Volume 1, Issue 2
FRANKLIN-SLOAN CARY VFW POST 7383
December 1st, 2014
Newsletter Editors:
Sara Mary Lopez
VFW Commander’s Brief
Richard R. Lopez
Special points of
interest:
 Upcoming Events
 Member of the Month
 Letter from National
Commander
 Origin of Toys for Tots
Inside this issue:
Men’s Auxiliary President’s Points; Member
of the Month
2
Chaplains' Corner
2
VFW End to Sequestra- 3
tion; Origin of Toys for
Tots
4
Merry Christmas, My
Friend; Military Humor
Letter from VFW
National Commander,
John W. Stroud
5
Shortie’s Calendar
6
Thrift Store News;
Upcoming Dates/
Events; Words from
the Editors
The Franklin-Sloan
Mail Call
9
Comrades, Brothers, and
Sisters
I’d like to take this time
to thank everyone that
has donated their time
and money to the Post.
Steadily we continue to
grow as a Post and a family. We continue to see
those that haven’t come
to the Post in a while return to say hello and
hopefully make it their
second home again.
Please also welcome our
new members that have
joined our family. I ask
that everyone continue to
support the Post any way
they can so we can continue to grow. It’s great
to see that more people
in the community know
of our existence and
thank us for our service.
One of goals for next
year is to get out into the
community more and let
everyone know that our
main mission is helping
veterans. As a reminder
we need help this month
putting together food
boxes on Dec. 6th at 9am
and also a family we’re
supporting for the holidays.
Hopefully everyone had a
Happy Thanksgiving and
has a Merry Christmas!
Thank you!
David Watts
Commander Post 7383
Cary, NC
Ladies' Auxiliary President’s Address
Sisters, Brothers,
Comrades:
I can't believe the holiday season is already among
us. I hope everyone enjoyed
Thanksgiving! To celebrate
the Christmas holiday we'll
have a pot luck after the
joint meeting on December
16th. The Ladies will also
be hosting a Dirty Santa
gift exchange, if you'd like
to join us the gift limit is
$20.
Our city BBQ fundraiser
was held yesterday- I hope
everyone was able make it
out, eat some great food
and support our newest
fundraising effort. I know
when I went in for dinner
there was a bucket with
quite a few of our flyers in
it!
take the responsibility of
holding an officers position
and helped me become acquainted with my new role
in the auxiliary.
As 2014 comes to a
close I just want to take a
moment to thank all of you
who have put in time to
volunteer for our activities,
Kerri Zinkievich
Ladies Auxiliary President,
Post 7383
May you all have a Merry
Christmas and a Happy
New Year!
The Franklin-Sloan
Page 2
Men’s Auxiliary President’s Address
I have what I believe is a very good
idea for the future of
Chili cook offs from
Men's Auxiliary Member David Yetman. I
MON-WED, FRI-SAT
Noon-8:00 PM
919.633-1801
www.shortiescafe.com
will discuss it at our
next officers Meeting.
I hope everybody
has or had a great
Thanksgiving.
Member of the Month: Donna Wright
I grew up in Albany, NY with
my parents and two brothers. I
felt it was time for a change. I no
longer enjoyed the cold snowy
NY post for many years. I was very
excited to see the Cary post mem-
joined the Ladies Auxiliary
through my Father’s service in the
winters. My original plan was to
move closer to my company’s
bers at Lazy Daze and decided to
join the Cary Ladies Auxiliary in
Army. He was a Korean War Veteran. My one brother is retired
office in Greensboro. That plan
changed when Stephanie first
2010. I held the office of Ladies
Auxiliary Secretary for three years.
from the Navy. My youngest
brother is an RN with the VA
moved to Raleigh. After visiting
the Raleigh and Cary area I knew
I am excited to be the District
Secretary this year.
Medical Center in Ohio. I have
this was the best place to relocate.
two children. My son Brian joined I have met so many wonderful
the Navy ten years ago and is currently serving on the USS Carl
new friends here. I am a Project
Coordinator with UnitedHealth-
Vinson. My daughter Stephanie
care. I have been with the comgraduated from the Culinary Insti- pany almost 25 years. Fortunately
Donna Wright
Curtis Morris,
President
Post 7383
Men's Auxiliary
tute of America and is a profes-
I telecommute which gives me the
sional chef. She lives in Cary and
is also a member of the Ladies
opportunity to live here and work
from home.
