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*Well, we are now into 2012 and “Election year”. My family wishes all of you a wonderful new year and most of all a healthy year. Thanks to everyone who helped or participated in our New Year’s Eve party. I regret I was not able to do a January newsletter as our calendar was full and time just slipped away. *Our Post and community lost a great AMVET in January with the death of Duane Wylam. Until Duane’s health got so he could not safely participate, you could always count on him being there for funeral details or assistance. Duane also was one of the first contributors to the WAVP, realizing if the Veteran Organizations are to survive, they must work together. My condolences to the Wylam family for their loss of a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

*If you have not renewed your membership to AMVETS, Auxiliary or Sons, now is the time to complete this task. Please realize that your dues are more than just providing a club or Post to drink at, but also provide funds to assist all Veterans. AMVETS and it’s subordinates are involved in many activities to assist and support our past and current Veterans and their families. As the men and women return from months spent in Iraq, Afghanistan and through out the world, assistance is needed now more than ever as our economy shows little growth. Anxiety, depression, feeling of failure followed by suicide is a leading cause of death of our returning Veterans. Please give some thought to this problem and know that your membership could make a difference, although you will receive no thank you or acknowledgement. To those that have renewed or are life members, I thank you, because of my experience and travels as a representative of AMVETS, I have witnessed the results of some of these programs.

*I do not have at this time, information regarding legislative activities pertaining to Veterans for the State of Iowa. Would ask that you check the newspapers for articles and let your legislative representatives know that you support funding for Veterans’ programs.

*I am requesting that if you know of hospitalized Post members or those having health problems, please contact Larry Williamson (319-240-1753), Carl Benning (319-352-3012) or myself. I am sure there are others, but would ask that Jim Strotman and John Ingersoll be in your thoughts and prayers.

*As some of you know, my wife Jean is presently spending time with family in Vigan, Philippines. She asked that I say “Hello to everyone” as she spends this time in 85 F temperatures. She is doing great, enjoying family and friends. If you are interested in checking where she is staying, use the internet and search Quema House (Vigan, Philippines) - Wikipedia. I was there in 2008 and this house is amazing and Vigan is a beautiful old style city that was not destroyed during WWII as most cities were.

*To young and older Veterans, if in the past, your experiences with the VA health care were not satisfying, please try again. We have a new outpatient facility located off Hwy 20 and it is there to serve Veterans. I can personally attest that they are there to help. Briefly, I suffer from acid reflux and esophageal problems and through the VA, am being treated. Again, I am listed as a class 8 and these problems are not service related, yet the VA has been outstanding in taking care of me.

*Although a few months away, election for Post officers will be scheduled for May. I have informed those at the December Post meeting, and this is to inform everyone, I do not plan on continuing as Post Commander. The time has come for this Post to find new blood and attempt to revitalize this Post. My plans are to do some traveling and visiting relatives (long overdue) that I continue to delay. It has been, in most part, a pleasure and honor to serve AMVETS and the community. During the next few months, talk with other AMVETS and convince someone new to step forward and accept this duty. Thank you for your support and ask that you continue to support AMVETS and especially Post 79.

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