This is the electronic version of the printed newsletter. The information contained within this E-Newsletter is the same as that contained within the printed newsletter. However, the format and layout will appear to be different and the electronic version can be updated as needed.

VFW Statement of Purpose: To preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever. (Article 1 of VFW Constitution)

Commander's Corner
By Commander Roger Leger

---

We are proud to announce that in December, the post purchased a new 65 inch DLP Mitsubishi television for membership viewing and enjoyment. Membership is encouraged to come out and participate in upcoming post meetings, activities and social functions.

IMPORTANT POST MEETINGS

March 19, 2007 - 7 pm:

• Nomination of Officers

April 16, 2007 - 7 pm:

• Annual Meeting of Membership
• Quarterly Meeting
• Rost Meeting
• Reopening of Nomination & Election of Officers for 2007-2008

Messages From The Board of Directors
By President Jack Lyons

---

I would like to thank all the membership for their attendance at our meetings, functions, and social activities. It's good that we can still raise a few old ghosts.

The Monthly Meetings are scheduled for the February 19th, March 19th, and April 16th at 7 pm. Be there! We have work that needs to be done and we need a good membership attendance.



Salem Veterans Services
By Jean-Guy Martineau

---

If you are in need of any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Salem Veterans Services
Office Phone: 978 745-0883
Cell Phone: 978 375-9699
Location: 5 Broad Street, 3rd Floor, Council on Aging Building, Salem, MA.







Overseas Duty: Ray Martineau

---

SFC Ray Martineau, son of Board Vice President, J.C. Martineau, has returned home from serving overseas in Iraq. His unit, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team was deployed to Iraq for 16 months of combat duty, 22 days longer than the famous 101st as depicted in "Band of Brothers". One day before deploying back to the United States, the Secretary of Defense extended their tour in Iraq by 4 months to help save Baghdad from civil war. He stated that they did an excellent job there and is proud to be home. Unfortunately, his wife of 9 years filed for divorce 8 days before he was deployed back to Alaska. He states, "I guess she chould not handle the stress of being alone and decided to go on without me. I am upset, but I continue to hold my head up high, for I am a patriot. I have answered the call that only 1% of our population in this great nation has not dared to travel. So I guess I can say that I am among the elite and patriotic people here in the US that has the privilege to be called a Veteran."

After a brief visit with his family here in Salem and a well earned recovery from the war and his divorce, he is moving to Fort Knox, Kentucky to be an instructor for the next few years. He will be undergoing a great deal of dental reconstructive surgery to repair his wounds he received while in Iraq. He wants to thank all those who offered their support, care packages, and calling cards to the soldiers in Iraq. He says, "Every little bit helps."



Welcome home Ray. We are all happy to see you home, safe and sound.



Announcements

---

WHEELCHAIR DONATIONS are needed for the Veterans Hospital: The Veteran's Hospital is in need of wheelchairs for their veteran patients. If you have an unused wheelchair that you wish to donate, contact Commander Roger Leger at 978-745-0010 or bring the wheelchair down to the post for donation.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CLEAN-UP: Volunteers are needed for clean-up after the Valentine's and St. Patrick's Parties. Potluck dishes are needed for the Valentine's Party. If you would like to help with cooking the corned beef-cabbage dinner for the St. Patrick's Party, contact Commander Roger Leger or President Jack Lyons. See Sign-up Sheets at the post. We appreciate your help and support.

Witch City VFW Post #1524 provides American Flag disposal for used, worn, badly torn, soiled, or otherwise unusable flags that are no longer a fitting emblem for display. Please contact the post or bring your flag to the post and the post will dispose of you flag in the proper manner. 978-745-0010.

Community Announcements
Helping Veterans: The Buddy Poppy

---

Buddy Poppy cans are located on the canteen bar. Please give generously to help support veterans and their families. The VFW Buddy Poppy is assembled in Veterans Hospitals and Veterans Homes by disabled, needy and aging veterans across the country. The Buddy Poppies are distributed by VFW Posts and their Ladies Auxiliaries. The minimal assessment (cost of the Buddy Poppies) to VFW units provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's veterans. Each VFW Post maintains a relief fund in which the net profits from the distribution of Buddy Poppies are placed. These funds are used to help needy veterans and their families.



Monthly Post Meetings

---

Monthly Membership Meetings: 3rd Monday, 7:00 pm

Monthly Board of Directors Meetings: 3rd Monday, Following the monthly meeting.

