VFW

POST 7447
NEWS &
VIEWS
101 State Road, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971 Quarterly Newsletter, 4Q 2014
WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR YOU
LATELY?
As we all know, the PRIMARY purpose of our great
organization is to SERVE OUR VETERANS. To that
end, following is a list of organizations to which were
proud to have contributed and supported so far in 2014.
MONETARY SUPPORT
American Legion / KIA Flag
Boys & Girls Clubs
Cancer Support Community
Delaware Hospice
Fisher House
Girl Scouts
Good Shepherd Fund
Home of the Brave
Meals on Wheels
Patriot Paws
Rehoboth Fire Department
St Jude Childrens Hospital
Veterans Direct Assistance
VFW Natl Home for Children
Wounded Warrior Project
NON-MONETARY SUPPORT
Honor Guard (funerals, memorials, Veterans and military events)
Volunteer activities at Veterans hospitals, homes and senior
centers, and throughout the community
A place for comradery and friendship between active members
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Cape Henlopen College Scholarships (3)
Cape Henlopen JROTC
VFW Patriots Pen Scholarship
VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award
Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Scholarship
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
SPEAKING OF SCHOLARSHIPS, applications are being accepted
right now for the following scholarships and awards:
(1) Voice of Democracy audio essay contest for Grades 9-12. For
more info and form: www.vfw.org/VOD. Deadline to Post 7447:
NOVEMBER 1, 2014.
(2) Patriots Pen essay contest for Grades 6-8. For more info and
form: www.vfw.org/PatriotsPen. Deadline to Post 7447:
NOVEMBER 1, 2014.
(3) Ladies Aux Continuing Education Scholarship to assist
members who wish to further their education by pursuing a
college degree, or career direction at technical school. Ladies
Aux members (for at least a year) may apply, as well as their
spouses, daughters and sons 18 years or older. For more info
and form: ladiesauxvfw.org -- Programs tab, then Scholarships.
Deadline to National Office: FEBRUARY 15, 2015.
Remembering Who We Are
Many of our members think of Post 7447 as
the canteen at 101 State Road. Its not. Its the
PEOPLE who comprise our Post membership
and the contributions they make through the
volunteer work they do in our Post and the
community. They were proud to have served our
country in the field or as supportive spouses and
family members. Now they continue to serve our
Veterans and military community through our
National, Post and Auxiliary programs.
Sure, we have a great facility, but thats just
our brick and mortar. Its the flesh & blood of the
organization that make us who we are, and what
we accomplish together.
So, next time someone asks you Wheres
VFW Post 7447? you should point to yourself
and to the Veterans all around you. We are
everywhere! But we could be even more places
doing even more for our Post and the Veteran
community with greater participation by more of
our members. Lets not just be a roster of 800,
lets be 800 members strong!
About Veterans, For Veterans Always!
Semper Fi,
Bob McGinnis, Post Commander
This is not
Post 7447
THI S is Post 7447 !
2
HOW YOU CAN HELP US
DO EVEN MORE!
Everything we do and accomplish is through the
commitment and tireless efforts of volunteers. The
more volunteers we have, the more we can
accomplish. Below is a list of general categories /
activities on which we would love to have more help.
Please pick one or more that sound interesting to you,
and contact the person listed.
PLEASE GET INVOLVED! Its great fun and
enormously rewarding. After all, supporting the
Veteran community is why you joined in the first place!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Project / Category Contact
Events (Military) Bob McGinnis, 484-300-6091
Hospital Connie Smith, 302-260-9922
Ice & Snow Removal Art Frampton, 302-588-3079
Kitchen Bob McGinnis, 484-300-6091
Poppies Jack Ward, 302-227-0834
Post Indoor Clean Up Tina Browning, 302-227-3469
Yardwork Greg Gause, 302-227-8458
Misc. Volunteer Projects Art Frampton, 302-588-3079
DID YOU KNOW
VOLUNTEERING = $$$?
Most members probably dont know that whenever
we fulfill threshold levels of volunteerism through
