Newsletters
Roscoe VFW Post 2955 & VFW Auxiliary
JANUARY 2026 - Monthly Newsletter
Notes from the Editor
ATTENTION! ALL POST 2955 MEMBERS! ATTENTION!
At the Post meeting on October 7, 2025, a motion was made and duly passed by a majority of the Post members attending the meeting, to initiate action to “Rename Roscoe VFW Post 2955 to SPC Brandon Rowe VFW Post.” This motion will be introduced and voted on at the January 6, 2026 Post meeting at
6:00 PM. This motion must pass by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of Post members present and voting on the motion for the renaming to proceed.
More on this later in the newsletter.
My hope for the new year is that everyone made it safely through the hectic days of December and was able to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with family and friends!
In regards to our Toy Drive, held in conjunction with the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department, due to YOUR generosity we were able to fill THREE (3) big boxes with toys. The firemen picked up the toys on December 15th for distribution.
IMPORTANT! JUST IN!! Remember the last Elvis show at the VFW that you wished you had attended? Well, you have another chance! Tickets are now on sale for the Elvis tribute show on Saturday, March 7th. Cost of the tickets is $20.00 per ticket. See your friendly bartender for tickets or contact Bill Graves at
815-218- 2282. Be There or Be Square!!!
As we enter this new year of 2026, my wish is that everyone reading this newsletter re-commit themselves to helping and supporting our active-duty troops, our veterans, and our community!
‑Tom Cleland, Editor
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An 86-year-old man went to his doctor for a check-up. The doctor asked the man how he was feeling. The 86-year-old replied, “Things are great and I’ve never felt better. I now have a 20-year-old bride who is pregnant with my child. What do you think about that, Doc?”
The doctor considered this question for a moment and then began to tell a story. “I have an older friend, much like you, who is an avid hunter and never misses
a season. One day he was setting off to go hunting. In a bit of a hurry, he accidentally picked up his walking cane instead of his gun. As he neared a lake, he came across a very large male beaver sitting at the water’s edge. He then realized he’d left his gun at home, so he couldn’t shoot the magnificent creature. Out of habit he raised his cane, aimed it at the animal as if it were his favorite hunting rifle and went, ‘bang, bang.’
Miraculously, two shots rang out and the beaver fell over dead. Now, what do you think of that?” asked the doctor. The 86-year-old replied, “Logic would strongly suggest that somebody else pumped a couple of rounds into that beaver.”
The doctor relied, “My point exactly.”
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VFW and Auxiliary Monthly Meetings
The Auxiliary meets on the first Monday of each month. This month it is January 5th, at 6:00 PM. The VFW holds its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month; this month it is January 6th, at 6:00 PM. Both meetings are held in the Hall at the Post Home, 11385 2nd Street.
All VFW and VFW Auxiliary members are invited to attend the regular meetings.
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ATTENTION! ALL ROSCOE VFW POST 2955 MEMBERS ATTENTION!
The following is a matter of GREAT IMPORTANCE to all members of Roscoe VFW Post 2955. Please read!
At the Post meeting on October 7, 2025, a motion was made and duly passed by a majority of the Post members attending the meeting, to initiate action to “Rename Roscoe VFW Post 2955 to SPC Brandon Rowe VFW Post.” This serves as notice to all Roscoe VFW Post 2955 members that a motion to that effect will be introduced, discussed, and voted on at the January 6, 2026 Post meeting at 6:00 PM. This motion must pass by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of Post members present and voting on the motion for the name change to take place.
No matter if you are for, or against, this name change, PLEASE attend the Post meeting on January 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Post Home to make your vote count!
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From Commander Gene Mund:
We have been very fortunate to share in a program partnering with Commonwealth Edison. The program has Commonwealth Edison supplying all materials to upgrade the lighting in the hall, kitchen, and office areas with LED fixtures and bulbs. CNC Electric will install all the units, as one requirement is that materials must be installed by a licensed electrician. After the work is complete, Commonwealth Edison will do a field inspection. A caveat of this project is the fact that the new lights will be dimmable and operate at 1/8th the electricity draw as opposed to the draw of the old fixtures. Over six thousand dollars of materials will be supplied free of charge to the Post. This project should be completed before the end of January. Following the window update, this is the next large project to improve our Post home.
The pantry project will take place over the next two months paralleling the lighting project. When complete, the pantry will more than double in size.
The staff did an excellent job transforming the canteen into the festive area it has become. Old Saint Nick will be pleased when he sees the end result.
The second annual Christmas cookie decorating event took place on December 6th. The letters written to Santa filled his mail box. Even Santa made several appearances.
On December 7th, the Post honored the memory of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. A short presentation, including reading the immortal words of Franklin D. Roosevelt to Congress on December 8th declaring war on Japan. The presentation was followed by a prayer delivered by Dave Draeger, tossing the wreath into the river by Rubin Hernandez, three volleys of rifle fire by the Honor Guard, and taps played by Dave Draeger. Thanks to all who participated.
