Of the United States of America FATHER JOHN J. HICKEY POST 731 920 West Chester Pike � Havertown, PA 19083 � Telephone 610-446-7555 "Over 50 Years of Service to God, Country, and Home" Visit us at http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/5425/Email us at [email protected] The SHORT SHEET November 1998 Edition Donato M. DiBartolomeo, Editor |
NOLAN SCHEXNAYDER RECEIVES THE JUBILEE OF LIBERTY MEDAL
Nolan recently received the following letter from Congressman Curt Weldon: "Fifty four years ago your heroic efforts, during the invasion of Normandy, preserved freedom and democracy which is treasured throughout the world. Sailors and soldiers such as yourself risked life and limb to defend the United States and the belief that freedom is not a right that can be usurped by tyrannical leaders, but rather a divine right that belongs to all human beings. In 1994, the French Government held ceremonies to honor the Allied veterans who took part in the Normandy Invasion, June 6, 1944 to August 31, 1944. Through a joint effort with Delaware County Government and local businesses, I have arranged to award our Seventh Congressional District Normandy veterans who were unable to attend the ceremony in France. On behalf of the French Government, I am honored to present to you THE JUBILEE OF LIBERTY MEDAL, as a symbol of gratitude. Enclosed, you will also find a World War II Victory pin and a Certificate of Appreciation for your outstanding service. It is a privilege to recognize the service and perseverance through circumstances that tested the minds and souls of the bravest men. When you accept this Liberty Medal, please know that it is with the gratitude of the free world. As your Congressman, it is an honor to serve those who nobly served their country. Thank you for your loyalty, dedication and service to the United States of America." Nolan is pictured above with his Victory pin and Certificate of Appreciation. Commander Fred Steigerwalt presented the certificate and pin to Nolan who received a rousing round of applause from all members present. On behalf of Fr. John J. Hickey Post 731, congratulations Nolan! OFFICERS' REPORTS AND MEETING NOTICES CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS AND CORSAC ASSOCIATIONAt the November CORSAC's meeting, we finally had enough members to vote on the amendments to the constitution and by-laws of the CORSAC Home Association. These amendments were published in the February 1998 edition of the Short Sheet and displayed at the Post. The approved amendments are presented below: Article 1V-Preamble reads as follows: "Section 1. The Directors shall be divided into three classes, which shall consist of three Directors each." Article 1V, Section 3 reads as follows: Next Membership Meeting: December 2nd COMMANDER'S REPORT - Fred Steigerwalt We are starting another year at our post, a one that I would like to be a year of "joining in". With a membership of 196 persons last year, I'm hoping to see more members attend our meetings and getting involved in someway. It's hard for so few to do for so many. If everyone would just pick one activity or fundraiser to be involved in the work becomes lighter and the rewards greater. I am very pleased to see the new faces stepping forward and assuming positions as officers of the post. This is just what the post needs, people being involved. We are a post of great tradition, and to let the hard work of the years past be set to rest is not the true attitude of our membership. Our need is now! Don't be afraid to step to the plate and take a swing at something you feel is for the good of your fellow members and the betterment of our post home. I'm a proud Commander, proud of accomplishments over the past two years. These accomplishments only became reality due to the hard work of our members involved. I am very happy to see the early response we have received to our bake sale. This is what the post needs, people who care. At this time I can only say thank you to the board that has served so well for the past year and has been a very big part of making me the Commander I tried to be. Without your guidance I would not have had the wonderful experiences which I treasure today. The past two years have meant a great deal to me. 1ST VICE COMMANDER'S REPORT - Charles Farrell MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS: Please remember that we hold CWV membership meetings the first Wednesday of every month, starting at 7:30 PM. A reminder to the officers that we hold our CWV officers' meetings prior to the membership meeting, starting promptly at 7:00 PM. In an effort to encourage some of you with busy schedules to attend, the membership meetings will be held to within one hour, followed by snacks and beer. The shuffleboard will also be made available. Editor's Note: Hour-long meetings? Can you say Commander Farrell? WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER: We belong to the CWV to serve God, our families, and our Country. Our Post has over 180 paid members, yet only 20 or so are active. We miss the rest of you and need all of you. December is going to be a busy month with shuffleboard competition on the 4th and 18th, the "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest on the 13th, the Children's Christmas Party on the 20th, the Lounge Party on the 11th, and the next membership meeting on the 2nd. PHEW! Ernie Beck and I will need lots of help with these activities and we look forward to hearing from you! CORPORATE COMMUNION: The next Corporate Communion Sunday is on November 29th, followed by a Continental Breakfast at the Post. If we can locate a caterer willing to work with us in the future, we'll return to hosting hot breakfasts. THE CHRISTMAS LOUNGE PARTY: The Lounge party will be held on Friday, December 12th. Please bring a hot or cold item, snacks, or a dessert. There will be a $3.00 charge per person which will cover beer and soft drinks. "Party" prices will be charged for other items. Come join your fellow Post and Auxiliary members for some Christmas cheer. 2ND VICE COMMANDER'S REPORT - Vince Gisondi We received all the membership applications from the CWV National. If you have not received a CWV membership application, please let me know and I'll get you a form as soon as possible. We have already received dues from 83 members. We unfortunately lost 5 members recently. Please keep their families and friends in your prayers. Don't forget that the post depends on all if its' members to recruit new members. Speaking of new members, please join me in welcoming our Tony Bernardini to our Post. If you're new to the Post, you are heartily invited to join us at our next meeting. Hope to see you there. 