Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio welcome the newly elected commander Roger McGrath.

AMVETS Christmas Party

            It is that time of year again.  As many of you already know from past years, my name is Dan Briggs.  I am a Past Commander and am currently First Vice of the Sons of AMVETS at Post 21 in Findlay, Ohio. I am also the Past Commander for the Department of Ohio.  I am also the representative for the Sandusky Ohio Veterans Home (OVH).    Near the holidays the OVH usually gets cash donations and donated items, but once the holidays are over support wanes, but the need doesn’t. 

            I am asking you to consider taking collections/donations at your Post for this cause.  The donations can be cash, clothing, socks, underwear, tee shirts, etc.  These items are needed all year around for the residents of the Home.  Last year the Sons of AMVETS raised approximately $4,000 for this cause.

            The Home’s budget has been extremely cut.  Accordingly, cash is needed to aid the Home in helping the resident Veterans. 

            If you need further information or have any questions, you can contact me at the following numbers or e-mail address:

            Cell phone: 419-563-4756

            e-mail: dbriggs341@att.net

            I will arrange for pick-up of items/cash donations you have collected so they can be taken to the Home in July, 2014.

Commander Speigle takes a tour of the 20th District.  Click to view Photos

Please welcome Ohio's newest Squadron; Squadron 1338 from New Philadelphia. Their hospitality was second to none as the post hosted Ohio's Executive Committee meeting with all elected officers in attendance. The meeting was followed by officially swearing-in of the Squadron Officers. Commander Speigle then presented Squadron 1338 Commander with their charter. The AMVETS post celebrated the addition of the Sons with a excellent Prime Rib dinner enjoyed by all. Some of the state officers stayed around and enjoyed a few games of L-R-C with members form post 1338. If your are in the area, I am sure AMVETS, Auxiliary and Sons would enjoy a visit.

July 19, 2013 Sons of AMVETS Officers and Members After much thought, I have decided to help our veterans at the VA’s in the areas dealing with PTSD and Suicide Prevention, as my Commander’s Project. It is quite disturbing and heartbreaking to read the statistics of our US Military deaths due to suicide as a result of their PTSD and/or TBI (traumatic brain injury). People who have suffered numerous mild traumatic brain injuries – or concussions – carry a higher suicide risk, according to the first medical study to make the connection. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder. It can occur after you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death. In May of 2013, it was reported that there is one suicide every 18 hours among the active-duty, reserve and National Guard members. It is feared that this rate will increase when the troops are drawn down from Afghanistan. Not only are our veterans in need but also their families. There are many times when family members of those affected by PTSD/TBI develop PTSD resulting in suicides as well. My Project, “Let’s Bring them All the Way Home” will be used to purchase items for the VA’s PTSD and Suicide Prevention programs. There are many times that the traditional VA supply chain is much slower than expected and we can get those items in their facilities at a much faster pace.

In November of 2006, during our annual trip to honor our veterans on veterans day, we where fortunate to meet Charles W. Lindberg. Here is is story from Wikipedia

Charles W. "Chuck" Lindberg (June 26, 1920 - June 24, 2007) was a United States Marine who was part of the first raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He was one of the last surviving members of the two flag-raisings on Mount Suribachi.[1]

U.S. Marine Corps

Sons of AMVETS presents S. John Sisler and Gilbert Garza with the 2013 Aid and Support Award

Gilbert Garza served in the Air Force fro 1954-1958, and during this time he was a member of the Armed forces soccer Team. Retiring from Cooper Tire and Rubber after 32 years of service. Garza continued to be an active member in numerous veterans service organizations through his life, including the VFW color guard and positions at the local, state and national level of AMVETS. Garza held several offices including four terms as post commander for AMVETS Post 21 in Findlay, Ohio

Garza was instrumental in the pioneering the Sons of AMVETS organization in Findlay, Ohio and served as Ohio AMVETS Sons Coordinator for 14 years and National Sons of AMVETS Coordinator from 1993-1996 and 1997-1998. Garza played a critical role in helping to keep the Sons of AMVETS unified as a subordinate organization during a crucial time for the growing organization. In his spare time. Garza helped organize the Special Olympics in Hancock County, Ohio. Garza died on July 24, 2007. The Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio continues to honor Garza by awarding the Gilbert Garza Award annually to an individual recognized as Outstanding Sons of AMVETS Member of the Year.

In acknowledgment of his service to the Sons of AMVETS, at both the post and national level, Garza is the deserving recipient of the 2013 Sons of AMVETS National Aid and Support Award.

Squadrons across the state donated a total of $4463 to the Adopt A Vet program. Checks where presented during the Christmas in July event held Sunday July 21st in the Grand Hall. Veterans from the home enjoyed Bingo, door prizes, cookies and root beer floats. Donations where received from Squadron 21 Findlay, Squadron 22 Vermilion, Squadron 48 Tiffin, Squadron 54 Bryan, Squadron 109 Mentor on the Lake, District 13 and Sons of AMVETS Dept. of Ohio. Ladies Auxiliary Post 27Bucyrus and Ladies Auxiliary Post 48 Tiffin also donated to the program. Squadron 22 donated ice cream and root beer to provide root beer floats. The Sons of AMVETS where represented by Dan Briggs, Doug Brown, Bill Lutz and David T. Strittmather.