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- Volume 18, Number 6 - 7 December 2011 - January 2012

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Veterans of Foreign Wars

John Lyon Post #3150

2116 North 19

Street

Arlington VA 22201

703-525-0108/fax 703-525-8055

http://www.vfw3150.org

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The John Lyon Gazette: Winner of 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Clair B. Poff Public

Relations Award for Outstanding Newsletter, and Winner of National Awards for 2010, 2011

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,

and a Happy New Year!

From all the Members of

John Lyon VFW Post 3150 and the Auxiliaries,

our very best wishes for the Holidays.

From The Commander:

Dear friends, No pressure… but by the time you sit down to read this, there will be fewer than 30 shopping days

left till Christmas! And the New Year will be just around the corner, laden with hopes of a better year for us all.

As we look forward to the new year, I invite you to take a quick glance back at these past six months and tally

up what the Post has accomplished thus far: membership stands right around 95% and all scheduled reports

have been duly submitted. The Post has supported the Arlington Base Ball Little League, the Boy Scouts, the

Cub Scouts, the Arlington Soccer Association, the AF JROTC, the Voice of Democracy, the Patriot’s Pen, the

National Home for Children, and the VFW’s National Military Service program. The Post celebrated the Army

– Marine – Navy – Air Force, and Coast Guard birthdays, the Nation’s birthday, the Post’s, the Ladies

Auxiliary’s, the Men’s Auxiliary’s and the VFW’s birthdays. Post members have participated in highway

cleanups, hospital visits, Buddy Poppy and membership recruiting drives. The Post observed remembrance

ceremonies for POW/MIA Day, Patriot Day (9/11), Purple Heart Day, the end of WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam

War. This is just a short partial list but no doubt you get the idea.

To be sure, there’ll be plenty of things to do in 2012. But as with any team effort, the more team members

available - the easier it is to get the job done. So if there’s an event or activity you’d like to get involved in, just

let us know and we’ll pull up a chair for you.

On that note I’d like to recognize some of the people that quietly help keep the Post going strong. Next time you

see them, join me in saying thanks to: Gary Woods and Mike McCartney for keeping the main room’s floor

looking great! Say thanks to Connie, Lola, Karen and Charlene for participating in November’s Buddy Poppy

drive (which helps sustain our Post’s Relief Fund), and to Doc and Cathy for braving the elements and

recruiting up at Ft Myer. Say thanks to Dennis, Wauleah, Walt, Lola, Jay and Mike for helping with

September’s hospital visit. Also say thanks to Fuzzy, Mike and Gary for helping with October’s highway

cleanup.

And a very special and personal thanks to John Lundquist who takes the time and regularly participates in our

activities. So far this year he’s taken part in the Memorial Day ceremonies, the hospital visits, and the highway

cleanups. John is also a regular at the House Committee and the Post monthly meetings. We would all do well

to emulate the zeal and dedication displayed by John. Oh, by the way, he was 86 on his last birthday in April!

I’m sure that Santa and his helpers will make many a child happy with plenty of toys, balls and bicycles these

holidays. So let’s be extra careful and on the lookout for the ‘little ones’ as we’re driving about.

May St Nick fill your stockings with everything you need, and even some of the stuff you want!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Feliz Navidad, Happy Holidays, and

a Happy New Year to all!

Yours in comradeship,

Nelson Betancourt, Commander

John Lyon – VFW Post 3150

“Relinquishing the benefits of doing what you want to do and instead doing what you must do is at the crux of

service to the community”. Col Jack Jacobs, US Army, Medal of Honor Recipient

From the President of the Ladies

Auxiliary:

Dear Comrades and Auxiliary Members:

I am writing this in November for December and

January. Today, the New Year seems so far away.

There are so many things left to do this year;

prepare & deliver the Thanksgiving food baskets to

the USO families; organize and prepare Christmas

food baskets and Christmas party for the families

and their children; prepare for the Hospital visit. As

always, review the calendar on the back of this

Newsletter to see where you might want to help.