hours, miles and donations related to mandated
programs and activities, we receive monetary
awards from the National VFW level.
For example, at the July National Convention our
small but mighty Ladies Auxiliary placed 1
st
and 2
nd
in
multiple categories, earning both kudos and $$$!
Thats why, under the coordination of the Post and
Auxiliaries, its so important to get involved in a variety
of program categories such as Americanism, Cancer
Aid, Hospital, Legislation, Buddy Poppy, Veterans &
Family Support, Scholarship and Youth Activities.
Speak to your Post Quartermaster and/or Ladies or
Mens Auxiliary President to get involved and help us
leverage the good work you do. Contact phone
numbers and email addresses are on Page 6.
Remember Volunteering = $$$!
Fundraising VS. FUNdraising!
To fulfill our mission of serving the Veteran
community, we need to raise funds. We could just
repeatedly solicit members for cash contributions,
but where would the fun be in that?! Besides, we
would just annoy the heck out of our members, right?
Instead, we put the FUN in FUNdraising by
holding events and activities in which you as
members, guests and even the public can
participate. In doing so, you inject funds into our
coffers, and you reap benefits in return! Sense of
reward, fun, laughter, comradery and friendships are
enormously beneficial to ones overall well-being.
PLUS, there are monetary benefits as well!
In fact, our numerous fundraising activities are as
successful as they are because we share some of
what we raise with the people who contribute
through their participation! For example:
$ Bar Bingo
$ Raffles
$ Weekly & Daily Drawings
$ Gaming Machines
$ Golf Tournaments
$ Even our hard-working Cooks and Servers
during meal events share the tips!
So cmon out and give a little of your time, a
little of your cash, and a little of yourself. Then get
a whole lot back in return!
NEW POST HOURS!
Effective September 22
nd
(subject to change)
Now that were past our busiest season, it makes
sense to cut back a bit on our Post and Kitchen hours.
Meetings may still be scheduled other hours with
Officer approval. The following hours are now in effect:
Day Post Hours Kitchen Hours
Sunday 12:00 8:00p Closed
Monday 3:00 8:00p 3:00 7:00p
Tuesday 3:00 10:00p 3:00 7:00p
Wednesday 3:00 10:00p 3:00 7:00p
Thursday 3:00 10:00p 3:00 7:00p
Friday 12:00 10:00p Closed
Saturday 12:00 10:00p Closed
Of course fresh hot popcorn is always on deck, as
are hot dogs with all the fixins during Bar Bingo.
THE SHRIMP ARE JUMBO
AND SO ARE THE CROWDS!
We are thoroughly pleased to report that
Friday Shrimp Nites have been SO
successful this summer that weve extended
them well beyond Labor Day! See Calendars
GOOD NEWS FOR OUR SMOKING
MEMBERS!
to accommodate our faithful smoking members and
visitors since we cant offer nicotine patches! We
plan to provide a comfortable, weather proofed area
to accommodate short smoking breaks.
3
We acknowledge the continuing controversy
over the majority decision to become a non-
smoking establishment as of May 1
st
. As
expected, it is taking some time to make the
transition, but we firmly believe this was the
right decision. Steps are already underway
DO YOUR DUES!
The National VFW organization has generously
carried delinquent members for a full year, but no
more. As of September 25
th
hundreds of individuals
have been dropped from the National roster, and the
policy will be strictly enforced going forward. Whatever
your category of membership, if you havent yet paid
2015 dues, please do so by December 31
st
.
To help you be better informed about what we do
so you can get more involved in the Posts activities
and programs, youll notice an entirely new look to this
quarters Newsletter and Calendar. The new format is
thanks to one of our newest Ladies Auxiliary Members
-- Susan Resh -- whos not only a Communications
Pro, but found a new niche as a Shrimp Nite server
over the summer!
We will continue to evolve the format and
information included BASED ON YOUR FEEDBACK,
so please let us know what you think, and what youd
like to read about. Give us your thoughts in person,
leave a note at the Post, or shoot an email to Bob
McGinnis at bibbomc@gmail.com, or Susan at
susanresh@cox.net.

