Legion News

Check back here frequently for updates from Post 216, District, Department of Nebraska, or National Headquarters, and other news items that would be of interest to our members and associated organizations. Underlined text includes links to documents, web sites, internal pages, or calendar of events. Feel free to forward items of interest to the Post Commander for review and posting here.

5:30 Social Hour, 6:30 Dinner, 7:00 Guest Speaker and Presentations. More details to follow in the coming weeks!

September 27th thru November 8th
Games will be every Wednesday night at 7 P.M. More information will be posted soon!!!

To register a team or for more information, contact: Joshua Mazur (402) 957-8602, or Garry Mazur (402) 689-9388

September, 2017 - Sign Up for the SAL Indoor Fall and Winter Bags League!

Fall League: September 28th thru December 14th
Winter League: January 4th thru March 29th

Games will be every Thursday night at 7 P.M. More information will be posted soon!!!

To register a team or for more information, contact: Joshua Mazur (402) 957-8602, or Garry Mazur (402) 689-9388

July 12, 2017 - Veteran Appreciation Picnic at the Omaha VA Medical Center Outdoor Pavilion from 11:00 - 2:00

July 29, 2017 - Gretna Days Parade, Lunch at the Legion & Homemade Kolaches Sale!

Legion Honor Guard and Legion Riders will lead the parade again this year. Lineup is at 9:30, the parade kicks off at 10:30. Lunch is served starting at 11:00, featuring a Czech style menu and homemade kolaches for sale. Yum!

UPDATE! Stop by from 2-5 pm for Polka with Lou Hospodka's Little Tavern Band! See flyer for details.

The Sons of the American Legion are hosting their annual golf outing to benefit thier scholarship fund for 2018. Entry fee is $55, which includes 18 holes of golf with cart and a meal following.

The Omaha Chapter of Quilts of Valor will visit Leonard Conley Post 216 to present quilts to local veterans from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday, July 1st. Our very own Don Klaumann will be one of the honored veterans. Please come out to support this great organization and the veterans who will receive their quilts.

July 15-16, 2017 - Winside Roy Reed Post 252 American Legion and Sons of the American Legion Gun Show and Gun-A-Week Raffle

The Gun Show takes place at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wayne, NE. Times are 9am - 5pm on Saturday, 15 July, and 9am - 3 pm on Sunday, 16 July.

The Raffle drawing begins September 17, 2017. Tickets are $50, and go on sale June 20 thru September 10, 2017. If you win, your ticket still goes into the drawing for future weeks, so multiple winnings are possible.

June 20, 2017 - Omaha National Cemetery Support Committee (ONCSC) Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the Omaha National Cemetery Support Committee will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday June 20th, 2017. It will again be held at VFW Post 2503 at 8904 Military Road in Omaha.

We will likely discuss the Memorial Day Ceremonies, some options for supporting ONC, the need for additional volunteers and more. You won't be bored. Bring a spouse or significant other, a neighbor, a fellow veteran, a golf buddy, invite the officer who stops you for speeding on the way (try to avoid that one). Hope to see you there. Don't forget our web page at ONCSC.org

May 31, 2017 - Nebraska, W. Iowa VA to Host Veterans’ Town Hall May 31

VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System senior leadership will hold a Veterans’ Town Hall at 6:30 p.m., May 31 at the American Legion, South Omaha Melting Pot Post 331, 4830 South 21st Street, Omaha, Neb. For more information, contact Will Ackerman at VHANWIPUBLICAFFAIRS@va.gov or call 402-995-4719.

Millard Post 374 is hosting a Legion Post Tour and Poker Run on Saturday, 8 April. There will be 3 “Ollie the Trollie” buses to take everyone around to each Post. ALL Legion Family members are welcome and invited. If you are interested, go to www.olliethetrolley.com to make your reservations. Our Post 216 will be the last stop on the tour from 4:00 to 4:45 before the buses return to Post 374.

Feb 28, 2017 - Omaha National Cemetery Support Committee Seeking Volunteer Support

As of Feb. 21, there have been 300 burials at ONC. The cemetery opened on Sept. 27. That goes to show that Director VanBibber, the staff and the ONCSC are helping meet a great need in the region's veteran and veterans' survivor community.

The ONCSC is still in serious need of additional volunteers. Please visit our web page at ONCSC.ORG and follow the tabs to find out how to volunteer. You do not need to be a veteran.

Jim Mays is chairing the Memorial Day commemoration for the support committee. The Memorial Day activities are a joint effort between the ONC and the ONCSC. The phone number at the cemetery is 402 253 3949.

