VFW Post #280

Commander's Notes

Comrades,

This will be our last letter of 2014 and our first of 2015. My how time flies.

The month of November was very busy for us here at the post adn the Honor Guard. Between the military funerals, flag ceremonies, and MIA?POW ceremonies we stayed real busy. We had two other events here at the post - Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Day. They were both successful.

The month of December was also very busy. We've had four funerals so far this month which makes a total of 72 so far this year. We lost a strong supporter of our post, Ken Kormeier a Vietnam veteran and local businessman. Ken was also a lifetime member of the post and he will be sorely missed. We had our annual Christmas dinner and Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen awards. Our first place winner was Maria J. Henze. She is a home schooled student and her mother is a veteran who served in the Navy. Our second place winner is Emily J. Deutschmeyer. She is a student at West Middle School in Columbia. We also had our annual visitor from the North Pole and a good time was had by all.

We still have our New year's Eve Party. Buy your tickets early and reserve your table. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased in the canteen $15 for singles or $20 per couple. Buy your tickets early or they're $20 for singles and $25 per couple at the door.

The next couple of months will be a little bit quieter. In the month of January, we will have our annual Chilli Cook Off on the 24th. Set up time will be 12:30 - 1:30. Judging will take place at 2:00. There will be three independent judges from outside the post. The contest will be open to anyone who wants to participate. The entry fee is $10. Bring a snack to share afterwards and enjoy the competitors' chilli. The Council of Administration meeting will be January 31st in Jefferson City, starting at 8 AM with the business meeting and workshops in the afternoon.

February 8th, we will be having our District meeting at St. Martins, Post 1003 Annex. Lunch starts at 11:30 AM and meeting starts at 1:00 PM. Check your calendar for dates.

I want to say that it's been quite a year. We've managed to keep our post from going down the tubes. We're in better shape now than we were this time last year. We could not have done it without the help of the Ladies Auxiliary and the volunteers and you the members. There will be no post without all of you.

In closing, I want to start a bring your friend to the post day on Fridays. If you have not paid your dues please do so by the end of the month. I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year and good health.

Yours in Comradeship,
Don Briggs, Commander