Monthly Women's Auxiliary Meetings: 3rd Monday, 7:00 pm, In basement.



Canteen Announcements
By Manager William Harrison Jr.

---

A Friendly Reminder to All Membership: Annual membership fees are due to be paid by January 1st, 2007. If you haven't paid your fees, now is the time to do this.

All members are encouraged to attend Superbowl Sunday. Come out, spend the evening with us and enjoy Chinese Food, cheap drinks and great times. The Valentine's Party and the St. Patrick's Day Party also need your attendance and participation. We have a variety of weekly activities for membership to enjoy. Information about these activities are posted below.

On January 21st, 7 of our post bartenders attended the required Alcohol Awareness Certification Program and became re-certified for another 3 years. Congratulations.

CANTEEN HOURS Monday: Noon - Midnight Tuesday: Noon - Midnight Wednesday: Noon - Midnight Thursday: Noon - Midnight Friday: Noon - Midnight Saturday: 8 am - Midnight Sunday: Noon - Midnight

Stay Alive, Don't Drink & Drive

VFW Social Activities

---

VFW SUPERBOWL SUNDAY: February 4th, Sunday Night. Free Chinese food. Watch the Indianapolis Colts play the Chicago Bears for the Superbowl. Raffles and Fun.

VFW VALENTINES PARTY: February 10th, Saturday Night at 7 pm until Midnight. Potluck dinner & Karaoke-Dancing. Valentine 50/50 Raffle hosted by the Ladies Aux. There will be the usual Saturday Night 50/50 Raffle and a door prize. There will be a $5.00 cover charge per person.

VFW ST. PATRICKS PARTY. March 17th, Saturday Night at 7 pm until Mindight. Corned Beef & Cabbage Menu & Karaoke-Dancing. St. Patricks 50/50 Raffle hosted by the post. There will be the usual Saturday Night 50/50 Raffle and a door prize. There will b a $7.00 cover charge per person.

See Sign-up Sheets on Bulletin Board for attendance, potluck dishes, and cooking-clean-up volunteering.

---

VFW Regular Post Social Activities


DVD MOVIE NIGHT: Tuesday Night, 7 pm. A DVD player was donated by Associate Member Mr. Salvi to be used with our new 65 inch DLP Misubishi TV. The post will be obtaining a variety of DVD movies and hosting a weekly "Movie Night" for membership viewing and enjoyment.

POOL LEAGUE: Thursday Night, 7 pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT RAFFLE: 9:30 pm.

KARAOKE NIGHT: Saturday Night, 7 pm until closing.

SATURDAY NIGHT 50/50 RAFFLE: 9:00 pm.

500 CLUB RAFFLE: Last Sunday Night of the Month at 8 pm.



Salem Veterans Council
By Commander Darrin Potorski

---

The Salem Veterans Council and the participating veterans organizations:

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Witch City Post #1524
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #84
• Polish League of American Veterans (PLAV) Post #55
• Marine Corp League
• 2nd Corp Cadets

Have pooled their financial resources and purchased a 60 inch LCD TV for the Bedford Veterans Hospital. The television was bought and delivered to the Bedford Veterans Hospital. The residents are excited about the television and are enjoying their new gift.



Ladies Auxiliary
By President Vinnie Cavanaugh

---

The Ladies Auxiliary is accepting new members. If you are the wife, daughter, sister, or grandaughter of a Veteran of Foreign Wars, you may be eligible to join. The Auxiliary is active in hospital work, cancer grants, and other post activities.

The Ladies Auxiliary encourages active membership participation for the Valentine's Party. The proceeds from the Valentines 50/50 Raffle will be donated to the Bedford VA Hospital.

In the Spring, possibly April, the Ladies Auxiliary will be busing in several Bedford VA Hospital residents/patients for a day at the post with activities planned. More information will be forthcoming in the near future. If you would like to help, contact Auxiliary President, Vinnie Cavanaugh.



VFW Newsletter Editorial
By Leather Dupris, Web Tech & Editor

---

I have to apologize to everyone for the lateness of this Newsletter. I suffered from a systems failure on my computer and ended up having costly repairs made to my harddrive with windows XP reinstallation, wiping out most of my programs. I was fortunate that I had managed to save my files, but after a week in repairs and the last few days reinstalling programs to finish this newsletter, it has been quite an ordeal. Luckily, Super Bowl Sunday was the only major event we had on our calendar during repairs. So I am encouraging all members to come out for the planned activities, and social events. We all miss seeing you. The Board, Commander and the Post Officers want you to come out and attend the monthly meetings. They have business to take care of and they need your input and votes. This is your club. Become active and support it.