Thank you in advance to those who do the work.

Many members give up their time to make these

activities very special.

Arnold Dixon, Service Officer, VFW 3150, and I

are going to start visiting Homeless Shelters to

address the needs of our Veterans. Doesn't that just

punch you in the stomach that a Veteran is

homeless? It hurts that anyone is homeless. I took

notes while he was talking to me about the obstacles

that the Veteran and the Shelters face. It sounds

like a humongous task to undertake, however, one

step-at-a-time is better than no-steps-at-all. Every

effort we make will make a difference. We would

welcome your help in this process.

Being a member of the Post, Ladies Auxiliary and

Men's Auxiliary is all about help. You visit the

Post, you have a meal, you pay, you leave a tip, you

place a donation in the Buddy Poppy Can, you

renew your dues, you pay someone else's dues.

Those motions make a difference and the money

goes in many different directions for the good.

Being a member of either group helps. Being active

at our Post is your choice. You are welcome in any

capacity. The most important thing to remember is

helping our Veterans. You either joined because

you are a Veteran or you want to help the Veteran.

There certainly are many ways to reach out to them,

check out www.vfwvaaux.org. My wish is that you

find a program that touches you and you step up and

make a difference.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, come visit

the Post over the Holidays, please don't be alone.

Remember our Service Personnel and their families,

and pray for their continued Safety. Let's hit the

ground running in January and make a difference.

See you soon.

Lola D. Kane, President, Ladies Auxiliary 3150

PS: New Years Resolution: Recruit, Recruit,

and Recruit

From the President of the Men’s

Auxiliary:

Holiday Greetings from the President of the Men’s

Auxiliary,

Well, it’s that time of year again to spend quality

time with our family, friends, and neighbors and to

spread some Holiday cheer. Break out the eggnog,

candy canes, dust off those decorations, and let’s

celebrate the season and the New Year!

We are all very busy this time of year but each of us

needs to take a few moments to reflect back on our

year; praise your accomplishments and learn from

the events that you wished had a different outcome.

How did this year stack up with those in the past?

If it was a heck of a good year, pat yourself on the

back. If not, think of ways to make 2012 a better

year. We all need to occasionally reassess

ourselves and what better time to do that when we

are surrounded by the ones we love and endear.

It is also a time to reflect on those friends and

family that passed from our lives. The John Lyon

family lost some very special patriots in 2011 and

they will be sorely missed. For me, I recall two

such members who touched my heart in special

ways with their kindness and caring. Take a few

moments to praise them and keep them in your

thoughts in the upcoming year. They all favorably

impacted many lives in many ways and we each

have much to learn from their good deeds and

caring.

And let us never forget the sacrifice of our valiant

soldiers at home and abroad. We owe them and the

ones who answered the call before them our most

sincere respect and gratitude. The sacrifices they

make every day often go unnoticed but without their

ever-vigilant efforts, our country would not be the

greatest nation in the world. Many soldiers can’t be

home to celebrate the season with their families so

the rest of us need to step up to the plate and extend

ourselves to their families and embrace them during

the holidays and throughout the year. Many of us

know how difficult a holiday season can be

spending time away from your family and loved

ones. Think of ways you can extend yourself to

those families that are separated from their soldiers

this season. It will go a very long way in making

their season a little brighter.

The Men’s Auxiliary is looking forward to

participating in all the Christmas activities planned

at the Post this year. The USO Christmas party will

surely be a very special event again this year. I’ll

never forget what a good time the kids had last year

at the Christmas Party. It was a very happy event

for all…and that is the true spirit of the Holiday

Season. Give back something of yourself to those

that need a little help along the way. Isn’t that why

we are all part of the John Lyon family?

