DON REA VFW POST 8846
1061 WITHAM RD.
MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN 49445
MAY NEWSLETTER
COMMANDERS MESSAGE --- LARRY SULLIVAN
Hello, everyone, Happy Mother’s Day, Memorial Day is almost upon us the Post will be in the Laketon Township parade again this year 10:00 kick off as usual. We will need volunteers for May 16 to put flags at Laketon Township cemetery. With a sad note we will say goodbye to Lifetime members Jake Wabindato and Art Hughey you will be missed. The Post will be open to the Public Sunday May 24 Memorial Day Weekend; we will be selling Hamburg and Hotdogs that day if you would like to help let me know. The 4th of July next year will mark our country’s 250-year anniversary that would be a good time to show our Patriotism.
The calendar is still open for activities so please submit any request to the House Committee. A reminder we are capped to a $200.00 limit to pay for entertainment at the post. As we move forward, continue supporting the activities we have at the Post. Volunteers are our most precious commodity. The Hall and Kitchen areas are off limits to members and guests when events are not scheduled. I encourage you to lend the Post assistance when needed. Fun fact May 5 Cinco De Mayo, May 12 Fly a Kite Day, and May 16 Armed Forces Day. We are looking for a couple of volunteers that can help with Pull Tabs on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you are interested, please contact Dave Jones at 231-206-1925. To make your voice heard attend our monthly meetings to help make the Post a better place. Thank You Thank You
AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS MESSAGE --- DEBBIE (DEE JAY) TOMPKINS
Thank you to all who donated goods for the "Bake Sale" and for the 50/50 Raffle. These events would not be possible without your support. The election of VFW Auxiliary Officers was held during the April meeting. Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Officers. Happy Mothers Day to all Mothers, Grandmothers and to all those who embody the love of Mothers. Memorial Day is coming up. Please remember those that have served. They shall never be forgotten.
BE A LEADER ON MEMORIAL DAY: "On May 25th, the nation will observe a sacred day for Veterans and their advocates. Memorial Day is not simply a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer - it is a day to remind all Americans of the tremendous cost of freedom. As a Veteran and leader of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, I carry the loss of my fellow Veterans with deep respect and responsibility". Commander-In-Chief, Carol Whitmore
MAY EVENTS AND MEETING SCHEDULE:
BURGER NIGHT: Tuesday, May 12th, from 4:30 - 7:00 PM
AUXILIARY MEETING: Wednesday, May 13th, at 7:00 PM
HOUSE MEETING: Wednesday, May 20th, at 6:30 PM
POST MEETING: Wednesday, May 20th, at 7:30 PM
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION: Sunday May 24th, from 2:00 - 8:00 PM.
JACOB "JAKE" WABINDATO FUNERAL INFO: Saturday, May 2nd, 11;00 at Living Life Church, 2175 Marquette Ave. A visitation / Luncheon will be held at VFW Post 8846 from 1:00 - 4;00 following the service.
BLOOD DRIVE: Monday, May 18th, from Noon to 6:00 PM. For an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code DONREAVFW or call 1-800-733-2767.
SAVE THE DATE:
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Saturday, July 4th, from 2:00 - 10:00 PM. More information to follow.
LENTEN PERCH DINNERS: Our Perch Dinners were once again a tremendous success. Not only was the Perch cooked to perfection but we also enjoyed having the Girl Scout Cookie Sale, the Auxiliaries Bake Sale and on our final night we enjoyed those "Famous Doo Drop Onion Rings". A special thanks to Karen Williams crew of Rick Policha, Gayle Delong, Marietta LaLonde, Phil & Kathy Stead, Dave Postlewait, Matt Bosworth, Gina Butzow, Char Clements, Tim Knapp, Marty Davis, and the Onion Ring crew of Jeanne Siegel, Dawn Bishop, Patty Melvin and Barb Pflaum.
