St. Charles VFW Post still helping families
If you've lived in the St. Charles area for a long time, there's a good chance you've attended some sort of event at VFW Post 5036 at 119 N. Third St.
The new post commander, Dick Leckbee, knows the St. Charles VFW could be offering a lot more and he's made it the mission of the Post officers to increase community awareness of "who we are and what we're about."
Leckbee has a simple philosophy: The more money the Post can raise, the more money it will have to help families in need and provide other events and services.
The hard work comes in getting the Post looking sharp and reaching out to veterans whose interest has waned, or to get younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan involved.
"We need to rent out our hall regularly, and that will help raise money," said Leckbee, a Korean War veteran who is a life member of the Post and was vice commander the past two years. "One thing we do is help families facing financial troubles, and more people need to be aware of that."
Leckbee said younger veterans are needed because, "One day, our World War II veterans are not going to be too many."
The Post has 180 members, but Leckbee has his sights on "380 or more" in the future.
The Post held a flag-raising ceremony on Aug. 14 to commemorate the end of the World War II in the Pacific - the kind of event that can draw public attention.
Duane Buttell, a Vietnam War veteran, is the Post coordinator and will write the VFW newsletter.
Buttell said he was pleased to see World War II veterans Art Blindt, Jack Anderson, John Wredling and Walter Grajek at the event.
"They served in several theaters and each had interesting stories, which were both harrowing and humorous, that related to their tours of duty," Buttell said.
Anyone interested in joining the Post or renting the hall can get more information at (630) 377-9845.
H.E.L.P. with adoptions: Adopting a pet can be a fairly simple process, but you have to provide information that assures the pet is going to get a decent home.
If you love cats, but aren't sure how to adopt one, stop by the National City Bank on East Main Street in St. Charles between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets (H.E.L.P.) is hosting a cat adoption day. A family interested in adopting must have all family members present, and renters have to bring a copy of their lease to prove that pets are allowed.
More information is available by calling Joyce at (630) 715-1015.
Fight lung cancer: If you buy something at The Walking Company store in the Geneva Commons Wednesday night you'll be doing your part to fight lung cancer and support the Chicago Lung Run, scheduled Sept. 11 at Montrose Harbor.
The store opened earlier this month, and it would be a good time to check it out. In addition to a portion of sales aiding the run, they'll be offering food and chances to win prizes tonight.
dheun@sbcglobal.net