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Post 7327, Spr ingf ie ld , Virginia
Volume 15-4
By Post Commander Joe “Hoss” Byrnes
SERVING VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, and the COMMUNITY
April 2016
Our Business is Taking Care of Veterans
The Camaraderie
Veterans of Fore ign Wars of the United States
Hello and welcome to Spring. It has
been a very busy year and I wanted to
take this time to thank everyone who
has helped by volunteering and tak-
ing time away from their families just
to help our local veterans. Without all
of you this Post would not be here.
The 2016 Community Award Ceremony was a hit and I
would like to thank Comrade Kelch and his committee for
everything they did in preparation. The program was out-
standing and the folks who spoke to me afterwards appreciat-
ed everything that we did for them. Again folks, you all did
an outstanding job!
As we move along through the VFW year the focus
now is on membership. Each year we as a Post in the Depart-
ment of Virginia compete for different state level awards.
These are given out each year at the Department Convention
in June. The award I would like to tell you about is the “All
State”. We have met all of the qualifications except for our
membership. As of this writing we are holding at 96% and we
need to be at 100%, 101% would be best. I am asking all an-
nual members to take a look and see if your membership has
lapsed or if it will be expiring in the next few months and to
please renew. This will allow our Post to be included in this
year’s competition. The All State award is only awarded to
thirty Posts statewide. If you are not sure how to renew or
would like assistance, feel free and give me a call 703-732-
7609 (cell). I will walk you through everything to bring your
membership current. Also, if you are expired and need help
finding you membership number, I can help you find that as
well.
Housekeeping—Last month I announced that we will
be holding our annual Post elections for the 2016-17 offices
this April. The nominations committee reported back a slate
of individuals who were interested in running. All of the cur-
rent open positions are unopposed. All this means is that no
(Continued on page 2)
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
APRIL 10-16
Community Service
The VFW knows how important communi-
ty service is to America, with volunteerism benefit-
ing education, the environment, health sciences and
civic projects.
That's why the VFW works closely with
other national organizations, such as Boy Scouts of
America, Citizen Corps, March of Dimes, and
America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth, among
others. USO provides VFW members with addi-
tional opportunities to volunteer in their communi-
ties and give back to our troops and their families.
Each year members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries
donate more than 11 million volunteer hours and
$50 million to community service projects.
The Post and Auxiliary hosted our Annual
Community Award Ceremony March 12. It was
our honor to recognize those in the community who
demonstrated great patriotism and furthered the
mission of the VFW through their support for Vet-
erans and the Military.
Supporting business donors for the Military
Family Adoption included: Wegmans, Alexandria;
Slugg & Associates, Springfield; The Pink Ele-
phant Thrift Shop, Springfield; Jerry’s Paints, Fair-
fax Station; Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire
Company; Northern Virginia Surgery Center, Fair-
fax; ADT Security Services, Springfield; Spring-
field Evening Optimist Club; and NATI Group –
College Park, MD.
Two businesses were recognized for their
Community Patriotism: Interstate Moving, Reloca-
tion, and Logistics of Springfield and The Forge
Brew Works, Lorton.
Please see page six for pictures of the event.
Thank you to all our Post, Auxiliary, and commu-
nity volunteers. You are appreciated!
Page 2
The Camaraderie
Commander’s Commentary—continued from page 1
VFW Members, Family, and Friends Buy, Sell, or Lease a home with me, Alice Gehl and 10% of my proceeds from each com-pleted transaction will be donated to the
building fund at VFW Post 7327.
I am a Life Member of Post 7327 Auxiliary.
Alice E. Gehl, Realtor, Weichert, Realtors, Burke Office
Email: [email protected] Cell: 571-426-4073 Licensed in theCommonwealth of Virginia
other member of the Post has announced to the commit-
tee their intentions to run. All members in good stand-
ing are allowed to run for any of the positions listed
below. With that said, if you would like to challenge
anyone for the position, you will need to attend the
April general membership meeting on the 24th and
state your intentions to run. We will hold all elections
on that date.
Post Commander Joseph Byrnes (i)
Sr. Vice Commander Dorian Brunson
Jr Vice Commander Rajesh Lobrecht(i)
Quartermaster Milan Sturgis
Chaplin Wayne Yancy(i)
3-yr Trustee Terri Andreoni
(i) Incumbent
In the March newsletter I mentioned that if you
wanted to receive the American Vietnam War lapel pin
that I would send it to you or I would be honored to
present it to you in person. Good news, I was able to
get the pins in last week and I will be sending them out
to the folks who requested them. If any other comrade
would like this pin, please let me know, I have more.
