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"It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we would grow too fond of it ..." - Robert E. Lee |
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Letter from Dennis Gagne, Sr. |
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Fellow Comrades:
I had thought of joining the VFW for a long time, but something always came up and I'd forget about it. Then, one evening a few years ago I was in a Stop and Shop in Lincoln when I noticed a gentleman at the exit (in his VFW hat) selling poppies. I went for my wallet to make a donation but found it was empty. I was a bit flustered for a second or two; then, I spotted the ATM machine. With a "little help" from the friendly ATM I was able to purchase a poppy. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman; telling him that I was a Vietnam Vet and about how many times I had thought about joining the VFW, but never did. He quickly handed me a membership application and said "Why not join now?" So I did.
That was the first time I met Lance Andrews. After attending my first meeting at Post 10213, I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly everyone was and how welcomed they made me feel. It didn't take long for me to realize what a fine group of Veterans we have. It goes without saying how little I knew about the VFW and its mission, but, with the help of the post officers, the members, and the VFW, I learned. One of the things that I admire most about our Post is the cross section of Veterans that we have. There are Vets from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and some who have served in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I really look forward to attending the meetings each month.
The nicest thing that has happened to me since joining the Post was the honor conferred on me in voting me their Commander. I had watched Lance Andrews, Charles Clear, John McDermott, and Leslie Good fulfill the position and I am in awe at how easy they made it look. I can't tell you how many times I've tripped over my tongue or lost my place during meetings, but thankfully my fellow officers at the Post always helped me stay on track. It's amazing what can be accomplished with a little help from your comrades.
In closing, I wish to thank all the members of Carr-Lancaster VFW Post 10213 for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Dennis Gagne, Sr
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Letter from Charles C. Clear |
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To my Fellow Members:
It gives me great pleasure to see the history of our Post outlined on this new website. Being a Charter member of Carr-Lancaster, a past Post Commander, and Post Historian, I have a unique perspective on the origin and evolution of our fine organization. From its humble beginning, our Post has grown into one of the strongest in the State. Thanks to the tireless devotion of our Members, our ranks have grown and we have prospered financially, all while actively supporting Veteran's causes.
General Douglas MacArthur once said "We know that no life is really lost for those who have faith in God." With that in mind, we will always remember our departed Comrades, and the two young men for whom our Post is named: James Carr and Robert Lancaster. Each paid the ulimate price in service to our country - the former in World War 2, the latter in Vietnam.
In closing, I am proud to have been a Charter Member of Carr-Lancaster Post for so many years, and to have had the privelege of serving with such an outstanding group of men. In the years to come, our Post will continue to be a powerful force in our Community, and a very effective advocate for the Veteran's who need assistance.
Last, but not least: Be a Comrade, Be a Brother, but most of all....Be a Friend.
Sincerely,
Charles C. Clear
Post Historian
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Letter from Lance D. Andrews |
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To all Fellow Comrades:
Being a Charter Member of the Carr-Lancaster Post has been a very rewarding experience for me, from the beginning stages when we all met at the Lincoln Town Hall with a small group of Veterans to form the Post we have today, and have it grow into one we can all be very proud of.
Our Members have dedicated themselves by all working together as a team to help with any Veteran's issues. We worked together on many fund-raisers in an effort to grow financially. It was a challenge but we were very successful to be where we are today, and we are grateful for all the help of our Members who continue to assist in any way they can.
In closing, it has been my pleasure to be a founding member and a past Post-Commander, and I am sure that we will continue with the success that we have already achieved. We will always hold in our thoughts and prayers the many Comrades we lost along the way who also had a vision to create the very special Post we have today.
Thank you to all Members,
Lance D. Andrews
Commander
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Letter from John Hall |
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To my Comrades,
Since I am one of the few remaining founding members, I would like to thank all my fellow comrades for the great opportunity to serve the Post as one of their Officers and to get involved with all of our great members. Going to other Posts in my District One position has presented me with a view of how great our Post has been.
We began with a $150.00 dollars and could just about pay our bills, to the point of today where we are just as about the most financially secure Post in the State. All this with the hard work of members and good management, with no great arguments, and most members would never know what other Post's go through, so thank each member for all your co-operation.
It would be nice if we could grow our Post in numbers, so they too, could thrill with you in our accomplishment and your friendship.
Sincerely,
John W. Hall
Quartermaster
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Letter from Leslie E. Good |
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I have been an active member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars for over fifty years.
When I became a Member of the Carr-Lancaster V.F.W. Post, I expected it to be much as any other organization. However, what I discovered was a fellowship that practiced the same camaraderie that I had experienced while I was in military service. Everyone took an interest in each other's well being.
It gives me a good feeling; one of being welcome, and one with them. It supports and aids its membership in time of need. Although a relatively new post, it has managed to distinguish itself in the parent organization through its devotion to and support of Veteran's programs. It helps to support and further many programs that further the well being of the Community in which we live. I am truly proud to stand and say that I am a member in good standing of this fine organization.
Sincerely,
Leslie E. Good
Past Post Commander
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Letter from Thomas Rush |
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The meaning of being a member of the VFW Post through my eyes: There were many opportunities over the years but 'it was not' the right time for me. Is there ever a 'right' time? Yes!
When your heart fills with pride - so much so one would think it is about to burst. When you are consumed with love of your country that only comes with age. When a Fallen Hero becomes a part of you because through our camaraderie we are one - fighting the same cause, just a different time, a different place, a different era.
Two memories that will stay with me forever was while selling Poppies. I always would say "thank you" when a person purchased one. This particular day a young woman looked me straight into my eyes and from the bottom of her heart , she replied, "No, Thank YOU!" There are still many in the younger generation who appreciate what our Veteran's have done. 'Lest we be Forgotten' certainly did not apply here.
The second incident was when a little 9 year old boy, eyes wide with wonderment as he exclaimed "Gee, you are the very first World War 2 veteran I have ever met!". As innocent as can be from the mouth of 'babes', he added, "I thought you were all dead". Before he left, he shyly asked, "Can I shake your hand?"
This is the meaning of being a Veteran and a member of the Carr-Lancaster Post to me. Yes, it was indeed the right time to become a member of the VFW.
Sincerely,
Thomas Rush
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