Newsletters
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS & VFW AUXILIARY
JUNE, 2026 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Notes from the Editor
The Memorial Day parade was a successful display of remembrance and patriotism by not only Roscoe Post 2955 and the Auxiliary, but also by the Roscoe community itself. Many of the parade participants, along with parade observers, participated in the Memorial services at the Roscoe Township Cemetery immediately following the parade. We thank everyone who participated or watched, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom. The Roscoe VFW Auxiliary handed out small US Flags and flag etiquette pamphlets during the parade, along with Buddy Poppies at the cemetery. A special thanks to the Auxiliary for the snacks available at the Post Home following the ceremony.
The new officers of both the VFW and Auxiliary will take office on June 14th, after the Department Convention. Thanks to Commander Gene Mund and President Diana Rudeen for everything you both have accomplished over the past year. Congratulations and best wishes to incoming Commander Gene Mund and Auxiliary President Kathy Rhoda for the upcoming year!
Don’t forget - Sunday, June 21st is Fathers’ Day - make it special for a father!
The Bunker (outside patio) will now be open every Friday at 4:00 pm.
THE 2026 SCHOOL SUPPLY GRANT FORM IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE NEWSLETTER!
The past week has been a week of LASTS for me: LAST newsletter (after 10+ years); LAST Board meeting (35 years), and LAST Post meeting as Post Adjutant (30 years). Jeff Weaver will be succeeding me as Post Adjutant, so he will also take my place on the Board of Directors, and take over as Newsletter Editor. Thanks to all of you for your support over the years, and I ask that you all extend the same support and courtesy to Jeff as he replaces me in these duties. I will still be active in the Post, but just not in the same positions. Thanks again!
-Tom Cleland, Editor
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Random thoughts:
An invisible man marries an invisible woman…the kids were nothing to look at either.
I got fired from the bank today. A woman asked me to check her balance…so I pushed her.
I sympathize with batteries…I’m not included in anything either.
It amazes me how much exercise and extra fries sound alike.
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VFW and VFW Auxiliary Monthly Meetings
The Auxiliary holds its monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month (this month it is June 1st) at 6:00 PM at the Post Home, 11385 Second Street.
The VFW holds its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month (this month it is June 2nd) at 6:00 PM at the Post Home.
This will be the last meeting of the current term. The officers for the 2026-27 term will take office on June 14th, after the State Commander and State President are installed at the State Convention.
All VFW and Auxiliary members are encouraged to attend their respective meetings.
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From Commander Gene Mund:
As predicted, Key West was fantastic. Never pass up the opportunity to take a trip to Key West, Florida. Enough said.
The new Z-turn mower purchased last month is doing a great job so far. It appears to fit the requirements and should take care of the Post for years to come.
A tremendous amount of planning went into preparations for the Memorial Day Parade. Many Post members participated in the planning and execution of the affair. Besides the village volunteers, so many others participated to make the parade a success. Volunteers handed out flags, helped with the line-up of participants, greeted the gallery. The village President, Police Chief, Fire Chief, their respective personnel, coupled with the band leader from the Roscoe Middle School whose students performed a unique version of taps. Chuck Ingle, whose participation this year for the first time at the beginning of the parade introducing each entry, was great. The parade route was fairly full for the whole distance and applause was given often. A big Thank You All to everyone who participated.
The prize provided by J & J Gaming jointly with the Post is a Blackstone Flat Grill. The lucky winner will be announced next month. You can view the grill at the Post home. Be sure to download the J & J App on your phone when you enter the VFW Post Home. It’s free to download and each time you log in, you are entered to win the prize.
New signage has been added to the Post home exterior doors prohibiting pets, guns and weapons of any kind. Other than service dogs, the canteen and inner premises are restricted to humans only. Dogs are allowed in the Bunker when the Bunker is open for business. As usual, clean up after your pet. The mess belongs to the owner of the animal. Weapons of any kind are prohibited at any time on the premises. The Honor Guard members are the only persons allowed to have the issued weapons on the premises to perform ceremonies for veterans.
Tinting has been added to the Canteen windows to help tone down the afternoon sun. A small adjustment but a huge difference in the Canteen.
As the Commander of VFW Post 2955 for the past year, we, as a team, can be proud of all that we have accomplished.
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I asked my dog, “What is 2 minus 2?” He said nothing.
Do you know how to catch a unique elephant? Unique up on it!
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From Outgoing Auxiliary President Diana Rudeen:
Hello Brothers and Sisters:
This is my last newsletter as your Auxiliary President for the term 2025-2026. I was honored and humbled to serve in this office. I want to thank all of my Auxiliary members for all your hard work and dedication to this great organization that you do on a daily basis.
Please welcome your new incoming Auxiliary President Kathy Rhoda as she embarks on her new journey this coming year. Kathy and her team will assume their positions at the close of the Department Convention in June. Please show your support and love to all of them.