ELECT TO GO ELECTRONIC!
VFW 7447 NEWSLETTER REQUEST
(mail to or drop off at the Post)
Name: _______________________________________
Preferred Distribution (choose ONE):
Email: ____________________________________

I will Pick up a copy at the Post

Mailing Address:____________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________
for specific dates. Were also considering once-a-
month Shrimp Nites throughout the off season.
We continue to offer top quality menu items at
affordable prices. Moreover, we have awesome
volunteer cooks and servers, courtesy of our Post,
Ladies and Mens Auxiliaries.
Mother-in-law research (aka non-scientific
feedback) tells us the non-smoking environment has
been a big plus! So if you havent enjoyed Shrimp Nite
in a while, cmon in for a fun and yummy night out!
Also know that THE POST
NEWSLETTER IS GOING ELECTRONIC,
and we need your help. The money we
spend on the printing and mailing of many
hundreds of hardcopies of the quarterly
Newsletter is money taken away from
other Veterans causes. Therefore, we need
you to FILL OUT AND RETURN the form below to the
Post (by mail or drop it off).
By opting for electronic delivery to your email,
you will receive the Newsletter more quickly, and
save us both printing and mailing costs.
If you dont have email but opt to pick up a
hardcopy at the Post, you save us the postage.
If you still wish to have a hardcopy mailed to you,
you must give us your current mailing address to
help eliminate the wasted printing and mailing costs
of the many returned each quarter as undeliverable.
If you know of a member who is ailing or has passed,
please notify Post Commander Bob McGinnis at 484-
300-6091 or L/A Member Connie Smith at 302-260-9922.
GONE BUT NOT
FORGOTTEN
Sadly yet proudly, we saluted farewell to the following
fallen heroes -- VFW Post 7447 members who
passed over the summer:
Post Ladies Auxiliary
Donald Addor Dorothy (Dottie) Ahearn
Joseph Cain Helen (Pat) Cumberland
Louis Kupfer Doris Kupfer
Kirk Pope Jr Betty Ann Patterson
Robert Sharp
HEALTHBEAT
Matthew John Barlow, MD, Post Surgeon
The vaccine changes each year; it does not protect
against all influenza viral strains, only those strains
used in the vaccine. The viral strains included in the
vaccine are based on the strains that have caused more
severe symptoms, and are anticipated to be prevalent
during the coming flu season.
High risk populations for the flu include: children,
pregnant women, the elderly, immune-compromised
individuals, and those with chronic conditions such as
asthma and diabetes. The CDC recommends
individuals 6 months and older receive the annual flu
vaccine. (Specific injection vs. nasal spray, and strength
of vaccine depend on age and medical condition).
Help prevent the spread of the flu by:
Not touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Practicing proper hand washing
Cleaning common surface areas frequently
If you have a history of egg allergy, or any questions
or concerns about receiving this vaccine, check with
your medical provider. (By the way, contrary to popular
belief, the flu vaccine does NOT cause the flu!)
4
VFW SERVICE OFFICER:
A VETS BEST FRIEND!
The VFW provides services to Veterans and
their dependents without respect to Veteran service
organization affiliation. In other words, membership
in the VFW is NOT required to access these services.
VFW Service Officers are trained experts, helping
Veterans develop their case with ease by reviewing
and applying current law, pertinent legislation,
regulations and medical histories. As skilled
professionals, they assist in filing for disability
compensation, rehabilitation and education programs,
pension and death benefits, and employment and
training programs. Furthermore, they wont hesitate
to request hearings before the VA and the Board of
Veterans Appeals to present oral arguments when
needed. They are the key to success, recovering
approximately $1 billion in earned benefits and
compensation for Veterans each year!
VFW Service Officer Responsibilities Include:
Offer research and advice to Veterans who wish to
handle their own claims
Assist Veterans with filing original claims for
compensation and/or pension with the Department
of Veterans Affairs and complete required VA forms
on behalf of claimant
Assist Veterans in reopening claims for service-
connected disabilities; complete required VA forms
Follow up on status of claims filed by Veterans with
VA Regional Office
File Notice of Disagreement with VA Regional Office
if Veteran believes the VAs decision was incorrect
Review VA case statements regarding denials of
