Green Township Post 10380 Veterans of Foreign Wars March-April 2018 Welcome from Commander Mike Donnelly

“Rain, Rain, go away. Come again another day.”

Well, so far, Mother Nature has created quite the waterfall and pond in my yard! But if I wanted that, I would have built it myself! Please, enough already!

The weather, unfortunately, caused the cancellation of the Flag Retirement Ceremony in March. I’ll update everyone as soon as I can reschedule the date. Thanks for your understanding.

I would like to take a moment to brag just a little about the good works performed by Post 10380 in the community. I bring this up now as we enter our fundraising time of year so that our generous sponsors and donors can see the good accomplished due to their support.

Much of what we do are community events with minimal cost, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day Programs and parades, formal and informal Flag Retirement Ceremonies, the Cars and Courage Car Show, monthly Cruise-Ins, the Memorial Walk to President Harrison’s Tomb, the Four Chaplains Memorial Service, the Family Kite Fly at Veterans Park, Kids Fun Day at Veterans Park, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, distribution of t-shirts to patients in the VA hospital at Christmas, and Winterfest at Nathanael Greene Lodge. Many of our comrades and their families volunteer their time and resources to make these events successful. And this is just a sampling.

Historically, the Post Color/Honor Guard served at the funerals of Post comrades. Recently this honor has grown to also include veterans in the community, all at no charge. The Honor Guard participates in numerous community events as highlighted in the October-November 2017 newsletter. In 2017, over 70 events and funerals were served. Again, there is no cost to the Post. Each Guard member purchased his uniform and provides his own transportation to events. Comrades are encouraged to join the Color/Honor Guard—we are always looking for a few more good men!

My purpose in sharing this information is to show how dedicated the comrades of Post 10380 are in living the Core Values of the VFW listed below. Next month I will share more!

Be sure to check inside for upcoming events, and please thank a Vietnam Veteran on March 29.

Have a blessed and happy Easter. Mike

VFW Mission VFW Core Values  To foster camaraderie among United States  To always put the interests of our members first  Treat donors as partners in our cause veterans of overseas conflicts  Promote patriotism  To serve our veterans, the military, and our  Honor military service communities  Ensure the care of veterans and their families  Serve our communities  To advocate on behalf of all veterans  Promote a positive image of the VFW  Respect the diversity of veteran opinions Meeting Date Staff Meeting Date The Post meeting will be the The Staff meeting will be Third Thursday each month Wednesday, April 11, 2018 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Nathanael Greene Lodge, lower level Nathanael Greene Lodge, upper level 6394 Wesselman Road 6394 Wesselman Road Cincinnati, 45247 Cincinnati, Ohio 45247 513.598.3100 513.598.3100 (Call Lodge for meeting cancellations) (Call Lodge for meeting cancellations)

Happy Easter

Coming Attractions

Cruise-In Great family time for kids of all ages ’ Kite Fly

5770 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45248 April 8, 2018

Second Thursday of Every Month 12:00—3:00 Prizes & Beginning April 12, 2018 Veterans Park Popcorn

5:30 p.m. Rain or Shine 6231 Harrison Courtesy of ?? Call Jim Stanghetti 513.545.3798 Avenue VFW Post 10380

“Buddy” Poppy Days May 26 & 27, 2018 City of Cheviot Dent Kroger 10am—2pm Annual Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 28, 2018

VFW Post 10380 Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 28, 2018 2:00 p.m.

Green Township Veterans Park 6303 Harrison Ave.

Public is welcome. Free parking available at Green Township Administration Building, Harrison Avenue.

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Family Fun

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Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

Congratulations to VFW Post 10380’s 1st Place Winner Betsy Moore High School Ms. Moore teaches History Grades 9 –12 Roger Bacon High School Principal Steven Schad’s nomination letter below

To Whom It May Concern: Innovative, dynamic, student-centered, rigorous, caring, challenging, ambitious, patriotic, and civic-minded. All these describe Betsy Moore, a social studies teacher at Roger Bacon High School. Using such original instructional strategies as “speed dating” with American historical figures, she brings American history Commander Donnelly presents to life for students across the socioeconomic spectrum. She promotes critical Ms. Moore with the $500 thinking and analysis using a wide range of primary historical source 1st Place Award. documents, ranging from the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to speeches and personal letters of key historical figures and political cartoons from important eras in American history. She has initiated cross-curricular collaboration to bring American history to life in non-traditional settings, such as Language Arts and Theology classes. She encourages, and more importantly, provides students with the ability to have effective discourse, both written and oral, over a wide variety of issues in a manner which respects our personal rights and unique heritage. She leads voter registration efforts in the school and promotes civic involvement in the political process. While all the above establishes Betsy as a superb teacher, what further sets her apart is her ability to excite and challenge students—this is probably her greatest gift. Students feed off her genuine love of country and shared American heritage. They appreciate the study of our culture and history in a more personal manner. This appreciation and excitement transforms the study of American history from a succession of dates, names, and events into a real-life, relevant experience that our students want to delve into in more depth. Betsy develops a sense of passion for American history which promotes a life-long desire to understand who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going. This passion for learning, coupled with the skills to critically analyze situations from a historical perspective and have impassioned, civilized discourse regarding the topic at hand, sets her apart as an educator. As a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, I am proud to nominate Betsy for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Sincerely, Steven J. Schad Principal