I also want to thank my Commander Gene Mund and his VFW team for all of your support shown to me and the Auxiliary this past term of office. I also want to wish the VFW that will be under the command of Commander Gene Mund for his second year and his Post Officers a very successful term next year. It makes life easier when we function as a Team and we sure did that.
We still need assistance running meat raffles as the funds raised help our veterans, families and the community. I am mentioning this as a reminder that the Post still needs volunteers for the Jamie Cox Run and the Corn Roast. Time flies and this way you can mark your calendars for these events sponsored by the Post.
I hope everyone has a great summer and enjoys the sunshine and warm weather.
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School Supply Grant
The Roscoe VFW and the Auxiliary (which is participating monetarily this year for the first time) is continuing the School Supply Grant program to all Post 2955 VFW and Auxiliary members, in good standing (meaning your dues are paid). A $60 gift card ($20 of each card is donated by the Auxiliary) will be given for each child for school supplies. The gift cards can be requested by parents or grandparents of Kindergarten through High School students. Forms are available attached to this newsletter, behind the bar at the Canteen, or can be printed off the newsletter on the Post website – www.RoscoeVFW.com. Forms must be turned in to the Post Quartermaster or a bartender by June 19, 2026.
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Unveiling of Brandon Rowe Hall Signage
On Tuesday, June 2nd, just prior to the Post meeting, at 5:45 PM, the new signage designating the Hall as “SPEC. Brandon Rowe Hall” will be unveiled. It is hoped that Brandon’s mother, Wendy Burowski, will be present to unveil the sign. All are welcome to attend the ceremony.
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BURGER BOMBS NOW AVAILABLE!
On Fridays, starting June 4th, our famous Burger Bombs, specially grilled by Rick and Mike, will be available from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. This will continue until September.
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Sloppy Joe Mon./Taco Tues./Wienie/Brat Wed./Italian Beef Thursday
Come in each weekday for a great meal at the VFW, served by our fantastic bartenders. There is food available Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Stop in any weekday for some great food!
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Fathers’ Day Celebration
On Saturday, June 20th, in honor of all Fathers, the Auxiliary will be holding a celebration for all Fathers in the Bunker from
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The menu will include hamburgers, brats, potato salad and baked beans. Look for more details on posters in the Canteen.
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Horseshoe League Continues
The Horseshoe League continues on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM. The League usually runs through September. If you are interested in participating, or for more information, contact Matt Austin or Leonard Razim.
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Meat Raffle
A regular activity sponsored by the VFW/Auxiliary is the Meat Raffle, held every Saturday afternoon from 2:00 ‑ 4:00 PM. During this activity, eight (8) packages of meat are raffled off, with the first number drawn winning a package of meat, the second number drawn winning pull‑tabs, and the third number drawn winning $3.00. This occurs for eight rounds, after which there may be two packs of (25) pull-tabs each, and a 50/50 raffle, with the winner awarded half of the money collected for that round. At the conclusion of the Meat Raffle, all non‑winning tickets are thrown together, and three thickets are drawn, the winners choosing from a $20, a $10, or a $5 bill.
The Auxiliary hosts the Meat Raffle the first & third Saturdays of each month; if there is a fifth Saturday in the month, the Auxiliary works that Saturday also. The VFW works the remaining Meat Raffles each month. So come on down, enjoy the fun and camaraderie, and DON’T FORGET YOUR FRIENDLY BARTENDER!
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I got home to find my kids had been on Ebay all day…if they are still there tomorrow, I’ll lower the price.
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Historical Happenings
June 6 - D-Day: Allied Invasion of Europe (1944)
June 14 - Flag Day; US Army founded (1775)
June 21 - Father’s Day
June 21 - First Day of Summer
June 22 - Pledge of Allegiance recognized by Congress (1942);
GI Bill signed into law (1944)
June 25 - Korean War began (1950)
June 30 - Post 9/11 GI Bill signed into law (2008)
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I’ve combined a laxative with alphabet soup. I call it “letter” rip.
My son was chewing on electrical cords…so I had to ground him. He’s doing better currently…and conducting himself properly.
Yesterday I opened my water bill and my electric bill at the same time…I was shocked.
Three golf clubs walk into a bar. The putter says, “I’ll have a beer.”
The wedge says, “I’ll take a tequila.”
The third one says, “Nothing for me…I’m the driver.”
My wife told me to stop being an idiot, and just be myself. I told her to make up her mind.
How do you find a blind man in a nudist colony? It’s not hard.
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VFW 2955 & VFW Auxiliary School Supply Grant
1. $60 gift card will be given to each child for school supplies;
2. Must be VFW 2955 Post or Auxiliary member, in good standing, to apply;
3. Gift cards may be requested by parents or grandparents of students;
4. Kindergarten through High School are eligible;
5. Request must be made and turned into Post Quartermaster/Bartender by June 19, 2026.
Post or Auxiliary member’s name: __________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________
Please check one: Post member _______ Auxiliary member ______
Children’s names: _________________________________________________
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