COMMANDER’S MESSAGE - January 2009:
As we conclude 2008 with the celebration of Hanukah, I pause to inform our membership exactly how many “mitzvahs” Post #126 performed for the veterans residing in the South Jersey communities. Our regular monthly meetings had great attendance from our members as we had guest speakers & programs that served everyone in the months of September, October, and November and concluded with a December breakfast meeting with two speakers; Col.(ret) Carl Singer, the Department Commander and Mary Benvienga, the past Department Commander of the Disabled Americans Veterans and this year’s JWV guest to the Allied Mission to Israel. It was our honor to have both of them here.
November was an especially busy month for the Post as we conducted our annual Sabbath service at Temple Beth Shalom Synagogue; On Veterans Day, we had a full bus of Veterans & spouses along with some American Legion & VFW members join us for the trip to Trenton to participate in the dedication and official opening of the State of New Jersey’s World War II Memorial. There were many of the State’s officials including Gov. Corzine, Former Gov. Byrne and Senator Lautenberg. Our own Arthur Seltzer, a WWII veteran was also a speaker and represented both our Post and the state of New Jersey JWV’s with some noteworthy words. Performing more “mitzvahs”, also in November we were “Welcomed” at Fort Dix as the Post donated over $7,000 worth of Aquatic Therapy Equipment to the Wounded Warriors Unit for their pool rehabilitation treatment. These servicemen and women were wounded while serving in Afghanistan & Iraq. We also donated a library of DVD’s to the Vineland Memorial Home for the residents there and on Thanksgiving Day, we once again held the Thanksgiving Dinner for more than 275 troops (in training) from Ft. Dix.
We closed 2008 with one final ”mitzvah” as we celebrated Hanukah with the Chaplains (Rabbi’s) from Ft. Dix & McGuire AFB and the military personnel at the base chapel. As we look ahead to 2009, we will continue to perform these “mitzvahs” and serve the veteran community and those less fortunate as in the past with the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
In order for us to “answer the call” we really need everyone to “chip in” and participate. Being a member of Post #126 is more than just paying dues and attending an occasional meeting. We have 18 committees serving the Post and could use a few extra “hands”. This year brings an extra burden due to the weak (failing) economy and there will obliviously be many more situations that will call upon our Post to assist in some way. So... when you receive the call from me or another officer to “Help”, PLEASE respond in the affirmative. I look forward to another productive year full of “MITZVAHS” and a new sense of commitment from all our members.
Shalom,
Sam Podietz
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE – July 2007
Comrades:
Some sixty plus years ago, many of you were grateful for the doughnut, coffee, social event, USO road show or whatever provided to you by someone who cared.
Your Post cares for those in service, in vet's homes, in need of care, and much, much more. and it’s all done by fewer than 5% of our 300 plus members.
I have reflected on what things were like some sixty years ago for most of us, and wonder why so few of you who are physically able are unwilling to give some "pay back" by allocating a few hours a year to support your Post's activities.
Like most pleas -- what will be your response? Will there be a response?
As for myself, I am pleased to be afforded the opportunity to serve as your Commander, and give some personal payback. It would be nice if you stepped up to bat to help the Post help those who are counting on our support.
If you would like to use this forum to make yourself heard, please forward your comments to me so that we can publish your comments and/or concerns.
Sincerely,
Milt Lowe
Commander, Post 126