Newsletters
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS & VFW AUXILIARY
MAY, 2026 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Notes from the Editor
The weather will straighten out one of these days...I hope! When it does, there will be plenty of sunshine and warm weather, or at least time to get some
spring chores finished. I’m glad April is behind us! There were a few nice days, but with the tornadoes, rain and cool weather most of the month was unpleasant!
Congratulations to the newly elected Post and Auxiliary officers! They will be installed in an installation ceremony at their respective regular meeting this month.
Don’t forget the annual Memorial Day parade and services on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, and the Horseshoe League begins play on Wednesday, May 6th. More details on both of these events later in the newsletter.
Mothers’ Day is Sunday, May 10th. If possible, call or visit your mother, and thank her for everything she has done for you!
HEADS UP NOTICE!! The popular VFW Burger Bombs will begin being grilled next month on Friday, June 5th and run until Friday, September 25th!
-Tom Cleland, Editor
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The Meaning of Coins on a Veteran’s Headstone
If you see a penny on a headstone, it means that someone (veteran or civilian) has stopped and paid their respects.
If you see a nickel, it means the person attended boot camp with the veteran.
If you see a dime, the coin-leaver served with the veteran.
If you see a quarter, the coin-leaver was present when the veteran was killed.
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Humorous Thoughts
I found that I have been much happier since I switched from coffee in the morning to orange juice. My doctor explained that it’s the vitamin C and natural sugars, but I really think it’s the vodka!
I just bought a full tank of gas for $24.00. Granted, it was for my lawn mower, but I am trying to stay positive!
If you think women are the weaker sex, try pulling the blankets back to your side of the bed!
What do you call a paper airplane that can’t fly? Stationary.
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Highway Roadwork Humor
You’ll hit every cone on the highway before I let you merge in front of me, because you saw that sign two miles back, just like I did!
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VFW and Auxiliary Monthly Meetings
The Auxiliary holds its monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month (this month it is May 4th) 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 May 5th) at 6:00 PM at the Post Home, 11385 2nd Street.
At last month’s meeting, the following VFW offices were elected for the 2026-2027 term:
Commander - Gene Mund;
Senior Vice Commander – Mark Friedenauer;
Junior Vice Commander – Garrett Nesheim;
Quartermaster – Terry Walker;
Three Year Trustee – Dwayne Pieske;
Four Year Board Member – Marc Hulburt.
Jeff Weaver was appointed Adjutant;
David Draeger was appointed Chaplain;
Tom Cleland was appointed Judge Advocate;
Ruben Hernandez was appointed Service Officer and Surgeon.
The Auxiliary officers elected for the 2026 – 2027 term were:
President – Kathy Rhoda;
Treasurer – Ann Stenberg;
Darlene Schoepski was appointed Secretary.
The new officers will take office in June, after the State Commander/State President are installed at the State Convention.
All VFW and Auxiliary members are invited to attend their respective meetings.
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From Post Commander Gene Mund:
The Easter Bunny showed up in fine style for the annual candy egg hunt held Saturday, April 4th. The hall was full of kids, parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents, where everyone enjoyed hot dogs and chips coupled with $526.00 worth of candy stuffed into plastic eggs. Pictures with the Easter Bunny were very popular. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, we simply held the event in the hall. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible. Special thanks to “Doc” who spent the event in the sweatsuit. Well done.
This has nothing to do with the Post but “for your information.” Took an eight-day cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, Canada. After several cruises on different cruise lines, I can firmly attest to the fact we will never take another cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines. The food was bland and selection was limited. The people were great but the entertainment was sorely lacking. I believe they called up ten people from the engine room telling them to fake it till you make it. They never made it. After the “show” I felt like I needed to brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out with turpentine. Don’t want to take too much space here ranting about
NCL so enough said.
The only major purchase this month was that of a 54 inch cut Zero turn mower with 23 horsepower. The Post approved 5,000 dollars but the mower purchased came in below 4,200 bucks. Very fast and very powerful. Our old equipment was not repairable.
Spring has sprung so be careful getting out the lawn care equipment and power tools. Along with spring, the Horseshoe League starts in May. Get a team together or show up solo as a substitute. The League is a good bunch of pitchers who don’t take the competition too seriously. The Bunker will be open for service each Wednesday night for shoes.
Short memo this month because I leave for Key west on April 24 for two weeks. I can tell you this. Key West will be a great time. Stay safe everyone.
Congratulations to those members elected as Officers at the Post/Auxiliary elections at last month’s meetings. You will take your offices in June, after the State VFW Convention.