Featured Veteran of the Month

---

This Month's Featured Veteran of the Month is:
John Cavanaugh.

At 88 years old, John Cavanaugh has displays the personality of a gruff life-long military man. However, he remains modest and quiet when he speaks of his war experiences and his accomplishments.

John was a member of the military police during World War II and toured across Europe. He took part in the Invasion at Normandy. John is highly decorated for his service and has received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart as well as other honors for his heroic contributions. John would have continued to serve in the military and to serve in Korea, but was called home to take care of his family. His wife, Vincenza (post members know her as Vinnie), was caring for two children with one more on the way, when John returned to the U.S. for good.

He still speaks some German and French learned during his service, and can put on a bit of an Irish brogue when the spirit moves him. John and his wife are both active with local veterans’ organizations; he has served as the commander of the Salem VFW five times, and now sits on the organization’s board of directors.

John has been working as a guard at Winter Island since 1984 and still continues to work as night guard, rounding up visitors and closing the gates of the park. Sometimes he arrives to work wearing a World War II-style cap, which has earned him the nickname “The Colonel” around the island. According to his first boss, former Winter Island park manager Gary Moore, John was hired to help combat the park’s growing vandalism problem, after the city of Salem took over management of the island from the Coast Guard.

The old Coast Guard officers quarters are still here, but the windows are gone now, leaving gaping holes in the once-stately brick building. The roof caved in years ago, and vandals and animals have ransacked what remains. John patrols the park with his flashlight, looking for intruders and traspassers, whether they be two-legged or four-legged. Further down the road, a massive hanger still stands. It once housed the Coast Guard’s biplanes, and now provides shelter for boats operated by the harbormaster. Between rounds, he keeps warm in his vehicle. During the winter months, the park closes at 4 pm.

Winter Island has had a long and storied history. Home to Fort Pickering, which was built to protect Salem Harbor in the 18th century, and Fort Pickering Light, the island is a destination for travelers and tourists. Campers come to visit as well, and set up tents or trailers on a grassy field during the summer months. But during the winter months, the park is empty at night. Occasionally he finds kids hiding or sleeping in the park or lovers sneaking in to romance under the moon. For the most part, it stays quiet at night since John doesn't take nonsense from anybody that should not be there and is not intimidated by anything. After more than 20 years of guarding Winter Island, and making sure the park is safe for families and visitors from near and far to enjoy, John "The Colonel" Cavanaugh sees his responsibilities as important, but modest.

We at the VFW wish to acknowledge and honor John for his years of active service, participation and support of our post and his work in supporting his fellow veterans.

Information was obtained from the Salem Gazette, John Cavanaugh - On guard at Winter Island, By Heather Baker/salem@cnc.com, Friday, December 15, 2006. We have posted this article on the VFW website for our visitors to read.





Health & Wellness News & Announcements

---

Former Canteen Manager, Linda Ambrose, is finally home and recovering from an early December surgery for Breast Cancer. She is beginning her post-surgical therapy and could use a little moral support and encouragement from all of us. Depending on how therapy goes, we may or may not be seeing much of her for a little while. We all wish her a speedy and total recovery from her condition and her surgery.

Ladies Auxiliary President, Vinnie Cavanaugh, has finally received medical clearance to return back to work full time after several months of recovery from an on-the-job accident earlier this year and medical complications from the resulting surgery. We are all very happy that she is doing better and we hope we will see more of her at the post functions.