I said this last month and will continue to say it
to our Bingo volunteers; all of you should be sainted for
the work you do each week. Again, I am putting a plea
out to our members in the local area to consider giving
us a night of your time on a Thursday or Friday. The
volunteer program is what keeps Bingo going and Bin-
go is what keeps our ability to help our fellow veterans.
We as a Post are very lucky to have the Bingo program.
Many Posts in the area do not have this avenue and are
forced to find many different ways to raise money, for
this we are blessed. Please be a part of this and contact
Linda Bond and let her know you are willing to help.
Her email is [email protected] and she will be happy
to fit you in to the schedule.
Also this year we are celebrating our 70th anni-
versary. If you have any suggestions, feel free to pass
them along. More information on the date and time for
the party will be listed very soon.
I look forward to seeing you around the Post
and at Bingo this month. Remember, if anyone asks
you about our Post let them know we are open for busi-
ness and our business is taking care of veterans!
Joseph Byrnes, Post Commander
VFW Post & Auxiliary 7327 8350-F Terminal Road
Lorton, Virginia 22079
Phone: 703-541-3139
Fax: 703-541-0641
Website: www.post7327.org
Facebook: VFW Post 7327
Twitter: @VfwPost7327
Email: [email protected]
Blog: www.vfwwebcom.org/va/Post7327
Editor & Design
Katy Sylvester 703-350-8574 Diana Regan 703-719-7660
Contributing Articles By:
Janne Best, Joseph Byrnes, Linda Byrnes, Frank Konieczny, Barbara Major,
Wayne Yancey
Photographs By:
Diana Regan
Post Officers
Commander: Joseph Byrnes, [email protected]
Sr. Vice: Joe Baringer, [email protected]
Jr. Vice: Raj Lobrecht, [email protected]
Quartermaster: Terri Andreoni, [email protected]
Judge Adv: Milan Sturgis
Chaplain: Wayne Yancey, [email protected]
Surgeon: Michael Kephart, [email protected]
3-Yr Trustee: Gary Kelch, [email protected]
2-Yr Trustee: Larry Parham
1-Yr Trustee: Clarence McNeill
Post Adjutant: Terri Andreoni, [email protected] Service Officer: Frank Konieczny,
Auxiliary Officers
President: Barbara Major 703-548-8343
Sr. Vice: Shirley Norris 703-971-1939
Jr. Vice: Itty Neal 703-569-4257
Secretary: Alice Merrill 703-569-1771
Treasurer: Linda Byrnes 703-732-7539
Chaplain: Janne Best 703-321-7349
Conductress: Barbara Bucklin 703-971-8299
Guard: JoAnne Kelch 703-644-8485
1-Yr Trustee: Diana Regan 703-719-7660
2-Yr Trustee: Linda Bond
3-Yr Trustee: Itty Neal
Patriotic Instructor: Joyce Engel
The Camaraderie newsletter is published by
Springfield, Virginia Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 7327, a community based 501c19
not-for-profit Congressionally Chartered
Veterans Organization. Mailed for
educational outreach and information
purposes to our members, volunteers and
friends. The newsletter is distributed to over
700 individuals. We have served our
community since 1946, providing support to
Veterans, their families, active duty military
and community based organizations.
April 2016
Page 3
By Auxiliary President Barbara Major
Happy spring! The jonquils, daffodils, and hya-
cinths are all abloom, and the leaves on the trees are not
far behind. It is beautiful and uplifting.
Highlighting March was our Annual Awards
Ceremony held at the Springfield Fire House, where we
presented the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy winners with awards and
plaques. If these young people are any example of today’s youth, I feel certain
that the future is in good hands. We also recognized the Teachers, EMTs, and
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for their outstanding achievements. In ad-
dition, it was gratifying to be able to publically thank the members of the com-
munity who have given so much in time and funds to ensure that our programs to
serve veterans and active military and their families are a success. Finally, I want
to give a loud shout out to everyone who worked to make the Awards Ceremony
memorable for all of us who took part, especially Comrades Gary Kelch and
Marilynn Bianco and Sister Linda Bond.
Our next meeting. April 13, 7:00 pm, is an important one. We will be
electing our officers for the coming year. We also need to start planning for our
Memorial Day commemoration, which we jointly host with the American Legion
and to start thinking about when to hold a summer bash to acquaint new and
prospective members with our organization and our activities. All ideas are
welcome! I hope to see you there.