Auxiliary.
After my children grew up I
I had been a VFW Ladies Auxiliary member of the Guilderland,
I enjoy walking the beautiful trails
and greenways in this area. One of
my favorite things to do is to
spend time at the Raleigh Flea
Market.
Thank you for the nomination to
be the Member of the Month. I
look forward to continuing to
volunteer in support of our Veterans and their families.
Chaplain’s Corner
Post Chaplain:
James Samsel
seumastoo@juno.com
Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain:
The Cary VFW Thrift Store’s
Hours are Wednesday
through Saturday from 10:00
am to 4:00 PM. Thursdays:
10:00 am to 7:00 PM. There
are always great deals and new
merchandise every day.
Diane Waters
Dianejw13@att.net
Men’s Auxiliary Chaplain
Don Beebe
dbeebe85@gmail.com
Our following family members
could use our prayers:
Kathy Voss who had shoulder
surgery on November 17, will also
have surgery on the other shoulder on December 15.
Carol Jacobi Freeman is still
taking treatments as a result of her
recent cancer surgery.
Jane Rockwell is recovering
from her recent knee surgery.
Curtis Morris, the Cary VFW
Post 7383 Men's Auxiliary President, is at Wake Med Cary for
serious medical problems. He has
been given an initial diagnosis,
but more testing is to take place
on Monday to verify what he has
been told. However, Curtis is in
good spirits and welcomes visitors
and calls. He is currently in the
Intermediary Care Clinic in room
260.
We wish all a Safe and Merry
Christmas, and a Very Happy and
Save New Year!!
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 3
VFW Pledges an End to Sequestration
After representing the national organization at Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National
Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, VFW National Commander John Stroud spent
the rest of the week inside the Pentagon. He met with the Army Chief of Staff, the leadership of
the Army Reserve, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, and others. His message was simple: The VFW exists to support veterans, the troops and their families at home and abroad, and
that the organization will work diligently with the new 114th Congress to eliminate sequestration.
Post T-Shirts
Now is not the time to force the Pentagon to reduce its spending by a trillion dollars. Not with the
are still for sale
military still fighting a war in Afghanistan, against a new enemy in the Middle East. And not with
the ongoing shift in defense commitments to Asia and worldwide humanitarian missions that
only America’s military is capable of providing upon demand. Congress created the sequester and
only Congress can end it, he said, and the VFW will do its part to ensure that happens.
for $10. Shirts
are available at
the Canteen!!
Origin and Evolution of Toys for Tots
“...The VFW exists to
The Foundation was able to
satisfy the six needs identified by
the Marine Corps. First, the Foundation could provide toys to supplement the collections of local
units that had fewer Marines due
to military cutbacks of the ‘80s
and ‘90s. Second, the Foundation
could arrange and pay for the
creation, publication, manufacture and distribution of promotion and support materials to Toys
for Tots Coordinators. Third, the
Foundation could enable individual and corporate donors to Toys
for Tots to take a charitable deduction on their income tax returns. Fourth, the Foundation
could enter into contracts with
corporations to conduct promotions, which would produce royalties for Toys for Tots. (Needs
three and four were two important elements of this charitable
endeavor that the Marine Corps,
as a federal agency, could not
fulfill). Fifth, the Foundation
could ensure that the Toys for
Tots program operates in compliance with IRS regulations, state
laws and regulations and charitable standards. Finally, the Foundation took responsibility for the day
to day operations of the Marine
Toys for Tots Program, thus relieving the Reserve Headquarters
Staff of that responsibility and
allowing them to focus on training, organizing, and equipping the
reserve force.
In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an
official activity of the U. S. Marine
Corps and an official mission of
the Marine Corps Reserve.
In 1996, the Commander, Marine
Forces Reserve expanded Toys for
Tots to cover all 50 states by authorizing selected Marine Corps
League Detachments and selected
local community organizations
(generally veteran Marine), located
in communities without a Marine
Reserve Center, to conduct toy
collection and distribution campaigns in their communities as
part of the U. S. Marine Corps
Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
In 1999, the Commander,
Marine Forces Reserve delegated
authority to the President, Marine
Toys for Tots Foundation to approve and manage local Toys for
Tots campaigns conducted in
communities without a Reserve
Unit.