I want to remind all the Post membership and

friends that the Men’s and Lady’s Auxiliaries will

be hosting a Fund Raiser Dinner on January 14,

2012 from 4 – 7 PM. The menu has not yet been

finalized but we are considering serving stuffed

pork chops with all the fixings’. Keep your eyes

open for the table display ad and sign up sheet at the

canteen. Also note that the Auxiliaries conduct

these fund raiser dinners to help support many

worthwhile charities and organizations. We

sincerely appreciate your participation in the fund

raiser dinners as your contribution helps us to help

others. Plus you get the added benefit of dining

with friends and eating a very tasty meal. Please

consider joining us and don’t forget to invite your

family and friends. The dinner is open to all who

want to attend.

Finally, as the spokesperson for the Men’s

Auxiliary, I want to extend our most sincere

Holiday greetings to all the John Lyon family and

friends. We hope that all of you have a safe and

festive season. HO-HO-HO!!!

Mike Lowe (Red), President, Men’s Auxiliary, John

Lyon Post #3150

From Your Post Service Officer:

Arnold Dixon

Handling Stress, continued

Last month we covered the necessity to recognize and

handle stress; this month some thoughts on ways to

handle it.

Things to think about:

* Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon,

and some days you're the statue!

* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in

case you have to eat them.

* Always read stuff that will make you look good if

you die in the middle of it.

* Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be

recalled by their Maker.

* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to

be vague.

* If you lend someone $20 and never see that

person again, it was probably worth it.

* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply

to serve as a warning to others.

* Never buy a car you can't push.

* The second mouse gets the cheese.

* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same

time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up

and dance.

* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the

bird, sleep late.

* When everything's coming your way, you're in the

wrong lane.

* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have,

the longer you live.

* You may be only one person in the world, but you

may also be the world to one person.

* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are

sharp, some are pretty and some are dull, some have

weird names and all are different colors, but they all

live in the same box.

* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the

scenery on a detour.

* Save the earth.....It's the only planet with

chocolate !

Pig Roast to Benefit Toys for Tots

The Post will host a pig roast on Saturday, 10

December from 4 to 7 pm. The only cost will be a

$5 donation to Toys for Tots for the US Marine

Corps program for underprivileged children. A box

will also be available the week before for those who

prefer to donate new unwrapped toys. Those who

wish to donate an additional amount may make

checks out to "Toys for Tots". With their

purchasing power, this is often a better way to

contribute as the Marines can obtain more toys per

dollar donated. Those unable to attend Saturday

night are invited to the Sunday morning brunch the

next day, when the Marines will be invited about

noon to accept the toys and donations collected.

Welcome to Our New Members

Welcome to new Post members Jeffrey Duvall

(Army – Vietnam), Michael Falls (Army –

GWOTEM), Pat Haggerty (USMC – Iraq), Thomas

Harper (Army – Afghanistan), Bryan Heiss (Navy –

Iraq), Douglas Jackson (Army – Desert Storm),

Ethan Jones (Army – Desert Storm/Iraq), Ray List

(USMC - Iraq), Sabrina Nagel (USAF – Korea

Service GWOTEM), William Morales (USAF -

Afghanistan) (Life), Matthew R. Sasse (USMC –

Bosnia/Iraq/AfghanistanX3/Korea), Gustavo

Sequeira-Mercado (Army – Iraq), Jason Torpy

(Army – Iraq) (Life Trans), Allen Watts (Army –

Afghanistan/GWOTEM); and new Ladies Auxiliary

member Patricia Bowers, all whose paperwork is

complete and who were elected at the November

meetings.

Children’s Christmas Party

The annual Christmas Party for children of junior

enlisted personnel at Fort Myer is scheduled for 11

am to 1 pm on Saturday, 17 December. Santa and

Mrs Claus are expected as special guests. Come

down and join in the fun! Santa’s helpers are always

needed. Anyone who would like Santa to give their

child a toy, please bring one with you and place it

under the Christmas tree for presentation. The Post

will also prepare Christmas food baskets for these

same families on Friday, 16 December at 7:30 pm.

Heard a Good Rumor Lately?

The gossip mill is alive and wreaking havoc again.

You remember the old telephone game of passing

info from one to another and how the ending story

bears little resemblance to the one at the beginning?