The VFW annual Smart/Maher Award honors America’s best educators in elementary, middle, junior, and senior high schools who instill a sense of national pride in students by promoting civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.

VFW Post Level winners are submitted to the District Level who will forward its winners to the Department (state) Level. Department Level winners are then forwarded to the VFW National Headquarters for final selection.

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PostSmart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

Congratulations to VFW Post 10380’s 2nd Place Winner Christine Kroner Mother of Mercy High School Mrs. Kroner teaches Social Studies Grade 12 Mother of Mercy High School Principal David Mueller’s nomination letter below

Recommendation for Christine Kroner for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

Christine Kroner has guided high school students to mature as informed, active, and caring citizens during her 24 distinguished years as a high school teacher. Commander Donnelly presents She inspires interest and enthusiasm for America’s history and traditions among Mrs. Kroner with the $250 students by using contemporary real-world situations to make the topics 2nd Place Award relevant. For example, in a lesson about the workings of the U.S. economy, she assigns students to imagine themselves in the job roles of a restaurant worker, warehouse worker, and temporary worker and then asks them to make spending decisions in light of simulated real-life events and constraints. At the conclusion students report their findings to their classmates. The lesson both kindles students’ interest in understanding United States fiscal policy and increases students’ empathy with workers who struggle to make ends meet. This lesson is typical of Chris’s emphasis on students actively researching making decisions about how to present their findings effectively, and sharing their research with each other via web-based resources. Chris’s efforts to inspire students through real-world experiences extend beyond the classroom. She is one of just a few area teachers who responded to an invitation by the Hamilton County Board of Elections for high school students to serve as poll workers on election day. She convinced school administrators to excuse students from classes so that they could work all day at precincts. Some twenty of her students participated and reported that the experience of performing official poll worker tasks and working with voters deepened their appreciation of American democracy and challenges of ensuring fair elections. As chair of the Social Studies department, Chris supports the school’s annual dinner honoring veterans and encourages teachers to invite guest speakers who give students real-world insights. Chris teaches the Social Studies courses Contemporary World Issues, United States Government, and Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics. All ten of her students who took the Advanced Placement exam qualified for college credit. I am grateful that Chris develops her students into knowledgeable, engaged, and caring citizens.

David B. Mueller Principal

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Welcome Home, Vietnam Veterans

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Congratulations

On March 6, 2018 the 25th Annual Elder Alumni Awards, which recognize deserving graduates and active supporters of , was held.

Congratulations to Comrade Lou Terhar

who was presented with the

Professional Distinction Award.

L-R: Post 10380 comrades Bill Ostermeyer, Dan Post 10380 comrade Lou Terhar (2nd from left) Wilcox, Bob Abrams, Mike Donnelly, Charlie Wilke, pose with fellow recipients Dick McCoy—Athletic Joe Zang and Tom Schmitz pose with fellow comrade Excellence, Chris Felix—Cultural Enrichment, Bill Lou Terhar following the program Nolan—Elder Spirit and Mark & Missy Meinhardt and Dan Aug—Christian Leadership

Xavier University Veterans Appreciation Night

Congratulations to Comrade Tom Anderson who was honored at the Military Appreciation Basketball game held at the Cintas Center February 3, 2018.

Tom served in World War II as an anti-tank leader and Ranger. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded in Cologne, Photos courtesy of Kyle Schuler, Xavier University Germany, while trying to disarm a booby trap. He lost his left hand up to the forearm and part of his fingers on the right. He received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

In 2004, both the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Post named him Veteran of the Year. In 2007, he was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. Jack Snyder

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Xavier University Veterans Center

Connecting Veterans with Veterans

Xavier University has a long history of supporting the military, beginning with Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Commonly known as "the soldier saint,” Ignatius was a Basque nobleman who was brought up to be a soldier. While in battle, his leg was shattered by a cannonball and left permanently damaged. He was given copies of Life of Christ and Legends of the Saints during his recovery, and the books gave him a new direction for his life and led to the creation of the Jesuits. In addition to an ROTC program that continues to be one of the nation's best, Xavier became a training ground for the Army during WWII. After the war, so many soldiers returned to campus as part Post 10380 is proud to support the of the original GI Bill that surplus barracks had to be erected Xavier University Student Veterans Center. around campus to house all of them. Recruiter Spencer Rumley and Director Chris Klug accept a donation from Commander Mike Donnelly, Xavier's commitment to the military is perhaps best recognized with Tom Schmitz and Bob Abrams the "Our Lady" statue overlooking Victory Parkway, which honors all of the Xavier graduates who have fallen in battle.