Pre-registration is required. To register for your appointment and to receive a special $10 discount, please call 1-888-653-6450 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

Jan 23, 2017 - Nebraska Legislative Bill LB 109 (Temporary teaching certificate or permit for Military Spouses)

Members: Senators: Mike Groene (C), Laura Ebke, Steve Erdman, Rick Kolowski, Lou Ann Linehan, Adam Morfeld, Patty Pansing Brooks, Lynne Walz

Email address for all Senators are: First Initial of First Name Last Name @leg.ne.gov (mgroene@leg.ne.gov)

Send email prior to hearing date furnish copy to Senator Blood and your Senator.

144th Street and Schram Road, south of Interstate 80 in western Sarpy County. At least 170,000 veterans live within a 75-mile radius of any cemetery.

The Omaha National Cemetery is open to Veteran burials now. Any veteran who left the service with anything other than a dishonorable discharge is eligible for a burial plot, opening and closing of the grave, a marker and permanent, professional care, Van Bibber said. Spouses are eligible for free burial, too, as are minor and adult children who become permanently disabled before age 23.

Spaces cannot be reserved in a national cemetery. Van Bibber said plots are provided as they are available, though spouses will be buried together.

Burials may be scheduled through the VA’s national call center in St. Louis (800-535-1117). A DD214 military discharge certificate is required, but Van Bibber said the VA will help to obtain one for veterans or their family members who don’t have one.
AMVETS Nebraska is raising money to construct a Carillon at the Omaha National Veteran’s cemetery.: A Carillon is a musical instrument that is typically housed in the bell tower (belfry) of a cemetery bell tower . The instrument consists of at least 23 cast bronze, cup-shaped bells, which are played serially to produce a melody, or sounded together to play a chord.

AMVETS Nebraska is working to obtain $60,000.00 for construction of the Carillon at the Omaha National Veteran’s cemetery. This Carillon at the Omaha National Veteran’s cemetery Will honor Veterans for centuries. AMVETS Nebraska need your personal donations and corporate donation to make this Carillon at the Omaha National Veteran’s cemetery a reality. Help spread the word!

WHEN: Every Friday starting February 17th through Lent (April 14th is the last Friday)

COST: $10.00 for adults ($9 for Veterans!), $5.00 for kids 2-12; $1.75 Bud Light drafts!

Jan 7, 2017 - Veteran's Plaques, Memorial Wall in Papillion Veteran’s Park

You may purchase a plaque for any veteran with a connection to Sarpy County (lived in, went to school in, or was stationed in Sarpy County). Contact information and a mailing address are included in the attachment. We also have copies of the application available here at the Legion.

Jan 7, 2017 - SAL National Commander Campaign Fundraiser for Danny Smith

Danny Smith belongs to the Papillion SAL. He is running for SAL National Commander next year. Tickets are $10 each for all you can eat soup and sandwich at Papillion Post 32. There will also be an auction and bake sale to go along with the meal.

To register a team or for more information, contact: Joshua Mazur (402) 957-8602, or Garry Mazur (402) 689-9388

Cermony starts at 11:00 a.m.  14250 Schram Road, Omaha, NE 68138. Click the title links above for the brochure for more information.

The new Keno system was installed this fall, which includes an easy to use self service kiosk.  Starting in January 2017, the purchase of Keno tickets will be

100% self service at the kiosk, with winning payouts still conducted at the bar.

Click HERE for information for anyone interested in purchasing a nameplate for the Papillion Veteran's Park Project Memorial and Honor Wall.

Nameplates can be purchased at $200 each for any veteran with a connection to Sarpy County.

Our point of contact at Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS) got wind of a scam targeting our TRICARE For Life beneficiaries!

Callers are identifying themselves as TRICARE For Life representatives and are telling beneficiaries that they qualify for durable medical equipment.

These calls are bogus, please report them to DHA Program Integrity here.

1830 Social Hour, 1700 Dinner, 1900 Guest Speaker and Presentations. Our guest speaker is RDML Jeff Jablon, USSTRATCOM Deputy Director, J5.

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum offers FREE admission and lunch to all Military Veterans during its Veterans Day program on November 11, 2016. The general public is invited to attend the Veterans Day program. Admission will be charged but lunch is free.

The program topic is focused on the United States missiles program starting with the political tensions of the Cold War and how the United States developed strategies that enabled strategic military forces to respond at a moment’s notice should anything threaten the United States. The program also covers the importance of missile tracking and monitoring today.

“This is an opportunity for guests to learn about six decades of technological advances of how USAF missileers transformed their service of manned bombers to an indispensable arm of America’s military force,” said Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Executive Director Dr. Michael McGinnis. “This free admission and free lunch were made possible through the support of Midlands Community Foundation, Bellevue University, and Harry A. Koch Co.”