Don’t pass along things which are likely changed

from the truth and hurt someone / something else as

well as making you a gossip. Before saying it,

check with the Commander or the individual to see

if it is true. Or just keep it to yourself!

Christmas Hospital Visit

The yearly Christmas visit to the VA Hospital

Nursing Home in Washington, DC is scheduled for

Saturday, 3 December. John Lyon members (and

Santa) will meet at the Post Home about 8:15 am

and proceed to the hospital to distribute fresh fruit

and other goodies for the residents. You are

encouraged to join in this most rewarding event and

help bring a smile to the faces of our veterans at the

home.

Life Membership Drawing Winners

We missed getting this story in last month’s

newsletter and some of you are wondering about the

results. Our apologies.

Congratulations to the following winners of the

Life Membership drawings held at the Early Bird

Dinner in October.

Group A (>70): Ray Baird, Arlington, VA

Group B (61-70): Richard Daley, Alexandria, VA

Group C (51-60): Karen Komar, Alexandria, VA

Group D (41-50): Dewey Carter, Falls Church, VA

Group E (31-40): Andrew Palisin, Rockville, MD

Group F (<31): Grant Vaught, Ft Myer, VA

Auxiliaries Dinner

The Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries will hold a dinner

on 14 January from 4 – 7 pm. Menu possibly

stuffed pork chops, but exact details are still to be

worked out, so check with the Post early next

month.

A John Lyon Hello …

To Walt Landry recovering from a recent illness. To

the many members who helped out around the Post

and made Veterans Day 2011 a memorable occasion

for our many members and guests from across the

country. And to the “John Lyon Team” of Scott

Clendaniel and Michael Hoffman, Peter East,

Richard Hoffman, and Belle Woods who all

completed either the 26 mile or 10K courses at the

Marine Corps Marathon.

Scout of the Year

Scout of the Year: Any Eagle Scout, Girl Scout,

Venture Silver Award recipient, or Sea Scout

Quartermaster may qualify. Deadline is March 1,

2012. Early submission --- or declared intent to do

so --- by 31 December may provide opportunity for

additional trip to Valley Forge for Scout.

Further information, including entry forms,

brochures, and back ground, are available at

www.vfw.org, then Community, then Programs,

then Scout of the Year. Forms may also be

obtained at http://www.vfwva.org/reports.htm, then

Programs or Forms. Or call Post 3150 after 3 pm at

703-525-0108 for further information.

Sunday Brunch $7.00

9 am - 12 noon

Kids under 10 years eat free

NO Brunch Dec 25

As is usual, there will be NO Sunday brunch when

it falls between Christmas and New Years, this year

on 25 December. We’ll see you on 8 January

Tenth District Meeting

The Tenth District Meeting will be held on Sunday,

4 December, at Leesburg Post 1177, 401 Old

Waterford Road, Leesburg, (Phone 703-297-6537).

Meeting will begin at 1 pm, following lunch at 12

noon. All VFW members are urged to attend this

meeting. The Ladies Auxiliary will NOT meet in

December.

Post Christmas Party

The Post / Auxiliaries Christmas Party is scheduled

for Saturday, 17 December, starting at 4 pm.

Christmas Gift Idea

If you need a last minute idea for a Christmas gift

for your spouse, consider a Life Membership to the

VFW or Ladies Auxiliary. And remember that the

wife of a VFW member is eligible for membership

in the Ladies Auxiliary. Contact the Post for

information.

High Schoolers: Art Contest

The Ladies Auxiliary yearly holds the Young

American Creative Patriotic Art contest for grades

9, 10, 11 or 12. Deadline is March 31, 2012. See

http://www.ladiesauxvfw.org

, then Programs, then

Scholarships, then Young American Creative

Patriotic Art Brochure.

Richard Lewis Funeral

The funeral for recently deceased Post member

Richard Lewis is scheduled for Thursday, 1 Decem-

ber at 3 pm at Arlington National Cemetery. It is

advised to arrive 30 minutes early.