2001: Despite the trauma the
nation experienced as a result of
the September 11th attacks in
New York City, Washington, DC
and Pennsylvania, the economic
downturn and the anthrax scare,
the 2001 U. S. Marine Corps
Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign
was the second best in the previous 54 year history of the program. Local campaigns were
conducted in 388 communities
covering all 50 states, the District
of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
This was the most extensive coverage to date.
The Marine Toys for Tots
Foundation celebrated its 10th
anniversary as the fundraising
and support organization for
Toys for Tots in 2001. The highlights of the year were that the
Foundation had its most successful campaign to date plus was
ranked #289 in the 2001 “ Philanthropy 400”. This was the
first time the Foundation earned
a ranking in the “Philanthropy
400”.
In 2002, Charity Navigator
awarded the Foundation a 4-star
rating and the Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked the Foundation #267 in the “Philanthropy
400”.
Over its life span, the Marine
Toys for Tots Program distributed over 469 million toys to
over 216 million less fortunate
children.
support veterans, the
troops and their families
at home and abroad, and
that the organization will
work diligently with the
new 114th Congress to
eliminate sequestration.”
—Page 3
Place Your Ad Here! This
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300 People!
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 4
The Franklin-Sloan
Page 5
Merry Christmas, My Friend (this is the original version)
T’was the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of
plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney,
with presents to give
and to see just who in this home
did live
“… I fight for
freedom, I don't ask
for more.
My life is my God,
my country, my
Corps." —-Page 5
As I looked all about, a strange
sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a
tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots
filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far
distant land.
With medals and badges, awards
of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to
my mind.
For this house was different,
unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I'd heard stories about them, I had
to see more,
so I walked down the hall and
pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent,
alone,
Curled up on the floor in his onebedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so
serene,
Military Humor
Place Your Ad Here! This
Newsletter reaches over
300 People!
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d
just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor
for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his
weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more
than a man.
For I realized the families that I
saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who
were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the
children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate
on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each
month and all year,
because of Marines like this one
lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many
lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land
far from home.
Just the very thought brought a
tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I
started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard
a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my
choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for
more.
My life is my God, my country,
my Corps."
With that he rolled over, drifted
off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued
to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent
and still.
I noticed he shivered from the
cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one
made of red,
and covered this Marine from his
toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet
and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor
emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I
began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I
was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet
in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing
to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and
in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew
he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
—Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 7
VFW NATIONAL COMMANDER PUTS POSTS ON NOTICE
Below is a message from
VFW National Commander John W. Stroud:
benefit to our organization, provide no aid to
our mission nor to the
veterans we strive to help
I am extremely disand serve. These Posts are
turbed by the recurring
in the minority of our
reports from the field as
organization, but in order
to shift the paradigm we
well as the media’s pormust challenge every
trayal of the VFW as an
organization that is com- member to hold their
Post accountable. It’s
prised of old and out of
time for our membership
touch veterans who
to be emboldened into
would rather drink in a
action and to push their
dimly lit canteen than
Posts to strive for the
open their doors to our
high ideals that the Veteryounger veterans. The
VFW’s mission is far too ans of Foreign Wars of
important; our objectives the United States was
founded upon.
and causes for which we
work far too critical; and Accordingly, I am charging my current Departthe current situation of
ment VFW Commanders
the veteran population
to be advocates of change
far too dire to let the
negativity of a few divide and to challenge the offius and dilute our efforts. cers of the subordinate
units within their comWe must empower the
mand to be more than
younger veterans to be
officers — challenge them
forces of change within
our organization while
to be leaders cognizant of
lending them the institu- the current challenges
tional knowledge to be
today’s veterans face. To
effective leaders for fudo this, our VFW Posts
ture generations of veter- must change their operaans.
tional tactics to better
The fact remains that reflect the modern crises
the stereotypical, dingy,
younger veterans are facdark and smoke filled
ing on their new
VFW Post and canteen
“battlefield” – the homedo exist, but they have no front.
For those members
and Posts who would
rather serve themselves
than the countless veterans who are in need, remind them that this organization exists for the
benefit of all veterans
rather than those of an
entitled few. I want to
make it clear that I will
willingly provide my complete support to any of
my Department Commanders who move to
shut down any Post, or
remove from our leadership rolls, anyone that is
not committed to the
goals of the organization.