claim; assist Veterans with preparation of responses
Assist Veterans or surviving spouses in preparation
of appeals for denial of claims; file appeals with local
VA Regional Office for forwarding to Board of
Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C.
Complete VA forms other than for original claims
Answer/research phone inquiries regarding medical,
death/burial and other miscellaneous benefits
Contact Info
David Hilliard
Delaware VFW Department Service Officer
VA Medical & Regional Office Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway, Room 21
Wilmington DE 19805
Phone: 302-993-7260
Fax: 302-993-7265
Email: david.hilliard@va.gov
David is at Post 7447 the 3
rd
Thursday of each month,
from 1:30-4:00 p.m. Appointments are suggested, but
not required.
As a reminder, the VA now offers FREE shuttle service
for Veterans living in lower Delaware with appointments
at the Wilmington VAMC in Elsmere DE. The 16-
passenger courtesy shuttle runs Monday through
Thursday, excluding Federal holidays. Prerequisites for
riding the free shuttle include:
Veteran must have a scheduled clinic appointment at
the Medical Center
The primary care team scheduler must be contacted
in advance to make a shuttle reservation (reservations
are first-come, first served)
Family members over the age of 16 may accompany
Veteran patients for scheduled clinic appointments.
(However, family members wishing to VISIT Veteran
INpatients may not use the shuttle)
Round-trip route:
8:30 a.m. departure from Sussex County Community
Outpatient Clinic, 15 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown
Stops at Kent County VA Community Outpatient
Clinic, 1198 S. Governors Ave, Dover
2:30 p.m. return departure from Wilmington VAMC,
back to lower Delaware Community Based clinics
FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
TO WILMINGTON VA
MEDICAL CENTER [VAMC]
Like it or not, FLU SEASON is here
again. So, its time to consider getting that flu
vaccine again! The season usually spans
October to May, but may extend throughout the
entire year. It takes approximately two weeks
for the vaccine to be effective, so dont wait!
SPOTLIGHT ON
Art Frampton
Post Quartermaster
Sure you know the Officers
but do you really KNOW them?
In each Newsletter well introduce a few
of YOUR Post 7447 Officers. This quarter
were proud to introduce you to three of them:
Your
Officers
Born and raised in Delaware, Art worked for
DuPont (in the Finance department) for 37 years.
Hes a Desert Storm Veteran, having simultaneously
served in the Delaware Air National Guard for 31
years, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant in
Chemical Warfare.
Art has been married to the love of his life Judy
for nearly 48 years! They moved to the Rehoboth
area 12 years ago, and enjoy 3 children and 5
grandchildren. He has kept quite busy over the years
as Little League Coach, Babe Ruth League and
Youth Bowling Coach; President of the Kiamensi
Gardens Civic Association; Post Commander of
American Legion 17 in Lewes; Veterans Committee
Chair of Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540; Post
Commander of VFW 7447, and is now in his 2
nd
year
as Post Quartermaster.
Art is very proud of his Community and Veterans
service. He considers his life to be truly rewarding,
and he and Judy are most thankful to be here!
Ed Schaefer
Mens Auxiliary President
5
Ed is from the Philadelphia area, where he
enlisted in the Navy right after High School, training
as a Cryptographic Technician. His overseas tours
included Okinawa, Japan and Turkey. Leveraging the
G.I. bill, Ed earned a Bachelor's in Political Science
from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, and
eventually a Master's in Special Education from the
University of Delaware.
During his senior year Ed discovered his passion
for teaching. His career progressed through:
Salesianum High School in Wilmington, DE; the
Delaware Correctional system; Director of
educational services in the Adult and Juvenile
Bureaus of Correction; Supervisor of Special
Education in the Cape Henlopen school system; and
Shields Elementary School (K-3) in Lewes, DE. Upon
retiring after 32 years in Delaware public education,
he spent the next 16 years training teachers and
administrators across the U.S. to implement
superlative Reading, Language and Math Programs.
Ed has 4 children and 3 grandchildren. For him
and his beloved Kathy, Life is good! He thoroughly
enjoys his role as President of the Men's Auxiliary,
and encourages everyone to join him at Bar Bingo on
Saturday afternoons!