Don’t forget that on New Years day myself and Billy Graves will be serving free Tom & Jerrys from opening at 9:00 am till noon.
I want to wish all the staff, vendors, patrons, and many volunteers a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. God bless you and yours.
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From Auxiliary President Diana Rudeen:
I hope you had a happy and safe Christmas with family and friends. As we start the new year out, I want to say thank-you for all your hard work and dedication to this great organization. The cookie decorating with Santa was a huge success and Thank-you to Commander Gene, and Post and Auxiliary members for helping out.
December 31st at 6:00 pm is a Champagne Toast.
Welcome to the New Year! Commander Gene Mund and I will be serving free Tom & Jerry’s in the Canteen on New Year’s Day from 10:00 AM - Noon. Come on down and join us!
We have several events coming up, some are right around the corner and we need your help. We are in charge of the luncheon for the Sixth District meeting on January 11th with preparing and clean up.
The Fireman’s Dinner is January 28th and we need the same assistance as well. Lastly, we need help with meat raffles, January 3rd and 17th. Please see or call me and I can get you set up to help.
I invite our members to attend the Auxiliary meeting on Monday, January 5th at 6:00 PM.
If you are interested in attending the District Voice of Democracy/Patriot’s Pen Banquet on January 17th at Belvidere VFW Post 1461, let me know before
January 11th.
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Sixth District Voice of Democracy & Patriot's Pen Banquet
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the VFW Sixth District will be hosting the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen Banquet to announce the District winners for the 2025 ‑ 2026 year. The banquet will take place at John Hugo Kaiser VFW
Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008. There will be a social hour beginning at 5:00 PM, with dinner starting at 6:00 PM. Cost is $20.00 per person. Contact Commander Gene Mund at the Post, or President Diana Rudeen January 11, 2026 for reservations. PLEASE NOTE: If you are attending this Banquet, be aware that alcohol is allowed ONLY IN THE CANTEEN, NOT IN THE DINING HALL OR AUDITORIUM!
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Sixth District Meeting
The next District meeting will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Roscoe VFW Post 2955 in Roscoe at 2:00 PM. Only VFW members will be attending this meeting; the District VFW Auxiliary will not be meeting. Lunch will be served at 1:00 pm. Cost of lunch is $10.00 per person. Contact Commander Mund if you will be attending.
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Reception for Roscoe Post & Auxiliary Contest Winners
The VFW and Auxiliary will host a reception for the local winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests in the Hall at a date and time to be determined. The student winners, as well as their parents, will be invited to attend a pizza party and award presentation ceremony, as well as to listen to the winning speeches and essays. All VFW & Auxiliary members are invited to attend this reception.
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From VFW Blood Donor Director:
Roscoe VFW Post 2955 will be hosting the Winter Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Please take the opportunity to reserve your donation time; call Kayla Cotone at 815-543-0861.
“Walk-ins” are always welcome, and we get extra excited about First Time Donors!
Volunteer Opportunity! – From Mike Obrien: Thank you to all who donated blood on Veterans Day! Your generous gift helps save lives and strengthens our community. This last Veterans Day we collected 65 units of blood, saving 195 lives. Thank you all who took time out of your busy schedule.
If you would like to help even more, we welcome your assistance with calling names from our donor list. Your extra help makes a big difference and helps everything run smoothly.
Thank you again for your kindness and generosity.
Mike O'Brien 815-978-7357 Kayla Cotone 815-543-0861
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WEEKDAY LUNCHES AT THE VFW:
All lunches are served from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Monday the menu is chili.
Taco Tuesday’s menu is hard-shell or soft-shell tacos, or taco salad.
(Past Commander Bill Graves says Geri’s tacos are the best in the Stateline!)
Wienie Wednesday features hotdogs, chili dogs, or chili.
Thursday’s menu is Italian beef sandwiches and chips.
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REMEMBER RED SHIRT FRIDAY!!
RED SHIRT FRIDAY continues every Friday in the Canteen. The purpose of wearing a Red Shirt on Friday is to Remember Everyone Deployed. We will strive to continue wearing Red Shirts on Friday until there are no more military personnel deployed!
If you wear a Red Shirt into the Canteen on any Friday, you will receive your second drink free, after purchasing your first drink. (One free drink per person
each Friday!)
Remember, we are wearing Red Shirts to Remember Everyone Deployed – not just to get a free drink!
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Tequila won’t fix your life – but it’s worth a shot!
I decided I want a pet termite. I’m gonna name him Clint – Clint Eatswood.
A perfectionist walks into a bar and immediately leaves. Apparently, the bar wasn’t set high enough.
A vacuum salesman came to my door and poured a bag of dog poop on my carpet. He said, “I’ll eat whatever the vacuum doesn’t clean up.” I said, “I hope
you’re hungry…because the electricity went out this morning.”
I hate spelling errors…You mix up two letters, and your entire post is urined!
I told my wife I went to get a physical today, and the doctor told me I’m a beast. My wife said, “No, the doctor said you were obese!”
.