Fisher's Peak Post 984

vote in honor of a vet

2006-10-03T11:06:00.000-06:00

An article in the Life after 50 had information regarding "saluting a vet when you vote." The website is govotecolorado.com or http://www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=546

Cripple Creek Salute to American Vets

2006-07-22T20:08:00.000-06:00

Salute to American Vets
Salute to American Vets (daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.)
This is by far the largest event in Cripple Creek and the 7th largest Vet / Motorcycle rally in the United States. Over 150 vendors line not only the main street of Cripple Creek but also the side streets and virtually everywhere in town. You can shop for anything from a rare motorcycle to many Veteran memorabilia. Friday is a black tie reception and dinner to honor Veterans that will be attending the event. On Saturday theres the largest military parade of the season and following the parade is a procession of over 8,000 motorcycles. When all is said and done Cripple Creek will have around 60,000 spectators and 10,000 motorcycles. Sunday will feature a concert and other events as well as the great shopping.
For more information contact Pro-Promotions @ 719-487-8005

The Site

2006-06-27T10:53:00.000-06:00

A display at the Walsenburg.

Flag Day 2006

2006-06-15T16:52:00.000-06:00

Flag day was yesterday. Uneventful from some points of view but from a veteran's diary, it was very good. So much to log. For the flag ceremony the post and Boy Scouts were concerned that the wind might be too strong to allow a ceremony to take place, but the Trinidad Fire Department said to go for it.
The Ceremony was lead by the Boy Scouts (9 in total) with the help of the VFW post 984 with 9 members involved. There were also a number of observers and members of the fire department on hand. With the post bugle playing in the background taps for the flags that were being retired, it was a somber moment. As the ceremony came to an end each person was allowed to retire a small flag. Good stuff. Thanks to all that participated.

Earlier in the day I headed down to the Walsenburg Veterans Home with a load of books and hats. Had a chance to talk to Sherri about the needs of the home. Books with large print is needed. Many of us have books that we want to donate but with the small print, well it makes it difficult for the residents to read them. I am looking for those large sheet magnifiers to assist in the reading of the text. The residents also like magazines but are selective. Now something I did not know but it is against state laws to provide residents magazines that are older than 3 months. Oops, I guess all those aviation and golf magazines were bad for the folk. The magazines that are enjoyed are sports, fishing, hunting and military or service magazines. The home does have some subscriptions but not enough to go around.

What else is useful? Socks, stationary, and some craft items. Oh, yea the ball caps were good to have also. Make sure they are clean if used. Need to find some sources for caps and hats to provide the folk there.
Now I am going to assune that the other homes have the same criteria but call before heading out.

Important info on ID fraud

2006-06-11T22:12:00.000-06:00

Dear Military.com Member,

As you may know, data was stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This data contained identifying information on up to 26.5 million veterans and spouses, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and some disability ratings.

At this time, we encourage you to be vigilant and monitor your financial accounts to protect yourself against identity theft. We have put together the following information to help you:

Read the latest from the Department of Veteran Affairs

Important FAQs
· What happened at VA and how does it affect me?
· How do I know if information on me was stolen?
· What should I do to protect myself?
· What should I do if I detect a problem with any of my accounts?
Additional articles and resources:
· Protect Yourself Against ID Theft
· Identity Theft: What if Your Info is Stolen?
Free Credit Reports
· www.experian.com
· www.AnnualCreditReport.com
· or call: 1-877-322-8228
Identity Guard has recently announced veterans affected by the recent data theft can have 6 months of Fraud Protection Service free. To learn more about this offer, go to www.fraudprotect.com
At Military.com, we have taken great strides to safeguard member information. We will continue to keep you informed on this situation as it develops.

Thank You,

Military.com

Flag retirement. Ceremony

2006-06-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

The Post is sponsoring a flag retirement ceremony on Flag day at 6.00 pm (1800). Watch for posting of the location.
Sent via BlackBerry from EarthLink Wireless.

Mannheim Steamroller and the VFW

2006-05-31T21:18:00.000-06:00

News Release
Contact:
Mike Gormalley
Senior Director, VFW Foundation
(816) 968-1154
Beginning May 15, 2006 and running through July 31, 2006, American Gramaphone and Mannheim Steamroller will feature a special offer to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members and supporters during the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday season.
American Spirit, the CD from Mannheim Steamroller that celebrates the splendor of the United States and features new recordings of patriotic songs, will be on sale at http://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/ for a special price of $9.98 (a $15.98 value) + shipping and handling cost ($4.50).
A portion of the purchase price will be donated to the VFW Foundation for the VFW's Military Assistance Program (MAP) and Veterans Service Program. Additionally, for each American Spirit CD sold, Mannheim Steamroller will also donate one additional American Spirit CD to VFW MAP to distribute to military service members and their families.
Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller composer/creator said, "We are excited about working with the VFW Foundation and the Military Assistance Program. The donation is our way of thanking the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and their families for all of their sacrifices."
Celebrate this patriotic time of year by purchasing your Mannheim Steamroller CD today. And please forward this email to a friend to help raise even more money for our deserving troops and veterans.