Hours for Post Canteen

The Post Canteen is open as follows:

Sun (1

, 3

, 5

) 12 noon – 9pm

Sun (2

, 4

,”Brunch”) 9 am – 9 pm

Mon - Thurs 3 – 9 pm

Fri 3 – 10 pm

Sat 12 noon–10 pm

Holidays open 12 noon

VFW ‘Legislative Day on the Hill’ in

Richmond

The VFW Department of Virginia is likely to

conduct its annual ‘Legislative Day on the Hill’ in

Richmond on Thursday, 19 January 2012. Check

the January General Orders at the VFW Virginia

website (http://www.vfwva.com/) for additional

information. The Legislative Day on the Hill is a

time for VFW members to meet with state

legislators on matters affecting veterans. Everyone

is invited to join this effort to promote veterans’

issues to the state legislators. See “Doc” Crouch for

more information.

Winter Council Meeting

The annual Winter Council Meeting will be held

20-22 January 2012, at the Crown Plaza

Williamsburg at Ft Magruder, 6945 Pocahontas

Trail, Williamsburg VA 23185, telephone 1-800-

227-6963. Reserve by 28 December for VFW rates

of $68 per night. All members of the VFW and

Auxiliaries are invited to attend and see their

organizations at the state level. Saturday night

banquet features Braised Beef Short Ribs or Braised

Chicken with Herbed Cream Sauce, and salad,

vegetables, dessert, etc. Notify Adjutant Wagner of

choice by 3 January.

Upcoming Next Month

Not counting Sunday brunches and the normal

meetings, the following are the highlights of next

month’s calendar. See next month’s newsletter for

more details.

Sun, 5 Feb: Superbowl Party, 6 pm

Sat, 11 Feb: Highway Cleanup 8:30 am (tentative)

Sun, 19 Feb: Ladies Auxiliary 3150 77

Birthday

cake cutting (time TBD)

Sun, 19 Feb Tenth District Meeting, McLean

Post 8241, 1 pm (lunch at 12 noon)

Pearl Harbor Day

Remembrance Ceremony

Wed, 7 December, 7:00 pm

Take it easy when shoveling snow

Thanks to the Troops

In lieu of Christmas cards sent to “Any soldier”

(which will not be accepted), send as many cards as

you like to Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box

5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. Absolutely

NO inserts of any kind. Must be postmarked by 9

December. Cards (no glitter) must be signed but no

email or snail addresses on cards. They will be

screened for offensive content. See

http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail

for more info.

Youth, Teacher and Emergency

Responders Awards

While the winners will be announced after we go to

press, the awards will be presented on Saturday, 14

January, starting with lunch at 12 noon at the Post

Home. All members are invited and urged to attend

and honor these special citizens. Snow date will be

28 January at 12 noon.

New VA Website

A new website has just been launched by the VA.

It’s called Make The Connection

http://maketheconnection.net/. This may be the

most helpful site for vets the VA has come up with,

featuring a huge amount of information in one

easily accessible place. It is tailored by gender and

war from Afghanistan and Iraq to World War II and

it includes signs and symptoms, self-analysis,

resources, conditions, life events and experiences,

etc. It is worth checking out.

Seated in the veterans section at >>>

Arlington’s Patrick Henry Elementary School

Veterans Day Salute are (front) Shawn Poulin,

Charles Reddoor, (second row) Lola Kane, and

J.Gary Wagner. Also there was photographer

Nelson Betancourt. The yearly event, which

instills patriotism and appreciation for veterans

in its young students, salutes veteran parents

and school friends. Post 3150 has attended for

several years on the day before Veterans Day.

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday

<<< Sgt Jerry Holloran and 1LT Ashley-

Anne East, the oldest and youngest Marines

present, cut into the cake commemorating

the 236

birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps

on 10 November. Richard Hoffman, as the

Guest of Honor, looks on from the left.

Holloran was a visitor to the Post and East is

the wife of Post member Peter East.

Post 77

Birthday

Among those attending the 77

Birthday >>>

of John Lyon Post 3150 were Commander

Nelson Betancourt and Past Commanders

J.Gary Wagner and Eric Anderson who make

the first cut into the cake.

