Veterans Notes for the week of Dec. 25 to 31

Due to space considerations, the Veterans Notes sometimes contain only basic information regarding each post. For more information about scheduled activities, meals and more for a specific post, call or email that post at the contact listed.

+ The annual trip to Hawaii for veterans, their families and friends is now being organized. Many who have attended previously have enjoyed the endeavor with great tours, events and memorial services for our veterans.
This year’s trip will be from Feb. 21 to March 9, and will be organized again by Don McLean, U.S. Navy retired. Islands to be visited include Oahu (stay at the Hale Koa Hotel), Kauai (Marriott), Hawaii (KMC inside volcano) and Maui (Royal Lahina Resort).
Presently, 29 have already registered to go on the trip. For information or to register for the trip, call Don McLean at 352-637-5131 or email dmclean8@tampabay.rr.com.

+ Red Tail Memorial Chapter 136 of the Air Force Association announces the end of the year Recruiting Contest. AFA chapter members are asked to recruit one new member before Dec. 31 to receive a new chapter logo ball cap. If they recruit three new members, they will receive a master recruiter ball cap. Both caps will show that the member has done his part in helping the AFA in accomplishing our mission to educate, advocate and support.
For more information, call Mike Emig, Florida state/region president, at 352-854-8328.

+ The U.S. Air Force is looking for prior enlisted men and women from all services interested in both direct duty assignments in previously obtained career fields or retraining into select career fields.
“A nationwide drive is under way to fill openings requiring skills many veterans already possess,” said SSgt. Eric Hurley, from Inverness. “Some of the careers include aircraft electronics/mechanical areas, cyber operation fields, and various other specialties. Enlisted career openings that include the opportunities to retrain consist of special operations positions and unmanned aerial vehicle.”
Assignment locations are based on Air Force needs. For more information, call 352-476-4915.

+ Citrus County Veterans Coalition has a new building holding freezers, refrigerators and all necessary requirements to provide food to veterans in need. Food donations and volunteers are always welcomed and needed.
The new CCVC location is on the DAV property in Inverness at the corner of Paul and Independence, off U.S. 41 north. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Appointments are encouraged by calling 727-492-0292.
CCVC general meetings are at 10 a.m. the fourth Thursday monthly at the DAV building in Inverness, 1039 N. Paul Drive off U.S. 41. All active duty and honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, widows and widowers, along with other veterans’ organizations and current coalition members are welcome. Members are encouraged to attend general meetings.
Come see what the Citrus Veterans Coalition is all about, and if you feel you can assist in the “Veterans Helping Veterans” program, please come on board as a member.
We provide food supplements and nonperishable foods to needy veterans through our “Veterans Food Pantry.” We provide assistance to needy and disabled veterans and their families with minor repairs to their homes through the generosity of volunteers who are in the plumbing, electrical and construction industry. We also provide funds for annual scholarships to veterans’ family members who apply through their school counseling services.
Annual membership donation is $10 for a calendar year or $25 for three years. The CCVC is a nonprofit corporation, and your donations are tax deductible. Current members should check their membership card for expiration dates, and renew with Gary Williamson at 352-527-4537, or at the meeting. Visit www.ccvcfl.org.

+ Blanton–Thompson American Legion Post 155, 6585 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway, Crystal River. For information about the post and its activities, call Cmdr. Jay Conti Sr. at 352-795-6526 or visit www.post155.org.

+ American Legion Auxiliary Unit 155 meets at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at the post. The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization with nearly 1 million members in 10,100 communities. The principles of the American Legion Auxiliary are to serve veterans, their families and the community.
Eligibility in the Auxiliary is open to mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters or grandmothers of members of the American Legion and of deceased veterans who served during war time (also stepchildren); stepchildren; and female veterans who served during war time. Call Unit President Shawn Mikulas, 352-503-5325, or membership chairman Barbara Logan, 352-795-4233.

+ H.F. Nesbitt VFW Post 10087, Beverly Hills, offers meals, bingo, golf, karaoke and pool. Review the monthly newsletter for activities and updates, and call the post at 352-746-0440. The VFW Post 10087 is off County Road 491, directly behind Superior Bank.

+ Edward W. Penno VFW Post 4864, 10199 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, 352-465-4864.
Friday dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. will be meatloaf for Dec. 30. Cost is $8.
Tickets are still available for the New Year’s Eve party. Call the post for information.
Information regarding any post events is available at the post or call 352-465-4864.

+ Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 70 meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday monthly at the chapter hall, 1039 N. Paul Drive, Inverness, at the intersection of Independence Highway and U.S. 41. The chapter hall is on the corner of Independence Highway and Paul Drive.
We thank veterans for their service and welcome any disabled veteran to join us from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. any Tuesday or Thursday at the chapter hall. This is also the time that we accept donated nonperishable foods for our continuing food drive.
Our main function is to assist disable veterans and their families when we are able. Anyone who knows a disabled veteran or their family who requires assistance is asked to call Commander Richard Floyd at 352-400-8952 or Ken Stewart at 352-419-0207.
Service Officer Joe McClister is available to assist any veteran or dependents with their disability claim by appointment. Call 352-344-3464 and leave a message.
Ambulatory veterans who wish to schedule an appointment for transportation to the VA medical center in Gainesville should call the veterans’ service office at 352-527-5915. Mobility challenged veterans who wish to schedule an appointment for transportation to the VA medical center in Gainesville may call the Citrus County Transit office for wheelchair transportation; call 352-527-7630.
For more information about chapter activities, veterans’ benefits or membership, Call Ken Stewart at 352-419-0207; leave a message, if desired, should the machine answer.

+ Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit No. 70 meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the chapter hall, 1039 N. Paul Drive, Inverness.
The auxiliary plans a visit to the VA nursing home(s) and needs toiletry items such as packaged razors, combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, shampoos and deodorant to fill ditty bags, They are also accepting cotton material and yarn to make ditty bags, lap robes, wheelchair and walker bags for disabled veterans.
The auxiliary membership has grown to include many more extended families. Call Auxiliary Commander Linda Brice at 352-560-3867 or Adjutant Lynn Armitage at 352-
341-5334 for information.

+ Eugene Quinn VFW Post 4337 and Ladies Auxiliary, 906 State Road 44 E., Inverness.
The post wishes happy holidays to members, families and friends. The public is welcome to join the post family for New Year’s Eve festivities beginning at 7 p.m. with music by Mad Cow. Light snacks and finger foods will be served early; breakfast later.
Call the post at 352-344-3495 for information about all weekly post activities, or visit www.vfw4337.org.

+The American Legion Wall-Rives Post 58 and Auxiliary, 10730 U.S. 41, Dunnellon.
There will be a free Christmas dinner for the public from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25. You need not be needy to join us.
For information about activities and the post, call Carl Boos at 352-489-3544.

+Rolling Thunder Chapter 7, a POW/MIA awareness group, meets at 10 a.m. second Saturday at the VFW Post 10087 in Beverly Hills. Call Bob Bruno, secretary, at 352-201-1228.

+ A Marine Corps League Ladies Auxiliary Citrus Unit meets at 1 p.m. the third Tuesday monthly at the VFW in Beverly Hills. New members are welcome. Membership fee is $30 a year. Female relatives ages 16 or older who are a wife, widow, mother, stepmother, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, grandmother, granddaughter, aunt or daughter-in-law of honorably discharged Marines and FMF Corpsmen are eligible to belong to the Marine Corps League. Female Marines (former, active and reserves) and associate members are eligible for MCLA membership. Call President Elaine Spikes at 352-860-2400 or Secretary/Treasurer Joan Cecil at 352-726-0834 for information.

+ Hunger and Homeless Coalition — Anyone who knows of a homeless veteran in need of food, haircut, voter ID, food stamps, medical assistance or more blankets is asked to call Ed Murphy at the Hunger and Homeless Coalition at 352-382-0876, or pass along this phone number to the veteran.

+ Leroy Rooks Jr. VFW Post 4252 and Ladies Auxiliary 3190 N. Carl G. Rose Highway, State Road 200, Hernando; 352-726-3339. Send emails to vfw4252@tampabay.rr.com.
Post 4252 Auxiliary goes to nursing homes three times a month to play bingo with residents. Everyone is welcome. Post and auxiliary meet at 6:30 p.m. every second Thursday. See our post activities: Google us as VFW 4252, Hernando. Post honor guard is available for funerals, flag raisings, nursing homes.

+ Dumas-Hartson VFW Post 8189 is on West Veterans Drive, west of U.S. 19 between Crystal River and Homosassa. Call 352-795-5012 for information.
VFW membership is open to men and women veterans who have participated in an overseas campaign, including service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Korean Campaign medal remains open, as well. Call the post at the phone number above for information.

+ Joe Nic Barco Memorial VFW Post 7122, 8191 S. Florida Ave., Floral City. For information about the post and its activities, call 352-637-0100.
Friday is AUCE fish or three-piece chicken for $7.

+ American Legion, Beverly Hills Memorial Post 237, 4077 N. Lecanto Highway, in the Beverly Plaza, invites all eligible veterans and their families to visit our post and consider joining our Legion family: American Legion, Sons of the American Legion (SAL), or American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Color Guard/Honor Guard accepting volunteers.
American Legion Riders Chapter now being formed. The dart tournament at 3 p.m. Sundays has started again. Visit the post for printed schedule or visit the website at www.post237.org. For information, call the post at 352-746-5018.

