November Newsletter

- 11/1/2025

 

DON REA VFW POT 8846
1061 WITHAM RD.
MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN 49445
 
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 
 
COMMANDERS MESSAGE --- LARRY SULLIVAN
   Hello, everyone, welcome to November I hope all had a fun Halloween. The first frost are here so far, we have had some awesome fall weather. I would like to thank all our volunteers for working on our successful Burger Night and the Pulled Pork and Brisket dinner. We are allowed 12 Open Liquor License per year so far we only have use 3 to date lets come up with ideas for next year to show the public our Canteen and what we are about. 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 – November 11 is Veterans Day and the 27 is Thanksgiving Day Canteen is closed this day. Have a great month and look forward to seeing everyone. To make your voice heard attend our monthly meetings to help make the Post a better place. Thank You 

AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS MESSAGE --- DEBBIE (DEE JAY) TOMPKINS 
   Thank you to all who donated candy for the Post Kids Halloween Party. The kids had a great time. We also appreciated your generosity and support from volunteers who helped at the party. Without your help and involvement parties and other events would not be possible. Team work really makes the dream work. The Auxiliary will be having a "Bake Sale" on November 21st during the Fish Fry. Donations of baked goods would be greatly appreciated. The Post Kid's Christmas Party is December 13th, 1 - 3 PM. This party is for children & grandchildren affiliated with our Post & Auxiliary only for kids 0-12. A sign up sheet will be in the Canteen on November 24th to December 6th. Thanks again for your support.
 
IN MEMORY: It is my sad duty to announce that the "Angel of Death" has removed Keith Danhof from our ranks. Keith passed away October 10, 2025 at the age of 81 as a "Life Member" of our Post. Keith served his Country in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a Military Policeman and as a Door Gunner aboard a Huey Helicopter. To his wife Pat, children Jennifer, Kerri and Jeff and their families we extend our deepest sympathy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 NOVEMBER EVENTS AND MEETING SCHEDULE:
 VETERANS APPRECIATION DINNER: Sunday, November 9th, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
 BURGER NIGHT: Tuesday, November 11th from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.
 AUXILIARY MEETING: Wednesday, November 12th, beginning at 7:00 PM.
 HOUSE COMMITTEE Meeting: Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30 PM.
 POST MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Wednesday, November 19th at 7:30 PM.
 PERCH DINNER: Friday, November 21st, from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.
 AUXILIARY BAKE SALE: Friday, November 21st beginning at 4:30 PM.
 THANKSGIVING: Thursday, November 27th. POST CLOSED
 
BLOOD DRIVE: Monday, November 24th, 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:
BLOOD DRIVE: Monday, December 8th, from Noon - 6:00 PM.
BURGER NIGHT: Tuesday, December 9th, from 4:30 - 7:00 PM.
KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY: Saturday, December 13th, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.
CHRISTMAS DAY: POST CLOSED.
LIFE LINE SCREENING: Wednesday, January 21st, from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
 
VETERANS APPRECIATION DINNER:
The Auxiliary will be sponsoring their annual "Veterans Appreciation Dinner" on Sunday, November 9th, at 5:00 PM. Dinner will include Roast Beef / Pork, Mashed Potatoes / Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Dinner Roll and Dessert. The Dinner is free to Veteran Members of Post 8846 only. Cost for a spouse is $12.00. Please RSVP to Kathy Smith at 231-744-5255 by November 2nd.
 
VETERANS SALUTE:
Muskegon Community College is sponsoring a "Veterans Salute" on Tuesday, November 11th, at the MCC Health & Wellness Center at 2:30 PM honoring all Veterans who served. A Rifle Salute, Taps, Veterans Speakers & Refreshments will be offered to all Veterans.
 
ALL AMERICAN COMMANDERS HONORED:
Congratulations to our Past Commander, David L. Jones, for being recognized in the recent VFW Magazine, as an "All American Commander" during the 2024-2025 year for our Post 8846.

CANTEEN BRIEFS: 
The Canteen will open at 1:00 PM for NFL Football on Sundays November 2nd and November 23rd.
Fridays: $.50 off drinks if wearing 8846 Red Shirt Friday apparel.
12" Pizzas available daily for $6.00
  
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.

WELCOME VETERANS BOARDS 
These colorful displays feature your branch of service that would highlight your front porch. They are on display in the Canteen with a sign-up sheet available for your order for only $30.00. For further information please contact Laura Karafa at 231-329-2998.

 "QUOTE FOR THE MONTH"   
   "When asked why Notre Dame had lost a game: "I won't know until my Barber tells me on Monday" --- Knute Rockne ---
  
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
Gary White - 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 - Service Officer
Art Helmer - Guard
 
POST TRUSTEES
1 Year - Ernie Addicott, 2 Year - Andrew Maycroft, 3 Year - Chuck Sweet.
 
HOUSE COMMITTEE
Commander - Lawrence Sullivan
Quartermaster - Rod Siegel
1 Year - Rick Vanamburg
2 Year - Steve Holm
3 Year - Nathan Denman
Aux. Rep. - Marty Davis
 
AUXILIARY OFFICERS
Auxiliary President - Debbie Tompkins
Senior Vice - Lynn Samuels
Junior Vice - Lois Klinger
Treasurer - Barb Wabindato
Secretary - Dawn Bishop
Chaplain - Jan Chapman
Patriotic Instructor - Carol Tompkins
Conductress - Marietta Lalonde 
Guard - Debbie Eslick 
 
AUXILIARY TRUSTEES
1 Year - Bev Dykema, 2 Year - Linda Witham, 3 Year - Marty Davis