They simply don’t belong
here. The need is too
great for a dynamic and
modern VFW that can
continue to advocate and
respond unhesitatingly to
the needs of all veterans
in the 21st century and
beyond. To do less,
would be an unconscionable betrayal of our responsibilities as Americans and as veterans.
Bingo Night
Every Thursday Starting
at 7:00 PM in the
Memorial Banquet Hall
Volunteers Always
Needed!!
“...this organization
exists for the benefit of
all veterans rather than
those of an entitled
few.” -John W. Stroud,
VFW National
Commander
-Page 7
-John W. Stroud
VFW National
Commander
Memorial Banquet Hall Rentals
Host up to 292 People!
Meetings, Banquets, and More!
Contact Rick Hagen 9194671188
http://www.caryvfw.org/BanquetHall-Rental.html
The Franklin-Sloan
Page 8
Cary VFW Thrift Store
Page 9
Murry Christmas, Y’all! It’s been a very quick November! So far,
being open on Tuesdays has been a good addition, and staying open until
19:00 on BINGO Thursdays has been getting some good traction. I'm so
happy for all the new donations from all of our members. Through word of
FRANKLIN-SLOAN
CARY VFW POST 7383
mouth and a pinch of online advertising, we’ve been seeing a lot of new
faces. With Christmas around the corner, we are even more in the mindset
of giving back. That being said, through the rest of the holiday season we are
522 Reedy Creek Road
Cary, NC 27513
going to offer $3 off for every $10 you buy. (So, if you spend $20 you get $6
off and so on). In addition I have store gift certificates available to purchase
for any member, members family member, or anyone at all you can think of
in need. I know that when it comes to the holidays we must always keep our
Phone: 919.467.1188
www.caryvfw.org
friends and family both at home and away in our thoughts and prayers. We
remember those that have passed, and we give thanks for those that are here
to spend time with. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas and
a very Happy New Year!
Sara Mary Lopez
Place Your Ad Here! This
Newsletter reaches over
300 People!
VFW Post7383
Thrift Store Manager
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
DEC 4TH: Bingo Night (Volunteers Needed)
DEC 7th: Officers Meeting (all are encourages to attend)
DEC 9TH: Blood Drive at NC JFHQ to sign up, go to http://www.mysignup.com/
nationalguard
Place Your Ad Here! This
Newsletter reaches over
300 People!
DEC 11th: Bingo Night (Volunteers Needed)
DEC 16th: Members Meeting and Christmas Party
DEC 18th: Bingo Night (Volunteers Needed)
DEC 19th: HABO Christmas Party, Tickets are $25/EA, $40/Couple
A Few Words from the Editors
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Post 7383!! We just wanted to thank everyone for their compliments on Issue 1 of The Franklin-Sloan Mail Call!! We are here to share the current events of our Post
and the VFW as a whole. We like to add little bits of trivia and or history, too. If there is ever anything
you want addressed (i.e. our Jr. Vice Commander wanted us to mention the Toys for ‘Lil’ Troops),
we’re always looking for input from our Post! Also, if you wish to write an article, we invite everyone to
take part in our Newsletter; however, we’re staying away from Editorials. Thanks for your support! Any
correspondence can be sent to richard.lopez1978@gmail.com or saramary3@gmail.com.
Volume 1, Issue 2
Page 10
VFW Thrift Store
Hours
December 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
Open 10:00 AM to
4:00 PM
7
8
Closed on
Sundays
Officers’
Meeting
14
Closed on
Mondays
15
Closed on
Sundays
21
Closed on
Sundays
10
22
13
17
18
19
20
Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
HABO Christmas
Party
23
26
24
Closed for
Christmas
Vacation
30
Closed on
Mondays
12
Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
7:00 PM
Member’s Meeting
@ 7:00PM
Closed on
Mondays
29
11
Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
7:00 PM
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
16
Closed on
Mondays
Closed on
Sundays
28
9
25
Closed for
Christmas
Vacation
31
Open 10:00 AM to Open 10:00 AM to
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
New Year’s Eve
Closed for
Christmas
Vacation
JANUARY 1st,
2015
CLOSED NEW
YEAR’S DAY
27
Closed for
Christmas
Vacation
Closed for
Christmas
Vacation