Ten-Hut

Greetings,! Summer is upon us after a very busy May, especially Memorial Day and the week preceding it. Everything went well, but there are some concerns that membership needs to be aware off. The placement of flags at veteranʼs grave sites at St. Maryʼs cemetary is potentially one of those. The loss of a long time member resulted in two others having to take on the additional flag placements. There is most likely another member that is going to be relinquishing his flag placement section at the cemetary next year. The next few years may see some additional retirements from flag placements. Letʼs all be aware of that and it is not to early to consider the possibility of helping out in the future.! The Memorial Day planning committee recently had a follow up meeting regarding the program at the park. The event went well, but there are a few things that need refinement or a bit of adjustment. The committee took them under consideration, and despite limited resources, some adjustments will be made for next yearʼs program. Itʼs not to early to think about next year. If anyone is interested, the committee begins meeting in early March. ! As always be aware of the expiration date for your membership and renew it promptly. Last year, as you are probably aware, we achieved 100 % paid membership.

Letʼs continue that. Word has it that there will be steak fry on 13 July at the post. Plan on attending. The food at the last one was outstanding. Enjoy the summer." Until next month,

Jim LukaszewskiCommander Post 1287

Buddies Fundraiser “Thank You”! The VFW Buddies annual fund raiser was held on June 1, and thanks to the totally volunteer work party, it was a success. Manning the 3 key areas: flipping burgers, Grill SGT Major John Jacobson, Sr; Chief Deep Fryer, Jerry Obieglo; and coordinating the Logistics, Lindsey Reed Posey. The volunteers who made everything come together: James, Linda, Bruce, Mackenzie, donnie, Tamara, Kerre, Jim, Dustin, Hollis. and the parents and players of the Buddies. A big thank you to all Post members who supported this youth activity which has been part of VFW Post 1287 for over 60 years.

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Commander’s Corner

July 2018

contents:commander’s corner page 1chaplain page 1service officer page 2, 3auxiliary page 5house committee page 5

Chaplain’s CornerThe Post said “goodby” to Michael J. Banicki who had been paratrooper and parachute rigger in Vietnam. Coming home, he had also been a faithful post member. Rest in Peace, Comrade.

Learn more about IPV or the IPV Assistance Program.

Staying heart healthy: The importance of phosphorus for Veterans with chronic kidney

disease" Veterans and others with chronic kidney disease are at a much higher risk of developing heart disease, compared with the general population. In fact, they are more likely to suffer a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, than progress to needing dialysis or transplant. In a healthy person, the kidney monitors and controls the level of many hormones, minerals, and other chemicals within the body. One of those is phosphorus—a mineral found in certain types of food, like milk. In the body, phosphorus is a necessary component for many cellular functions. One form of phosphorus—phosphate—is essential for building healthy bones and driving cellular metabolism. People with advanced kidney disease may not be able to adequately control the level of phosphorus within their body. If diet modification does not work, they may need to take phosphate binders—drugs that bind to excess phosphate in the gut and help the body excrete it. To read more information VA Research Quarterly, click here for the full article.When Tobacco Gets Inside Your Head, Get Help" You know that smoking is bad for you. But did you also know that smoking can increase feelings of anxiety, worsen symptoms of PTSD, and even make medications less effective? If you make a move to quit smoking, you could lower your stress levels, decrease symptoms of depression and improve your mood. VA is here to help with a variety of options. Learn more from this video. 

An extensive article about strokes and stroke awareness is available on the

website of Post 1287.

Also read about Alzheimer signs and problems of the website.

There is also an article on LGBT veteran suicide and the association with PTSD.

(go to page 3, column one for more in this issue)

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Service Officerfor service officer help, call Fred Orlowske at 507.313.9094 or at forlowsk@gmail.com

Remember … if you want your Ten-Hut sent by e-mail, you must send your address to Mel Bailey at mclairbailey@yahoo.com .

The website has moved to it's permanent location on the Internet. www.vfwpost1287.org

Dealing With Stress???" Most people enjoy listening to music, how about making music? Research studies have shown that making music has a therapeutic value. I called Hardtʼs Music & Audio in Winona, Daveʼs Guitar shop in La Cross, and Guitar Center in the Twin Cities. All three are willing to work with veteranʼs in the purchase of a musical instrument and lessons. Hardtʼs phone number is: 452.2712, Daveʼs is: 608.785.7704, and the Guitar Center is: 1651.634.0100.