Matthew J ohn Barlow, MD
Post Surgeon
Matthew John Barlow, Jr., COL, Medical Corps,
Ret., Fellow American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP),
was born in Norfolk, VA. His degrees include a BS in
Chemistry (College of William & Mary, 1961), a MD
(Medical College of Virginia, 1965), and a Master of
Health Administration (Baylor University, 1978).
Col. Barlow served on active duty 6/65-6/87. He
completed a rotating internship at Fitzsimons Army
Medical Center and a pediatric residency at Tripler
Army Medical Center (Hawaii). Additionally, he
completed the Medical Dept. Officer Advanced
Course, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Army
War College. Assignments included staff, teaching,
and command positions. Overseas assignments
included tours in Germany and Korea where he served
as the Division Surgeon 2nd Infantry Division 8/79-
7/80. Col. Barlow was Commander of Dewitt Army
Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, 1981-84. He
also served as Chief, Medical Corps Branch, Health
Services Division, MILPERCEN, in Washington DC.
Awards and Medals include: Legion of Merit,
Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Army
Achievement, Natl Defense Service, Korean Defense
Service, Humanitarian Service (Indochina Refugees),
Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Ribbon #2.
After military retirement,
Col. Barlow worked as Sr.
VP for Health Services and
Medical Director of Anthony
L. Jordan Health Center in
Rochester NY. He also
worked as an ambulatory
surveyor for Joint
Commission. He and wife
Nancy have 2 daughters
and 6 grandchildren. They
have lived in Rehoboth
Beach, DE since 1998.
WHO YA GONNA CALL?
VFW POST 7447 LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY
June 2014 May 2015 (Revised: 10/3/14)
POST OFFICERS
Post Commander
Post Senior Vice-Commander
Post Junior Vice-Commander
Post Quartermaster
Post Judge Advocate
Post Adjutant
Post Surgeon
Post Chaplain
Post Parliamentarian
Post Service Officer
Officer-of-the-Day
Post Trustee [3 year term]
Post Trustee [2 year term]
Post Trustee [1 year term]
Bob McGinnis (Tel: 484-300-6091)
Everett Beach
Harry Dale
Art Frampton (Tel: 302-588-3079)
Warren Bagnatori
Gene Browning
Matthew John Barlow, MD
Greg Gause
Avon "Mac" McCauley
(Vacant)
Jack Ward
Herb Hunsucker
Matthew John Barlow, MD
Warren Bagnatori
LADIES AUXILIARY OFFICERS
President
Senior Vice-President
Junior Vice-President
Chaplain
Conductress
Guard
Treasurer
Secretary
Trustee [3 year term]
Trustee [2 year term]
Trustee [1 year term]
Elsie McGurgan (Tel: 302-203-0018)
Fran Turner
Sally Jozwiak
Mary K Smith
Gladys Wise
Mary Jones
Judy Stranch
Mary Ann Tucker
Judy Frampton
Fran Turner
Stephanie McGinnis
MEN'S AUXILIARY OFFICERS
President
Senior Vice-President
Junior Vice-President
Chaplain
Parliamentarian
Guard
Treasurer
Secretary
Service Officer
Trustee [3 year term]
Trustee [2 year term]
Trustee [1 year term]
Ed Schaefer (Tel: 302-430-2792)
Marshall Punch Franklin
Scott Underkoffler
John F Cumberland Jr
Ed McHale
William "Hugh" MacKay
Richard Morgante
Dan Noel
Robert W Pruchniewski
Hugh Dougherty
Terry Ziegler
Larry Siple
POST BOARD OF DIRECTORS (BOD)
BOD President
BOD Security & Safety Ofcr
BOD Asst Security&Safety Ofcr
BOD Treasurer
BOD 4 Year Member
BOD 2 Year Member
BOD 1 Year Member
Tracy Bowen (3 Year Member)
Bob McGinnis, Post Commander
Everett Beach, Post Sr Vice-Cmdr
Art Frampton, Post Quartermaster
Greg Gause, Post Chaplain
Jack Ward
Gene Browning
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
VFW POST 7447:
Telephone
Email
Post Commander
Post Quartermaster
Website
Facebook



Ladies Auxiliary


Men's Auxiliary


VFW Insurance Department
V.A. Hospital Information
DE Veteran's Commission
DE VFW Dept Service Officer

302-227-3469
rehobothvfw@aol.com
484-300-6091 Bob McGinnis
302-588-3079 Art Frampton
rehobothvfw.tripod.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Vfw-
post-7447 (or search VFW
7447 Rehoboth Beach DE)

302-203-0018 Elsie McGurgan
lavfw7447@yahoo.com

302-430-2792 Ed Schaefer
vfw7447mensauxiliary@aol.com

800-821-2606
800-827-1000
800-344-9900
302-993-7260 David Hilliard
david.hilliard@va.gov
Fax: 302 993-7265
POST 7447 STANDARD MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULE*
Board of Directors
Post Membership
Ladies Auxiliary
Men's Auxiliary
VFW Dept Service Officer
2
nd
Saturday 9:00 am
2
nd
Saturday 9:30 am
1
st
Thursday 1:00 pm
4
th
Saturday 10:00 am
3
rd
Thursday 1:30-4:00 pm
(*excluding occasional changes or cancellations,
announced and posted well in advance)
6
We honor the dead
by helping the living