Guest speakers are Colonel Reyes Colón, Chief Operations Command & Control Division, Global Operations Directorate, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska and Paul G. Cohen, Brigadier General, USAF (Ret), Air National Guard.

Advance registration is required to attend this program. Guests are asked to go online, or call the museum, by Friday, Nov. 4 to register. The website address is www.SACMuseum.org/veterans-day/ or call Amy at 402.944.3100×253.

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a program to provide free smoke alarms in veterans’ homes. There is no limit to the number of smoke alarms required, so you can ensure entire home protection. If you are or know of a veteran in need of free smoke alarms for your home, fill out the attached form and either email it back to this email address or drop it off at the Legion. We will notify the appropriate representative who will then contact you to arrange installation.

There are also printed forms available at the Legion if you are unable to open or print the attached file.

Nebraska American Legion, District 8 is currently gauging interest in a Junior Shooting Club to start up in the Fall of 2017. They are looking for participating youth, coaches and officers.

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program teaches youth rifle safety and procedure and lets children participate in an Olympics skill sport while fostering healthy competition. All interested youths from 10 to 18 years of age are welcome, regardless of gender or physical ability. Shooters are trained to use a .177 air rifle and levels vary from beginners, learning safety basics, to winners of the Legion-affiliated National Championship, which consists of regional champs competing in a shoulder-to-shoulder match.

If you know an interested youth or would like to get involved yourself, please contact Eric Brink, State SAL Adj at salericbrink@gmail.com or Randy Mattison at randysue1@cox.net.

Fall League: October 20th thru December 15th - $30 per team
Winter League: January 5th thru March 30th - $40 per team

To register a team or for more information, contact: Joshua Mazur (402) 957-8602, or Garry Mazur (402) 689-9388

Post 216 Chapter of the American Legion Riders are sponsoring the Saturday, October 15th, 7:30-1100. This is a fundraiser with procedes benefiting the Legacy Fund for students that lost a parent during war time since 9/11.

Sep 11, 2016 - 9-11-01 15th Anniversary Remembrance and Memorial Tribute to Jerry Anderson

Sumpter Amphitheater, 6:00 pm Sunday, September 11th. Open to the public. See more details here.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets or cushions for overflow seating. The concession stand will open for this event.

Sumpter Amphitheater, 10:00 am Friday, August 5th. Open to the public. See more details here and here.

**A large crowd (1,000+) is expected. Parking will be at the Papillion LaVista South High School, with shuttle buses available to move attendees to the amphitheater for the ceremony.

Come join the Auxilliary in celebrating its 90th Anniversary with a coffee and cake reception from 2-4 pm.

We will be starting our summer horseshoe league Thursday, 19 May. If you or someone you know would like to put a team together, just show up here at the Legion by 6:30 p.m. on 19 May to get signed up. Everyone is welcome...all ages, couples, etc. You do NOT have to be a member to join the league, so please spread the word!

The VA Regional Office will host a claims clinic and a Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony on March 29, 2016. The claims clinic will be from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the Vietnam Commemoration Ceremony will start at 1:30 pm. Both events will be held at Bellevue University.

The 2016 Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion will be held August 11 - 14, 2016 at the Ramada Plaza Convention Center in Omaha, NE.

The Vietnam Combat Veterans Flight for 500 Nebraskans will be a one-day, all-expenses-paid round-trip from Omaha to Washington D.C. on June 6, 2016. Three charter jets are reserved, pending a successful fundraising effort. Registration will take place Sunday afternoon, June 5th, at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, followed by a Pre-Flight Dinner at the hotel for each veteran and one guest. (Your only expense is the hotel, and this is your responsibility - more details to follow soon with discounted rates at the Marriott Courtyard in La Vista.) Flight departure will be VERY EARLY on Monday morning, possibly as early as 4:30am, which is why it is so important to stay at the hotel, if at all possible. EVERYONE will need to meet at the hotel to board buses for Eppley Airfield.

Almost 500 applications have already been received and the eligibility process will soon begin. It is hoped that all will be notified of the manifest by late April.

To apply for Nebraska's Vietnam Combat Veterans Flight, you must be a Vietnam combat veteran currently living in the state of Nebraska. Please print and complete the application form. Additionally, we will also need a copy of your DD-214. These documents should be scanned and emailed to info@patrioticproductions.org

The American Legion Riders are sponsoring a Motorcycle Safety Course, May 1st starting at 10:00 am at the north parking lot of the Gretna American Legion. see attached flyer for details.

The Gretna Venture Crew will be holding a Steak Feed on Fri. Apr 1, from 5-8pm at the American Legion. Cost is $13 per person for steak, baked potato, salad & beverage. Desserts offered for a free-will donation. ($11 each for age 60+ and for immediate family members of 4 or more). Kids meal for $3.50 (hot dog, chips and drink). All proceeds will benefit their 2016 high adventure trip.