VA Launches LGBT Veteran Suicide Prevention

" VA recently launched a campaign to address LGBT veteran suicide. LGBT veterans experience suicidal ideations at twice the rate of heterosexual veterans, and are more likely to screen positive for PTSD, depression and alcohol misuse. VA is committed to reducing veteran suicide for all veterans, and with an estimated 1 million veterans identifying as LGBT, it is important that VA expand outreach to the community. Each VA facility currently has an LGBT veteran care coordinator. Learn more about coordinators or download posters. If you are thinking about suicide, visit the Veterans Crisis LVA Funds Efforts to Reduce Intimate Partner Violence" VA has committed to adding $17 million in spending to strengthen the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Program across the nation. Research shows that IPV, which is physical, sexual or psychological harm by a current or former partner, may be a greater risk for veterans than for non-veterans. The current program is a holistic approach that includes understanding, recognizing and responding to the effects of trauma with the goal to prevent further violence and promote healthy relationships. The program was established in 2014 and offers intervention through VA and community partners to address housing, education and employment needs. The increase in funding will expand the program from 115 facilities to all VA medical centers, and help to increase awareness of IPV as a serious issue within the veteran community.

Stay on Your Feet: Take Steps to Prevent Falls" Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it's an important one. Falls cause the most broken bones and are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. As you age, physical changes, health conditions, and sometimes the medications you take make falls more likely. There are practical things you can do to reduce your risk of falling and related injury. Engaging in regular physical activity, monitoring or avoiding certain medications, and getting your eyes checked may reduce your risk of falling.Remember, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider these eight fall-prevention tips:" 1. Remove small throw rugs to prevent tripping and falling. If you choose to use them, anchor them with double-sided tape or anti-slip mats underneath." 2. Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to help you see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare. You could use night lights or motion sensor lights for the path to the bathroom at night." 3. Wear shoes inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers." 4. Take away things from stairs and pathways. You will be less likely to trip if you install handrails and lights in all staircases." 5. Keep items you use often in cabinets that you can reach easily without using a step stool." 6. Install grab bars next to your toilet and in your tub or shower. Don't forget the non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Pad sharp edges so that if you do fall injury is minimized." 7. Use a walker or a cane for extra support. Ask for a physical therapy evaluation to determine if you need other devices such as a walker." 8. Physical activity may reduce your risk of falling by increasing strength and balance. Lack of physical activity leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling." If you want to learn more about how to prevent falls, talk with your VA health care team using Secure Messaging and schedule an appointment. They can also help if you have questions about making healthy living changes.

Read MoreBe Safe: Prevent Falls (National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention) Prevent Falls and Fractures (National Institute of Aging)

Burn Pit Registry – Veteran participation contributes to important research efforts

" Researchers may have found a possible link between blast exposure during military service and difficulty breathing and-or decreased exercise stamina among Burn Pit Registry participants. Researchers previously had found links between smoke and particulate matter and pulmonary symptoms, but the l i nk be tween exp los ion b las t waves and cardiopulmonary symptoms several years after exposure is new." This discovery was made possible by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. Analyzing nearly 43,000 records in the registry entered between June 2014 and July 2015, researchers sought to identify connections between current health symptoms and participantsʼ exposure to and distance from IED blasts." ”Not only is this finding of an association between blast exposure and cardiopulmonary symptoms unique to Veterans, itʼs unique to the research field and something that has not previously been demonstrated,” said Dr. Michael Falvo, a research physiologist at VAʼs War Related Illness and Injury Study Center in East Orange, NJ, and a key researcher on this study." Despite the interesting findings, the study has several limitations. Two such limitations are the use of self-reported data, because it is possible that participants may exaggerate or misremember their experiences, and the use of self-selected participants, because those who choose to participate may have different experiences compared to all possible participants. Additional research will be needed to confirm the findings from this study." “What this registry-related research has done is provide the foundation and rationale to explore this question further using a more objective approach,” said Falvo. [more in website article]

For employment opportunities, especially those in education, see the web article or read the Service Officerʼs notes at the Post entrance bulletin board." There are many great articles, but I just didnʼt have room for as many of them as I wanted . . . sorry.

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Remember: Post meeting room available free to non-profit groups for use in approved non-profit activities.

Remember: The Club is here to serve your needs, even when another activity is in progress in the Post meeting room.

Know your bartender

Lindsey Sam Amy Chris Mac Alex Kaitlyn

Alex and

Kaitlyn are

new

behind the

bar.

The meeting room can be set up to accommodate GRAND occasions or whatever might be the need.