John Lyon members and friends attended the two Veterans Day wreath laying ceremonies at the Cherrydale War

Memorial (aka the “John Lyon Memorial”), left, and the Clarendon War Memorial. Post members were joined

by AF JROTC cadets and Barbara Favola of the Arlington County Board in this photo. The “John Lyon

Memorial” has been so named as John Lyon’s is the first of several names on the memorial of Arlingtonians

killed in World War I.

Commander Nelson Betancourt and Senior Vice Commander Dewey Carter present the Post wreath at Clarendon

War Memorial on Veterans Day. The Ladies Auxiliary wreath was presented by President Lola Kane and Senior

Vice President Charlene Spollen. Past Commander Charles Reddoor assists Secretary Dennis Gerrity to present

the Men’s Auxiliary wreath during the ceremonies which included three American Legion posts and civic

organizations.

Other Veterans Day week activities included Buddy Poppy distribution, attendance at school and civic events,

and Post 3150’s hosting members, veterans and their families who visited the Washington area from around the

country.

VFW 3150

December 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Movie Night

Christmas VA

Hospital Visit

Meet at Post

8:15 am

VFW 10

Dist

Meeting

Post 1177

Leesburg 1 pm

House

Committee

/ Post O

Call 7:30 p

Pearl Harbor

Day, 7 pm

Movie Night,

Post Meeting

7:30 pm

Toys for Tots

Benefit Pig

Roast 4 - 7 pm

Sunday Brunch

9 am - 12 n

Toys for Tots

12 noon

Men’s Auxiliary

Meeting 7:30 p

Movie Night

Ladies Auxiliary

Meeting 7:30 p

Christmas

Basket Prep

7:30 pm

Children’s

Christmas

Party 11 - 1

Post/Auxiliary

Christmas

Party 4 pm

Movie Night

CHRISTMAS

EVE

NO BRUNCH

CHRISTMAS

DAY

Movie Night

NEW YEARS

EVE

VFW 3150

January 2012

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

NEW

YEAR’S

DAY

Movie Night

Sunday

Brunch

9 am - 12 n

Officers

Planning

Meeting

1:30 pm

House

Committee /

Post O Call

7:30 pm

Men’s

Auxiliary

Meeting

7:30 pm

Movie Night

Post Meeting

7:30 pm

Post Awards

Ceremonies

12 noon

Auxiliary

Dinner

4 – 7 p m

MARTIN

LUTHER

KING JR

DAY

Movie Night

Virginia Day on

the Hill -

Richmond (tent)

Ladies Auxiliary

Meeting

7:30 pm

Winter

Council

Meeting

Williamsburg

Winter

Council

Meeting

Williamsburg

Sunday

Brunch

9 am - 12 n

Winter

Council

Meeting

Williamsburg

Movie Night

Anniversary

Signing of

Vietnam

Peace

Accords,

7:30 p

Post Awards

Ceremonies

12 noon

(snow date)

5 Feb ----->>

(Sunday)

Superbowl

Party 6 - 9

703-525-0108 for info or reservations

JOHN LYON POST # 3150

“All American Post”

Veterans of Foreign Wars

2116 North 19

Street

Arlington, Virginia 22201-3514

Dated Material Please Do Not Delay

Address Service Requested

December 2011

Members of the John Lyon family arrive at nearby Fort Myer with 13 Thanksgiving “baskets” for

area junior enlisted soldiers and their families, as selected by the USO. Ready to deliver the

“baskets” are Shelton Ellison, Dewey Carter, Richard Hoffman, Wilbur Rawlings, Nelson

Betancourt, Gail Hoffman, and Nancy Weeks. .A group of Post, Auxiliaries, and family members

assembled the boxes, containing turkeys and all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner and breakfast

or lunch, at the Post earlier in the day before they were delivered to the selected families.

NON-PROFIT OR

U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D

Merrifield, VA

Permit No. 9209