+ The Korean War Veterans Association, Citrus Chapter 192 meets at the VFW Post 10087, Beverly Hills, at 1 p.m. the first Tuesday monthly. Any veteran who has seen honorable service in any of the Armed Forces of the U.S. is eligible for membership if said service was within Korea, including territorial waters and airspace, at any time from Sept. 3, 1945, to the present or if said service was outside of Korea from June 25, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955. For information, call Hank Butler at 352-563-2496, Neville Anderson at 352-344-2529 or Bob Hermanson at 352-489-0728.

+ Allen-Rawls American Legion Post 77 and Auxiliary Unit 77 meet the first Thursday monthly at the Inverness Highlands Civic Center at 4375 Little Al Point Road, Inverness. Call Post Cmdr. Norman Brumett at 352-860-2981 or Auxiliary president Marie Cain at 352-637-5915.

+ U.S. Submarine Veterans (USSVI)-Sturgeon Base meets at 11 a.m. the first Saturday monthly at the American Legion Post 155, 6585 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway, Crystal River. Visitors and interested parties are always welcome. Call Base Cmdr. Billy Wein at 352-726-5926.

+ American Legion Post 166 meets 1:30 p.m., first Saturday monthly at the Dumas-Hartson VFW Post 8189 Ladies Auxiliary facility on Veterans Drive, Homosassa, on the west side of U.S. 19 at Dixon’s Auto Sales across from Harley-Davidson. We meet in the small building to the left of the main building. All former and current post members, as well as all interested veterans, are cordially invited to be a part of American Legion Post 166.
For information about the post or the American Legion, call and leave a message for the post commander at 352-697-1749. Your call will be returned within 24 to 48 hours.

+ Seabee Veterans of America (SVA) Island X-23 welcomes all Seabees and Honeybees to its monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. the third Tuesday monthly at Citrus Hills Country Club, Rose and Crown restaurant, Citrus Hills. Call John Lowe at 352-344-4702.

+ Citrus 40/8 Voiture 1219 and Cabane 1219 conducts its meetings at 7 p.m. the second Thursday monthly at the American Legion Post 155 on State Road 44 in Crystal River (6585 E. Gulf-to-Lake Highway). For more information about the 40/8, call the Chef De Gare Tom Smith at 352-601-3612; for the Cabane, call La Presidente Carol Kaiserian at 352-746-1959; or visit us on the Web at www.Post155.org.

+ Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) meets at 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September and November. All combat-wounded veterans, lineal descendants, next of kin, spouses and siblings of Purple Heart recipients are cordially invited to attend and to join the ranks of Chapter 776. To learn more about Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 MOPH, visit the chapter’s website at www.citruspurpleheart.org or call 352-382-3847.

+ Marine Corps League, Samuel R. Wall Detachment 1139 will conduct its regular meeting at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday monthly at DAV Post 70 in Inverness at the intersection of Independence Highway and U.S. 41 North. All Marines are welcome. Call Jerry Cecil at 352-726-0834 or Wayne Howard at 352-634-5254.

+ Marine Corps League Citrus Detachment 819 meets at 7 p.m. the last Thursday monthly at VFW Post 10087 on Vet Lane in Beverly Hills, behind Superior Bank. Social hour follows. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome. Meet new friends and discuss past glories. Call Morgan Patterson at 352-746-1135, Ted Archambault at 352-382-0462 or Bion St. Bernard at 352-697-2389.

+ Gilley-Long-Osteen VFW Post 8698 is at 520 State Road 40 E., Inglis, one mile east of U.S. 19. The Men’s Auxiliary meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday. LAVFW meets at 5 p.m. and the membership meeting is at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday at the post.
Call the post at 352-447-3495 for information about the post and its activities.

+ Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 186 will meet at 3 p.m. the third Thursday monthly at the DAV Building, Independence Highway and U.S. 41 North, Inverness. Call Bob Huscher, secretary, at 352-344-0727.

+ American Legion Herbert Surber Post 225 meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday monthly at the New Testament Baptist Church of Floral City, 9850 S. Parkside Ave. adjoining Floral Park, southeast side. All eligible veterans are welcome to join.

+ Landing Ship Dock (LSD) sailors meet at Denny’s in Crystal River at 2 p.m. the fourth Thursday monthly. Call Jimmie at 352-621-0617.

+ Attention: USS Columbus vets — Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12 from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus (SSN-762) past and present, if you would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends and make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope, president, 3828 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815-4505; call (260) 486-2221 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time; fax (260) 492-9771, or email Hope4391@frontier.com.