Benefits  Tuition - Xavier is a Yellow Ribbon School, which means if you qualify, your tuition at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is completely covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  Housing - Student veterans at Xavier receive a monthly housing stipend from the Veterans Administration. The Center's staff can help you find housing on or off campus. Roger Sand

 Dependents - The GI Bill allows eligible veterans to transfer part or all of their The Student Veterans Center is a benefits to a dependent family member. Xavier is one of the universities they place where Xavier's veterans can may attend. stay connected with the University Veteran Services by connecting with each other. At Xavier, you'll get the same high-quality education that's signature to our The Center features a lounge, campus: television, ping pong table, computer  Veteran Mentor Program - Connects veterans with the business community lab and large screen monitors and staff offices.  VA Medical Center Partnership - Connects Veterans with the VITAL MikeEducation Donnelly Support Program Mike O’Mara  Student Veterans of Xavier - A club for fellowship, networking and leadership development  Ride to Recovery Center - A facility for all veterans to recover from the stress of military life and combat

Source: https://www.xavier.edu/now/Student-Veterans-Center-Provides-Support-for- Vets-Dependents.xm TomBill AndersonDaniel

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Quality of Life Plus (QLP+)

Solutions to Life’s Challenges

The Quality of Life Plus Program (QL+), through unique partnerships with engineering schools at leading universities across the country, sponsors and directs a wide array of technology development projects aimed at improving the quality of life for our nations’ wounded veterans, active duty military, first responders, law enforcement and intelligence officers. QL+ recruits patriots with life-altering injuries from across the USA. QL+ works one-on-one with these patriots to understand the lifestyle limitations they endure as a result of their injuries. These men and women Post 10380 is proud to support the become “Challengers” in the QL+ Program. Leveraging our expertise in Quality of Life Plus Program, which is engineering, physical therapy, and program management, QL+ identifies partnered with Xavier University. Amber Humphrey accepts a donation from specific obstacles in the “Challenger’s” life that can be eased or overcome Commander Mike Donnelly, Tom Schmitz through the development of a custom assistive device or prosthetic and Bob Abrams modification. QL+ presents these projects or “Challenges” to our partner universities. Once accepted, QL+ connects the “Challenger” directly with the student team working his or her challenge. Throughout the academic year, QL+ mentors, monitors, and supports this unique collaboration between the “Challenger” and the student team. At the conclusion of the academic year the student team formally presents the completed assistive device or modified hardware to the “Challenger” for use in their daily life. QL+ headquarters is in McLean, Virginia. Dedicated QL+ laboratories or “Maker Spaces” are located on-campus at Cal Poly and the Colorado School of Mines. Established QL+ programs also operate at Virginia Tech, the , Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of California at San Diego. Xavier University Student Veterans If you are living with obstacles and would like to have QL+ consider your Recruiter Spencer Rumley, Director “challenge”, contact Amber Humphrey, QL+ Midwest Program Manager, at Chris Klug, Commander Mike Donnelly, Amber Humphrey—QL+, Amber.Humphrey@ qlplus.org. Bob Abrams, Tom Schmitz

Comrades Connecting with the Community

Comrade Charlie Wilke Comrades Bob recently made Abrams and Ray two new friends, Frey are ready Rosie Red & “to work the Mr. Redlegs, crowd” at the at the St. Patrick’s Little Sister of Day Party at the the Poor Barrington of Rock-a-Thon Oakley. Danfundraiser Wilcox

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Information Corner VA Contact Information

Hamilton County Veterans’ Service Office To obtain a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release 230 E. 9th Street (9th & Sycamore) Cinti. OH or Discharge from Active Duty, visit Room 1100 (1st floor) 513.946.3300 https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-

VA Benefits: 800.827.1000 service-records#emergency Beneficiaries in receipt of Pension Benefits: 877.294.6380 Debt Management: 800.827.0648 Upcoming 2018 Education (GI Bill): 888.442.4551 HONOR FLIGHTS Health Care Benefits: 877.222.8387 Status of Headstones/Markers: April 17, May 22 800.697.6947 August 28, September 25 and October 23 Life Insurance: 800.669.8477 Comrade Bob Abrams, an Ambassador for Honor Flight Tri-State, has Telecommunications Device for the Deaf applications for anyone interested. He will help you complete your (TDD): 800.829.4833 application and deliver it to the appropriate people. He will also be your Special Issues—Gulf War / Agent Orange / contact to help facilitate the applications. Project Shad / Mustard Agents and Lewisite / The website below can provide you additional information Ionizing Radiation: 800.749.8387 www.honorflighttristate.org/applications.php

