love Yellow Rose denotes passing love (as ending a romance)
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The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return.
This table set for one is small... it symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.
The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing.
The table cloth is white... it symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate... to remind us of their bitter fate.
They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
White Rose denotes purity and new beginning
country's call to arms.
There is salt upon the bread plate... symbolic of the family's tears as they wait. The glass is inverted... they cannot toast with us tonight. The chair is empty... they are not here. Remember... all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied on them... for surely... they have not forsaken you.