The Gretna Venture Crew is sponsoring a Golf Tournament at the Ashland Country Club. Registration deadline is April 15. Download your registration form here.

WHEN: Every Friday starting February 12th through Lent (March 18th is the last Friday)

COST: $10.00 for adults ($9 for Veterans!), $5.00 for children 2-12 (updated!); $1.50 draft Bud Light!

The Gretna Boy Scouts of Troop 363 invite you to a buffet of all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, and juice.

COST: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children under 8; $20.00 maximum per immediate family

This forum will take place at the DAV Building on Wednesday, January 27th from 5:30 to 7:30pm

Dec 31, 2015 - New Year's Eve Party to ring in 2016 at Gretna Legion Post 216!

8:30 pm until 12:30 am of the New Year! Games, prizes, snacks, and live music by Class II! Free ride home within 10 miles of the club!

Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Immediately after dinner, our guest speaker, Air Force Major Illya Thomas, will address the audience.

Jack will be cooking up another awesome main course of pork with two sides and a dinner roll, which is free for all Vet's and spouses.

Fall League: October 29 thru December 17 - $10 per team
Winter League: January 7 thru March 31 - $20 per team

To register a team or for more information, contact: Joshua Mazur (402) 957-8602, jmaz5@yahoo.com or Garry Mazur (402) 689-9388

The bar will open early at 2 p.m. for the Husker game on Saturday, 3 Oct and again on 10 Oct. Come out and join us for the games!

We are pleased to welcome our new American Legion Riders chapter into the Post 216 family. I received the below email last night from Brian Mann, the state liaison for the Legion Riders, making it official as of 9 Sep 2015.

I'd like to send out a special thanks to Don Klaumann for putting everything together and making this happen in a relatively short period of time. We look forward to continued growth in our Legion family.

Gretna Post 216 became the 39th chapter on September 9th and is starting off with ~12 members! Gretna is a few short miles Southwest of Omaha on Hwy 6.

A big thank you should go out to Jeff Johnson (Gretna Post 216 AL Commander) for hosting the new ALR chapter! Jeff is excited to welcome the ALR program to the Gretna Legion family.

Please welcome the newly appointed Officers for the Gretna ALR chapter, in order of appearance in the attached picture (L to R. The first gentlemen on the left is Jeff Johnson): Don Klaumann (Director), Mike Wohlers (Vice Director), Sandra McNeese (Treasurer), Pat Klaumann (Secretary), Joe Daniels (Sgt of Arms)

These guys and gals are eager to get their legs underneath them and hands on the throttle! It's great to see growth amongst our ranks! I'm looking forward to their journey on the road to a successful ALR chapter!

The Gretna Venture Crew will be holding a Steak Feed on Fri. Oct 9th from 5-8pm at the American Legion. Cost is $13 per person for a 6 oz steak, baked potato, salad & beverage. Desserts offered for a free-will donation. ($11 each for age 60+ and for immediate family members of 4 or more). All proceeds will benefit their 2016 high adventure trip.

Hamburger Nights are scheduled every Wednesday from 5:00-7:30. Procedes from all food sales directly support the Boy Scouts and Venture Crew. Check the Events Calendar for details.

Sept 8, 2015 - First Director Arrives at Omaha National Cemetery (fact sheet)

OMAHA, Neb. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the arrival of Cindy M. Van Bibber as the first director of Omaha National Cemetery, effective Sept. 8, 2015. The new national cemetery, now under construction, is located along South 144th St. (Highway 50), at 14250 Schram Road.

“I am excited to be here and anxious to get to know the local veteran community,” said Van Bibber. “I want them to know that we are committed to providing world-class burial and memorial benefits to our veterans, their spouses and family members.”

Prior to her assignment, she served as assistant director of Riverside National Cemetery in California from February 2014. Before that, she served as director of Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, Calif., from May 2010, director of Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, and Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Grand County, N.M., from January 2008, and as assistant director at both facilities from September 2007.

Van Bibber completed the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) comprehensive, year-long Cemetery Director Intern Program in September 2007.

Prior to joining NCA, Van Bibber held positions with the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Va., from 1997 to 2006 as a cemetery program support technician and as the superintendent.

Van Bibber served for more than 10 years in the U.S. Army. Her service included assignments in Korea, Kansas and with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium. Van Bibber joined the Army from her hometown of Grand Island, Neb.

Information about VA burial benefits can be obtained from local national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov , or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000. To make burial arrangements at any open VA national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

For more information about Omaha National Cemetery visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/factsheets/omaha.pdf. To speak to the director or to set up a meeting or presentation, call the cemetery office at (402) 413-9121.