Be a chatter box. Enjoy free PC-to-PC calls with Yahoo! Messenger with Voice.

RED

2006-01-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Subject: Red

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday--and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV--let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is
covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is "We need your support and your prayers."

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
IF YOU AGREE, THEN SEND THIS ON. IF YOU DON'T, THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED--SO WEAR RED! MAY GOD HELP AMERICA TO BECOME ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.

a visual of freedom at work

2005-12-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

a couple of photos that came to me from a student.

Finding the job

2005-11-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

in a recent publication i received an article was posted regarding the search for jobs. The title "the department of labor's electronic tools" provides some links that will be useful for a vet, student, and those looking for a new venture.
I am not going to rewrite the article but list the links the article provided.
The DoD job search site is http://dod.jobsearch.org If you are a chapter 31, then you can use http://dva.jobsearch.org/.
If you are a military spouse, then visit www.militaryspousejobsearch.org

Of course anyone can visit the sites to get some G-2 on the job market.

Happy Veterans Day!

2005-11-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who sacrifice to keep our freedom, and prayers that we use it wisely.

Happy Veteran's Day!!!!

If I get this 100 times, I will continue to forward it to others in the hopes that they will do the same. We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be eternally grateful.

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease..

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops
Show Your Support Send This Page Along Today

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and

Say a prayer for our servicemen. There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just send this to all the people in your address book. Do not stop the wheel, please.... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Prayer is the very best one.

Veterans' Day

2005-11-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

A celebration for all veterans.
Sent via BlackBerry from EarthLink Wireless.

Veterans' Day 2005

2005-11-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Friday, November 11 the nation will again celebrate Veterans Day with a federal holiday and plenty of sales. We have become a nation that views holidays as a time to bolster the bottom line of businesses.
But we need to think about the bottom line of our national security and safety and how we have the freedoms we have today. Our veterans put a lot on the line and still do supporting the values of the USA.
Thank a vet.

Looking after our aging veterans

2005-10-13T12:53:00.000-06:00

Went to the Walsenburg VA home this last weekend. Decided to clean out the magazine rack and book shelf of items no longer needed. Spoke with a fellow member of the post and we discussed the concerns that many of these folk end up there with no one close by. That is sad.
As a post and fellow veterans, we need to make a point to visit our forerunners of freedom.

The post email

2005-08-31T16:51:00.000-06:00

The email for the Fisher's Peak post is vfwpost984@yahoo.com and send your comments or questions there.

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Post is preparing for County Fair

2005-08-31T16:45:00.000-06:00

The post will be setting up the cover as part of the county fair activities 1-5 September. The booth will have some limited items for sale and have information regarding supporting the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Right now we are sponsoring a unit in Iraq.
The goal is to send boxes of items that would be considered comfort items.
Here is a site that provides some information regarding what can be sent overseas: http://www.operationmilitarypride.org/packages.html.
Contact a member of the post for additional information.

hoaxes and such

2005-08-19T17:52:00.000-06:00

During this time of military history that is before us, we find ourselves getting hooked into some wonderful stories only to find out that they are not true. That can be very frustrating. Some of the ways that we can ensure we don't get snookered is to compare the email letter to those listed in http://www.truthorfiction.com/ and then of course http://hoaxbusters.org/.
Before forwarding that story, check it out.

The new movie

2005-08-12T15:56:00.000-06:00

The Great Raid has been released this week. Now I have not seen it but I plan to. The reviews by conserative news groups have nothing but great things to say about this rescue effort during WWII. Hopefully as individuals view this film they will post their opinions.
If this part of Military history is interesting to you, consider obtaining a copy of Oliver North's book regarding the history of the Pacific war. Gave a copy to my Dad for Christmas last and he really enjoyed reading it.

Real heroes of WW II - but a hoax

2005-08-11T10:03:00.000-06:00

I don’t have all the facts on this to confirm if this is all true – but what can I say!!!!!! - update - this is a hoax. Darn it all......

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 as age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27.) It reminded me of the following story.

Some people have been a bit offended that the actor Lee Marvin is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC).Nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time; why the heck does he rate burial with these guys?

Well, following is the amazing answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent of his Corps experiences. In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear-echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher Naval award . . . the Medal of Honor. If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

Dialog from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson:

His guest was Lee Marvin. Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima . . . and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded."

"Yeah, yeah . . . I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting' shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew . . . we both got the cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than his own life. That sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the sergeant and he said," where'd they get you, Lee?"

"Well, Bob . . . if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!"

”Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew. The sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo."

On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr.Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat. After the war, Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm. America's real heroes don't flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy.

Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened. Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers.

Greetings Comrades

2005-08-10T17:05:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the blog of the VFW Post 984. Your comments are welcome and we want to hear from you. You can post photos and links on here to keep friends and comrades informed.