DINNER IDEAS: If you have an idea or an urge to do a "Pop-Up Dinner" this year we still have room on the calendar. Fill out an "Event Sheet" and we will be happy to get you scheduled.
CANTEEN BRIEFS:
Fridays: $.50 off drinks if wearing 8846 Red Shirt Friday apparel.
12" Pizzas available daily for $6.00
MEMBERS AND GUESTS
You are responsible for cleaning up after yourselves and your guests when visiting the Post. Glasses, trash, spilled drinks, messes on the floor, etc. are all YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to clean up. Drink glasses should be returned to the Bar near the well station so the Bartenders can properly take care of them. Our Bartenders should not have to spend extra time at the end of their shift to clean up after members.
HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Our 2520 SF hall with a capacity of 210 is available to rent for all occasions. The 418 SF Kitchen and LED Sign may also be negotiated for your event. Contact the Post at 231-744-1018 for avail able dates and more information. For scheduling and rental information please contact Dawn Bishop at 231-557-1628.
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL
Members and guests are reminded that acts of Sexual Harassment, Racial or Sexual Discrimination, and all other conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline or conduct to be determined to be unbecoming of a member or guest will not be condoned. In general, harassment and discrimination consists of any form of verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that is sufficiently and / or pervasive enough to have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Any reports of disrespect and/or verbal abuse from any Post, Auxiliary Member or guests will be dealt with suspension or termination of privileges.
LAST CALL
When Bartenders give "Last Call", it's "Last Call" for EVERYTHING, including drinks, Pull Tabs and Keno. Plan accordingly as you will be expected to cash out before the Bartender locks up. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
PLEASE HELP US REMAIN COMPLIANT
Guests are welcome at the Post, but please remember that ONLY MEMBERS OF THE POST CAN PURCHASE ALCOHOL. IF YOU ARE NOT A CARD CARRYING MEMBER OF POST 8846, YOU ARE CONSIDERED A GUEST. All guests are required to sign the "Guest Book" upon entering the Canteen. This rule is in compliance with our Liquor License and all Bartenders have been instructed on strict enforcement and will help us maintain compliance with State Regulations.
"QUOTE FOR THE MONTH"
"MOST PEOPLE DON'T LEARN UNTIL LIFE HITS THEM SO HARD THEY HAVE NO CHOICE".
CANTEEN HOURS
Sunday 2:00 PM-8:00 PM
Monday 2:00 PM-9:00 PM
Tuesday 2:00 PM-11:00 PM
Wednesday 2:00 PM-11:00 PM
Thursday 2:00 PM-11:00 PM
Friday 2:00 PM-12:00 AM
Saturday 2:00 PM-12:00 AM
POST OFFICERS
Lawrence Sullivan - Commander
Steve Allen- Senior Vice
Ryan Sawyer - Junior Vice
Rod Siegel - Adjutant
Rod Siegel - Quartermaster
Steve Allen - Judge Advocate
Darrell VanFossan - Chaplain
Lawrence Sullivan - Surgeon
Andrew Maycroft - Officer of the Day
Joe Kemp - Benefits Advisor
Art Helmer - Guard
POST TRUSTEES
1 Year - Andrew Maycroft, 2 Year - Chuck Sweet, 3 Year - Ernie Addicott
HOUSE COMMITTEE
Commander - Lawrence Sullivan
Quartermaster - Rod Siegel
1 Year - Steve Holm
2 Year - Nathan Denman
3 Year - Mark Altenburg
Aux. Rep. - Marty Davis
AUXILIARY OFFICERS
Auxiliary President - Dawn Bishop
Senior Vice - Dee Jay Tompkins
Junior Vice - Janell Sawyer
Treasurer - Barb Wabindato
Secretary - Vacant
Chaplain - Jan Chapman
Patriotic Instructor - Carol Tompkins
Conductress - Marietta Lalonde
Guard - Debbie Eslick
AUXILIARY TRUSTEES
1 Year - Marty Davis, 2 Year - Stacey Denman, 3 Year - Christi Kosheba