If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide please reach out to
military and veteran crisis line at
1 (800) 273-8255 press 1, or if you feel like you just need someone to talk
to reach out to vets4warriors at www.vets4warriors.com/
These resources are available to active duty military, veterans and their family members.
Auxiliary Membership News Treasurer Linda Byrnes
The Early Bird catches the discount!!
Renew between now and May 13th and your 2017 dues will cost $18 - a
savings of $5!! Questions about membership? Please contact a Member-
ship Committee member:
Linda Bond Linda Byrnes Alice Merrill Valerie Murrell Diana Regan
I welcome your membership questions at: 703-732-7539.
Page 4
The Camaraderie
Auxiliary Chaplain’s Corner
Auxiliary Chaplain Janne Best
Hello Sisters and Comrades. I am writing this on Easter Sunday and reflecting
on the message of that day primarily due to the deaths of two of my sisters, one in Feb-
ruary and another in March. Although this time of year brings the promise of warm
days and good times, I'm sorry to say there is not a lot of good news to pass on. It sad-
dens me to report that Rosa Lee Clegg, whom I had reported was ill, subsequently
passed away on 24 February 2016. Sister Alice Merrill and I attended the visitation
and performed the Auxiliary ritual service at the request of her family. We also re-
ceived word that Comrade Mike Heck passed away on 24 March after a long illness.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Juliana and the rest of the family. It is my
hope that the message of Easter will bring comfort to all who have suffered a loss.
Unfortunately, I have also heard that Sister Inga Sweeney had a bad fall on 9 March and suffered a
severe neck injury. Inga is at UVA Transitional Care Hospital, Charlottesville. She is slowly improving
but has a long way to go. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Now for some good news; Norma Jean Grefost is doing much better and has relocated to Sunrise
Senior Living in Fairfax. I am sure she would appreciate hearing from you.
In keeping with the season "hope springs eternal" and I hope this month finds all of you in good
health and looking forward to a wonderful spring and summer.
As always, if you know of any member in need of assistance, please contact me at
[email protected] or 703-321-7349.
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Post Chaplain Wayne Yancey
Hello Comrades, Members of the Auxiliary, and Friends of the Post,
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood on this Easter morning and I want to knock this article out be-
fore I start my “to-do list”. So let’s get busy.
It saddens me to report that Comrade Mike Heck lost his battle with cancer and passed away on Thurs-
day morning, March 24, 2016 at 7:00 am. Mike suffered with cancer for several years. A recent email from
son Andy states that the disease was simply relentless and would not give him a break, but that, after a diffi-
cult night, his final hour or so was very peaceful and that he was comfortable. He said Julianna was able to
spend those final moments with him in peace and prayer. The funeral service for Mike will be held Tuesday,
April 5, at 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 12805 Valleywood Dr., Lakeridge, VA. Please keep
Julianna and the Heck family in your thoughts and prayers.
Comrade George Sweeney is still being cared for at the VA Hospital in DC. As reported previously,
George is struggling with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). One negative effect of MDS is that it drains the
patient’s strength and weakens the immune system. His situation is evolving daily. Please contact me for the
most current update. On another note; Inga, Sweeney (George’s wife) recently suffered a fall and broke two
vertebrae. She has been relocated to UVA Transitional Care Hospital, Charlottesville. Please keep the
Sweeney family in your thoughts and prayers as well.
Ending on a positive note – the Post and Auxiliary conducted our annual Awards Ceremony on March
12, 2016. Thanks to everyone that contributed to a very successful event.
As always, if I can be of assistance to anyone please don’t hesitate to let me know using the infor-
mation provided below. Home: 703-719-7660, Cellular: 703-350-8409
E-mail: [email protected]
April 2016
Page 5
Service Officer's Corner Francis W. Konieczny, Post Service Officer
Female Veteran Suicides (Part 2 of 4)
This is Part 2 of a 4 Part series on veteran suicides.
Around 32,000 people commit suicide in the U.S. each year; 20 percent of those suicides are veterans.
To take the statement a little further, when we think of suicide among veterans, we traditionally think of men.
But, now, several studies are being published that examine female veterans and suicide, specifically. The
journal Psychiatric Services published the first large-scale study of suicide among female veterans.
For the study, epidemiologist and researcher Mark Kaplan collected information about all the female deaths
by suicide in 16 states. He then compared the rate of suicide among female vet-
erans to the rate of suicide among female civilians, and found that in general,
female vets are much more likely to commit suicide than their civilian peers, es-
pecially, Kaplan says, younger vets ("Female veterans — age 18 to 34 — are
three times as likely as their civilian peers to die by suicide."). It represents a
big difference. He further writes that - because historically there have been
many more men than women in the military, the problem of female suicide has-
n't received much attention.