Please support the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies on Memorial Day, May 25th. The Parade steps off at 10:00 AM at Bridge and Main Streets, and concludes at the Roscoe Cemetery, where the Memorial Day Services will commence immediately following the Parade. Then, come back to the Post for refreshments.
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From Auxiliary President Diana Rudeen:
Hello Brothers and Sisters:
I hope everyone survived and is safe after all the storms and tornadoes that went through our area.
Our next Auxiliary meeting is May 4, 2026, with a special meeting and then installation of Officers. Please attend the Auxiliary meeting, held at 6:00 PM at the Post Home. I will share more at the meeting; I hope to see everyone in attendance.
The Easter Egg Hunt was held inside due to the wet grass, and each child received a lot of eggs filled with candy along with a hot dog and chips. Thank-you to the Post for all of the candy and anyone that donated items and their time, I could have not been prouder. I heard nothing but rave reviews doing it this way and still holding it on the same day.
Doesn’t our Post Home look fabulous. A special thanks to our Commander Gene Mund and Officers for completing all of the projects, it is warmer and inviting.
I am mentioning this early as the Post will need volunteers on August 22nd for the Corn Roast, and on August 29th for the Jamie Cox Run. Time flies and this way you can mark your calendars early for these events sponsored by the Post.
I hope everyone is enjoying Spring, even though Mother Nature has other ideas on the weather forecast.
The Auxiliary is always encouraging members to help with the meat raffles. This is a way for some, or all, of our new members to have fun while participating in an Auxiliary project. We are willing to help you learn. We will be doing the meat raffle on Saturday, May 2nd, Saturday, May 16th, and Saturday, May 30st. If you are interested in helping with the Meat Raffle, please contact Auxiliary President Diana Rudeen or Ann Stenberg and express your interest.
The District meeting will be May 17th at Oregon Post 8739. Please let Diana Rudeen know if you are planning to attend.
Please join the Auxiliary for the Memorial Day services on May 25th. If you want to participate in the parade, be at the Post Home by 9:00 am.
Buddy Poppy Distribution
The Post has received permission to distribute Poppies again this year, but the Village will not allow us to stand in the roadway, so it will be handled as it was
last year; standing on the street corners until a car stops. Distribution will be Friday, May 15th, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, and Saturday, May 16th, from 9:00 AM
until Noon.
Contact Bill Graves at 815-623-7663 to schedule a time to help.
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6th District Convention and Loyalty Day Ceremony, Sunday, May 17th.
The 6th District Convention will be held at Oregon Post #8739, 1310 W Washington, Oregon, IL 61061.
The Loyalty Day program will begin at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be at Noon. At 1:00 PM, the Time and Place Committee will meet. The District Convention, including election of District officers, will begin at 2:00 PM. At 3:30 PM, the District and Auxiliary will install officers in a joint ceremony.
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Horseshoe League Begins
The Horseshoe league will begin the first full week of May, on Wednesday, May 6th, at 5:30 PM.
The VFW will pay the entry fee of any Post 2955 member who wants to participate. The League usually runs through September.
If you are interested in participating, or for more information, contact Matt Austin.
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Cleavage is like the sun...you can glance at it for only a second or two, but if you wear sunglasses, you can look much longer!
Sloppy Joe Monday/Taco Tuesday/Wienie Wednesday/Italian Beef Thursday
Come in on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for a great meal, served by our fantastic bartenders. There is food available each of those days from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Ask your friendly bartender for details!
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UPCOMING POST BLOOD DRIVE:
The Roscoe VFW will be hosting the Spring Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 26th, from 12:30 - 6:30 PM. This will again be in cooperation with RREACH. The Rock River Valley Blood Center will conduct the Drive in the Hall. DOUBLE RED BLOOD CELL donors can donate at this drive. Please take the opportunity to reserve your donation time by calling Kayla Cotone at 815-543-0861, Mike O’Brien at 815-978-7357, or Terry Walker at 815-484-3562. Walk-ins are welcome; Appointments
are preferred.
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I have a bunch of jokes about unemployed people, but none of them seem to work.
My kids told me I owned every board game except one – I had no Clue.
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MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & SERVICES
The annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25th, with step-off at 10:00 AM. (Note the start time!) The parade will assemble at Bridge &
Main Streets, proceed down Main Street, then end at Roscoe Cemetery. The traditional Memorial Day services will take place at the cemetery immediately following the parade. At the conclusion of the services, everyone is invited back to the VFW for refreshments and fellowship.
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