Local Veteran Service Officers Welcome our heroes home at the "“WELCOME HOME Rally"“ To assist you in filing a claim, contact one of the after each flight at CVG Airport following Veterans Service Officers directly: 8:15 p.m. / lower level of the terminal in the "Meet & Greet Area"  Jerry Fatora, 513.684.2661—VFW Veteran Everyone is welcome Service Office, 36 E. 7th St. Rm. 225 Cincinnati 45202 (Post 10380 Comrade) Hey, Have You Heard  Bill Burgin, 513.946.3300 — Hamilton County Veteran Service Office, address above This One?...from Larry  Mike Burgess, 812.537.8819 — Dearborn

County Veteran Service Office, 215 W. High St. “What do you call a Rm. 100, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 sleepwalking nun?” Veterans may use the services of any office in any county; you need not be a resident of that county. “A roamin’ Catholic.”

February/March Meeting Winners How Do I Join?

Attendance: Joe Augustine / Pete Rebold VFW Post 10380 always welcomes (donated back) Thanks, Pete! new members. Split-the-Pot: John Kramer / Pete Rebold Contact Ben Staubach 513.941.6868 or $100 Raffle: Pat McKenna / Jack Taphorn Mike Donnelly 513.675.4249 To all March & $50 Raffle: Pat McKenna / John Yoder for eligibility requirements. April Birthdays

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2018 Calendar of Annual Events

January February March Reminders 9 Harrison’s Tomb 26 Flag Retirement 11 Four Chaplains Ceremony Memorial Service at 17 30th Anniversary Illness & Bereavement St. Boniface Church Dinner Dance Comrades, if you April May June or your spouse are admitted to a 4 Memorial Day Golf 8 Family Kite Fly at 10 CruiseIn at Christine’s Cincinnati area Outing at Aston Oaks Veterans Park 26/27 Poppy Days hospital, 12 CruiseIn at Christine’s Fundraiser Dent Kroger 14 CruiseIn at Christine’s please contact: 21 Cars & Courage Car 28 Post 10380 Memorial Ben Staubach 513.941.6868 or Show — Diamond Day Ceremony Al Vetter 513.668.0813 Oaks 28 Cheviot Memorial Parade

July August September Funeral Service

3 Green Township 9 CruiseIn at Christine’s 6 Harvest Home Parade If you would like our Post July 4th Celebration 16 Grill-Out/Post Meeting 13 CruiseIn at Christine’s Honor Guard to conduct a at Kuliga Park VFW ceremony at a 25 Green Township Kids’ funeral service, please 12 CruiseIn at Christine’s Fun Day at Veterans contact Bob Abrams Park 513.609.6379

October November December

6 Flag Retirement 10/11 Post 10380 Veterans 7 Green Township Newsletter You can also view it in Ceremony Day Ceremony Family Winterfest color on our website 4 Cheviot Veterans 2 Pearl Harbor www.vfw10380.org Post 10380 Annual Parade Remembrance Raffle tickets available Ceremony Community Veterans For additional information on Day Ceremonies TBA VAMC Christmas services or programs, or Reminder: Annual Dues T-Shirt Distribution to be added to or removed from this mailing, contact Mike Donnelly Monthly: 2nd Thursday, 5:30 pm—Cruise-In at Christine’s, April through September 513.675.4249 or 3rd Thursday, 7:30 pm—Post 10380 Meeting at Nathanael Greene Lodge email to vfwpost10380 @gmail.com

Post 10380 Officers Commander: Judge Advocate Service Officer Mike Donnelly Don Willwerth Peter Rebold Senior Vice-Commander Chaplain Trustee 1 Year Dan Wilcox Bob Abrams Roger Sand Junior Vice-Commander Surgeon Trustee 2 Year Jim Jansen Donnie Becker Larry Chuma Officer of the Day Quartermaster Ron Kelly Trustee 3 Year Tom Schmitz Guard Jim Stangetti Adjutant Bill Soto Illness & Bereavement Charlie Wilke Membership Ben Staubach Ben Staubach Al Vetter

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Green Township Post 10380 NONPROFIT ORG Veterans of Foreign Wars US POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT # 5930 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the secu- The Marine Corps is often first on the rity of the United States and its re- ground in combat situations. sources.

The Navy defends the right to travel and The U. S. Air Force protects Ameri- trade freely on the world’s oceans and can interests at home and abroad with protects national interests overseas. a focus on air power.

The Coast Guard protects America’s waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime.

www.vfw10380.org