Additionally, The LA Times also released a report about female veterans’ suicide rates. Their numbers
were even more dire ("staggering"). They wrote that female veterans commit suicide at six times the rate of
civilian women. It is not clear what is driving these rates. VA researchers and experts who reviewed the data
said there were "myriad" possibilities, including whether the military had (inadvertently?) and disproportion-
ately drawn women at higher suicide risk and whether sexual assault and other traumatic experiences played a
role.
Jonah Bennett, a reporter for The Daily Caller, writes that ". . . while PTSD is a much greater factor
for men, as they’re more often exposed to combat environments, the female impetus for suicide switches to
sexual assault." Indeed, the phrase: Military Sexual Trauma, or MST, has entered the military lexicon for fe-
male veteran suicides. Moreover, Kaplan writes that women with military experience are much more likely
than other women to attempt suicide with firearms, dramatically increasing likelihood of death. Why? Be-
cause as former military members, they are extremely familiar with firearms.
An analysis by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seems to support the finding that female vet-
erans commit suicide at nearly six times the rate of women who have not served in the military.
Neal Doran, psychologist with the VA San Diego Healthcare System, is surprised by the results of
such studies and believes that they speak to the difficulty of transitioning back into civilian life.”
Tanya Sciorilli, regional president of the National Military Women Veterans Association of America,
attempted to kill herself while in the Marines. She told KPBS she overdosed on heroin after leaving an abu-
sive marriage. She said she also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and was sexually assaulted by
three sailors. “My attempt (from overdosing) was not to wake up,” Sciorilli said. “I’m thankful now that it
was my cry for help.” Sciorilli said she believes other female veterans have committed suicide because they
were also sexually assaulted while serving. “It’s a big problem,” Sciorilli said. “My goal is to raise awareness
so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
It is noteworthy that VA researchers also point out that veterans who received health care at the VA
had lower suicide rates than veterans who didn't.
As equality and parity for female warriors continues into future combat environment, one thing ap-
pears certain. As Kaplan writes, the armed forces are integrating and, as more women fight on the front lines
alongside their male counterparts, it is not illogical to suggest that an increase in female suicides will proba-
bly follow.
In Part 3, we'll talk about survivors of a veteran's suicide.
Page 6
The Camaraderie
April 2016
Page 7 Page 7
TROPHY SIZE ROCKFISH
Allowable Limit 1 Each
VFW Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trip - Saturday, May 14, 2016
North Star Charter The location of the boat is:
16129 Piney Point Road
All Rods, Reels & Bait are covered by the charter fee...just
show up and fish !
http://northstarcharter.net/index.html
COST FOR THE TRIP
The North Star Charter is $720 for the 1st six peo-
ple, then an additional $75 per person. The cost
will be equally spread between the total number
participating. The tip for the Mate is normally 20%
of the total charter. Tip will be factored in the total
cost to you. You must pay a deposit of $125 by
April 14 and the balance one month before the fishing trip. Your deposit holds you a spot on the
boat. Checks should be made out to Chris Braun.
Contact Comrade Chris Braun for more
information and deposit details.
Cell 703-439-4397 or email
GROUP COST INCLUDING MATE’s TIP
6 People: $145 / person
8 People: $130 / person
10 People: $125 / person
We suggest you bring the following items: Boat shoes or sneakers, rain gear, a jacket, sunglasses, sunblock, ziplock bags and a lunch and beverag-es. Please no glass containers. Medication for motion sickness should be taken the evening before the trip and one hour before departure.
Web Site:
www.post7327
.org
Post Hours of Operation
Monday / Tuesday – Closed (except for meetings)
Wednesday / Thursday–10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Friday – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday / Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Post may be open other than these hours as events require and personnel are available.
Upcoming Events and Activities
April 10-16 National Volunteer Week
April 12—VA Hospital Visit, Meet at Post at 6:00 pm
April 13—Auxiliary General Membership Meeting, 7:00 pm
April 26—Post General Membership Meeting, 7:30 pm
May 14—Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trip aboard the North Star Charter
May 30—VFW/American Legion Joint Memorial Day Service
Come early to meetings and join us for drinks and camaraderie!
BINGO - EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY evening beginning at 7:00 pm at
Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department
VFW Post 7327
8350 - F Terminal Road
Lorton, Virginia 22079
The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia
Web Site: www.post7327.org
e-mail: [email protected]
703-541-3139 Phone
703-541-0641 Fax