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Enjoy Burger nightEvery Tuesday Night

You may choose from an array of 7 different burgers

ranging in price from $4.00 to $5.00

Add to your chosen burger from an offering of 5

extras ranging in price froim $1.00 to $3.50

Come, enjoy a burger served on a deliciousBloedows bun.

fish fryevery 4th friday

4:30 - 7pmdelivery available

4:30 - 5:30

come enjoy the bestfish fry in town

" " " " " " " "The VFW Buddies annual fund raiser was held on June 1, and thanks to the totally volunteer work party, it was a success. Manning the 3 key areas: flipping burgers, Grill SGT Major John Jacobson, Sr; Chief Deep Fryer, Jerry Obieglo; and coordinating the Logistics, Lindsey Reed Posey. The volunteers who made everything come together: James, Linda, Bruce, Mackenzie, donnie, Tamara, Kerre, Jim, Dustin, Hollis. and the parents and players of the Buddies. A big thank you to all Post members who supported this youth activity which has been part of VFW Post 1287 for over 60 years." " " "

House Committee Report In order to better observe the “Closed Door” policies for VFWʼs with canteens, like our post, we are asking our bartenders to have members and patrons sign into the guest book each day. Our members can help by asking for the sign-in book when they arrive at the club. We encourage our members to use the businesses who advertise in our Ten-Hut newsletter. Their generosity makes it possible to continue to send out the newsletter to our members who prefer to receive it through the mail or do not have access to a computer. Let them know we appreciate their support of the VFW. May proved to be another good month which made it possible to put additional money into the insurance savings. We will be able to pay $10,000 of the $12,000, due on June16. We will pay the rest by the end of the month avoiding the $500 penalty for a split payment. We will also be paying the Directors and Liability insurance premium of $698.00, due on June 27. $806 was paid in licenses for the bar, liquor, amusement, etc, which is a once a year fee. The committee reviewed the food account for May; food sales brought in $6,050, $350 was donated intothe General Fund, $500 was placed in the Service Club, and there were no accounts past due. The last snow removal bill of $325 from April was paid out of the Building Fund. Gambling manager John Reszka presented the committee a quick look at where the money goes from gambling. We understand the total money available from gambling has been diminishing for quite a while, mostly due to increased state taxes. The committee offered its ideas on ways to increase gambling profits/savings including adding more games at the VFW and wall mounted ticket boxes.

Annual VFW Picnic" Our 7th annual picnic for members, guests, kids, and loyal patrons, is scheduled for Saturday, August 11th. Because of your fantastic support this past year we can again offer free tap beer, free pop, free water, and free food! And, of course, door prizes, raffles, silent auction items, kids activities, and games in the parking lot. " This year we have FREE bingo for great prizes. We are also hoping to have the 2019 VFW calendars available for sale!" We need 6-7 volunteers to help sell tip boards, man the sign-in book, hand out door prize tickets and door prizes, and to help with Bingo and miscellaneous fun stuff. If you have prizes or silent auction items to donate please call or text Maggie at 507.459.6072 or bring the items, marked for picnic use, to the club. The bar opens at 11:00 with the picnic beginning at noon, rain or shine.

" If You Get Hungry This Summer…Donʼt forget that we still have plenty food available during the summer months. You can enjoy burgers every Tuesday, the Best Fish Fry in Town every 4th Friday, and homemade pizza when the kitchen is not in use for an event! Your house will stay cool and clean when we take care of the rest!

Save the Date" Friday the 13th will prove to be your lucky day when you join us for another great steak fry at the VFW. Charcoal grilled steaks will be served from 5pm-7pm and enjoy your favorite live music with Two Plus Jerry and the Happy Hour Band from 5:30pm-8pm, Friday, July 13.

Steamboat Days Report" The Car Show and food event on June 16th at the VFW was enjoyed by plenty of enthusiastic and curious visitors and participants. The BBQ Ribs and Chicken were a big hit with lots of repeat customers from previous yearsʼ events. We had lots of VFW members and friends working to make sure the food was cooked and served, and cleanup was completed. " A special thanks goes to Roger Sandsness, Donna Dahl, Eldon Fritz, Paul Gady and Barb, Jim and Ellen Lorenz, Mike Stalka, Rose Denzer, and William Saucier, for their help in making the day such a great success and a lot of fun.

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" The Auxiliary to the VFW Post #1287 met on Tuesday, June 12th at the home of Marianne Olson. " Officers were installed by Valeria Donahue, past president. New officers are as follows: President - Lou Lidtke Sr. Vice President - Marianne Olson Jr. Vice President - Rose Denzer Patriotic Instructor - Marianne Olson Conductress - Danielle Stalka Guard - Jean Bellman Chaplain - Anna Darkow Secretary - Jean Bellman Treasurer - Linda Anderson Trustees - Lindsey Posey (New), Maggie Stalka, " " Jane Christiansen" A new member application was received and approved from Brooke Rayfield. " Linda reported on the success of the poppy campaign this year. Our total income was up considerably from last year. Thanks to Rose, Linda, Mel, Larry, Rose, Eldon, and Hollis!" We noted that Flag Day is June 14th. It celebrates the adoption of the first flag on June 14, 1777. President Wilson proclaimed the holiday in 1916. " Cakes for the June 22nd fish fry will be donated by Linda, Rose, Lou, Val, Christine & Grace." Lou won the burger certificate!" The next meeting will be July 17th at 7 pm at the VFW club." Respectfully submitted,

Jean BellmanSecretary

Auxiliary News