3RD VICE COMMANDER'S REPORT - Ernie Beck POSTER CONTEST: The "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest will be held in December and fifteen suburban Catholic grade schools have been sent invitations. Judges for the entries will be held on December 13th at the post home. There will be prizes awarded for 1st Place ($25.00), 2nd Place ($15.00), and 3rd Place ($10.00). The winners will also receive Catholic War Veterans certificates. CHRISTMAS PARTY: The annual Children's Christmas Party will take place on Sunday, December 20th, between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the post home. Janine Kelly ("Gotcha Hopping") will again provide entertainment for the youngsters. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance to get all the children's Christmas Wish lists. Each child will receive a gift, and we'll be serving ice cream and cookies. All members are encouraged to bring their children, grandchildren, and other family youngsters to the party. Editor's Note: We expect a larger than usual crowd as it is unlikely any of our members will be watching the Eagles. Santa, please bring us a new team! WELFARE OFFICER'S REPORT - Tom Loftus Please keep the following members in your prayers as they recuperate from their illnesses, injuries, and losses: Bill Rodrian and Josephine Sheridan. We purchased a Mass cards for William A. McLaughlin, Michael J. Murphy, Joseph P. Trifiletti, Joseph M. Del Bonifro ,and Ernest A. Foster. Please continue to keep us updated on the health of our members! LADIES AUXILIARY REPORT - Madam President Kay Farrell Thank you for your vote of confidence - one more year. Congratulations to our Board of Officers: |
| President: Kay Farrell | Treasurer: Rosemary Loftus | 2nd Yr Trustee: Jan Zampino |
| 1st Vice: Pat Brown | Ritual: Joan Francis | 3rd Yr Trustee: Dolores Baker |
| 2nd Vice: Carmie Gianfrancesco | Historian: Betty Roe | Welfare: Betty Beck |
| 3rd Vice: Betty Hall | 1st Yr Trustee: Bernie Farrell |
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I know that if you and all members of the auxiliary work with me we will have another successful year. Stay healthy and happy, and again many thanks for choosing me as your President. I would also like to wish all members (CWV & CWVA) a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. Congratulations to the new roster of the CWV 1998-1999. We wish you and all the members a successful and healthy year. I am blessed with your friendship - it's a privilege to know you. With God's help, not to mention St. Sebastian and St. Agnes, how can we not succeed? CHRISTMAS DINNER: Our annual Christmas dinner will be held December 17, 1998, at the Llanerch Country Club. Cocktails will start at 6:30, and dinner at 7:00. More details to follow. 42nd STREET: Thank you to all who are attending this evening at the Media Theater. Shuttle busses will be leaving our Post home at 5:15 on the 21st. Please plan to arrive early so that we can leave on time. If there are question's regarding this trip please call me, Eileen Steigerwalt, after 6:00PM @ 610-449-6987.
Nominating Committee: We THANK You!It took a little coercing, a little pleading, and a lot of convincing, but we finally have all the senior officer positions filled. A few wrinkles still need to be ironed out, so we won't be publishing our 1999 officers' list until the next edition of the Short Sheet. While we now are prepared to proceed with 1999's agenda of activities, we can't stop recruiting volunteers. The post is still being led by the same core group of personnel and it's only a matter of time before they step down for a well-deserved break. We understand that some of you may not be able to commit full time to any of the officer positions because of your busy schedules. However, it's clear to us from your responses to the Cakeless Cake Sale and the feedback via our web site that many of you do care about our Post and may be willing to assist with certain events. Our 1st Vice Commander and 3rd Vice Commander are new to their respective positions and can really use some help! If you've enjoyed events like the Past Commanders' Banquet or the Childrens' Christmas Party, take the next step and volunteer to assist with this year's plans. If everyone chips in, we'll keep our Post thriving into the next millenium. Cakeless Cake Sale Update During the first five days we have already received $265.00 from 9.2% of the letters mailed out. One response from a Post 731 poet read as follows: And don't bother to bake, I'm sending a check this date." Hoping to hear from the other 90.8%. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! |
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| "Keep running Fred"
To you and your |
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Memories of Iwo Jima ![]() Rita Turek approached me at a recent membership meeting and showed me a letter which she had recently found. She received it from a Marine she had nursed back to health many years ago. She wondered if it would be suitable for inclusion in the Short Sheet - what do you think? Maybe you have some old memories or stories you'd like to share with us. This is what the Short Sheet is all about! Hope you enjoy it. |
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Twas D-Day on Iwo Jima, it was for some time their trial. There were both men and boys alike, eager and poised, just waiting to strike. Then came the, "All over the side" the fear in our hearts we tried to hide. Down over the net and into the boat our footing so sure like a mountain goat. We circled around like dogs on a leash, then swift as an arrow, we sped to the beach, We circled 'neath the gunwhales of the LCP, not daring to rise, not caring to see. The sky up above had been peaceful and bright but the ack-ack, burst made it black as night. While planes of the Army, Marines of the fleet, the challenge to battle did gallantly meet. Then quick as a bat, our boat it did stop, we grabbed the gunwhales and went over the top. We hit the water, some over their heads, some did not come up, no tears could we shed. Our ships out at sea were shelling no more, for they knew the Marines were on the shore. They had done their job so swift and so sure, they figured for us the beach was secure. |
But then in our midst, Japanese mortars did fall, heard cries of the wounded, heard one Marine call "Help me you guys, I'm blind, I can't see!" but our orders forbade us to answer his pleas. And then it was over, as quick as the start, no smile on our faces, no joy in our hearts. For back on the beach, in the blood-stained bay, lay some of our pals, it was their judgement day. As I turned my head and gazed all around at those battle scarred men laying there on the ground. Though tough as they were, they seen men die, and not one was ashamed of the tears in their eyes. So God up above all we ask of you is the courage we need to see this through. The courage to fight when the time will come when we'll finally set the Rising Sun. William J. Lobley U.S. Marine Corps 4-20-45 |