Obituary

---

Henry LeTourneau, 81, of Port Charlotte, Fla., formerly of Salem, died December 12, 2006, at his home, following a long illness. He was the husband of Lorraine E. (Burrows) LeTourneau. Born and raised in Salem, Mr. LeTourneau was the son of the late Henri O. and Bella (Bourque) Letourneau. In his younger years, he and his family were all involved in music and entertainment. A veteran of World War II, he served with the Army’s Service Battery, 61st Field Artillery in the Philippines and Japan. Following the war, he returned to Salem and had been employed as a job developer for the Division of Employment Security for the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Prior to moving to Florida in 1988, Mr. LeTourneau had been a resident of Peabody. He was a life member of the Salem VFW Post 1524 and was also a member of the American Legion, Punta Gorda, Fla., the Moose Lodge and the BPOE (Elks), both of Port Charlotte, Fla. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Frances Jean Farino and Cecile LeTourneau, both of Port Charlotte, Fla., Mary Ann Greska and Laurel Samson, both of Gilford, N.H.; a stepson, Robert G. Economou of Tewksbury; a stepdaughter, Donna M. Normand of Peabody; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was also the husband of the late Cecile (St.Pierre) LeTourneau, his first wife; father of the late Judith (Drouin) Farley; and brother of the late Marguerite Cote Carne, Beatrice Kelleher and Lucienne Dupray. His funeral was scheduled for Thursday, December 21, at 8 a.m. from the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. (Route 114/1A), Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in Ste. Anne Church, Salem. Burial was in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society of one’s choice

Gerald R. Ford, 93, 38th President of the United States of America, died Saturday, December 26, 2006. Gerald R. Ford served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Even after ascending to the highest office in the land, President Ford kept a military man’s perspective and never forgot what it meant to serve his Nation. Aptly, he once said, "The presidency and the vice-presidency were not prizes to be won, but a duty to be done." President Ford spent a lifetime answering the call to duty, and we are forever grateful for his service to our country. On behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs and our Nation’s veterans, we offer our condolences to Mrs. Ford and the entire Ford family.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Massachusetts	VFW Ladies Auxiliary Department of Massachusetts
24 Beacon Street	142 Main Street
State House	Secretary, Betty Rosa
Room 546-1	Room 307
Boston, Mass 02133-1043	Brockton, Mass 02301
Phone (617) 727-2612	Phone (508) 583-5318
FAX (617) 727-3876	FAX (508) 583-1617
EMAIL: VFWMASS

VFW State Announcements

---

February 11, 2007: Salute to Hospitalized veterans Week, Northampton Medical

February 24, 2007, 9:00 am: Ladies Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference, Abington Post 5737

March 4-7, 2007: National Community Service Conference, Omni, Washington D.C.

March 11, 2007, 12:00 noon: Commnader-In-Chief's Banquet, Spinellis, Lynnfield

March 18, 2007, 1:00 pm: Ladies Auxiliary Jamboree, Millbury Post 3329

March 24, 2007, 10:30 am: Council of Administration, Lowell Post 662

April 15, 2007: State President's Banquet - TBA

April 20-22, 2007: Eastern State Conference, Pennsylvania

April 28, 2007: Ladies Auxiliary Council of Administration - TBA

April 29, 2007, 10:30 am: Joint Loyalty Day Ceremonies - Korean Memorial, Charlstown Navy Yard

May 19, 2007, 10:30 am: Council of Administration, Mottolo Post 4524

May 27, 2007, 1:00 pm: Nat's Cemetery Memorial Day Exercise - Bourne Cemetery, Bourne, MA

June 15-17, 2007: State Convention, Danvers, MA



VFW National Announcements

---

March 4-7, 2007 Event: National Community Service & Legislative Conference, Omni, Washington D.C.

March 5-8, 2007 Event: National Legislative Conference, Omni, Washington D.C.

March 22-25, 2007 Event: Ladies Auxiliary Mid-Year Conference, San Francisco, CA

April 1-6, 2007: 21st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, Snowmass Village in Aspen, Colorado

April 1-4, 2007 Event: Ladies Auxiliary Senior Vice Commander/Adjutant Quartermasters & Senior Vice-Presidents & Department Secretaries, Las Vegas, NV

June 19-23, 2007: 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 18-23, 2007 Event: VFW National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri

August 27-31, 2007: 21st National Veterans Golden Age Games, Houston, Texas

October 22-28, 2007: 2007 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, St. Louis, Missouri

---

(From VFW HQ E-News)
VFW Talk Radio: Stay informed about military and veterans issues. The National Defense, VFW's talk radio show, hosted by Jerry Newberry, is informative, entertaining and hard-hitting. Listen online 24/7 at Townhall.com: Military Talk Radio. You never know what you're missing, until you're listening! Beginning July 4, The National Defense, is expanding to two hours.


Operation Uplink

---

(From VFW HQ E-News)
VFW National Home: VFW National Home for Children Building Again to Help America's Veterans

Just in time for the holidays, the VFW National Home for Children will begin to put a generous gift to use by breaking ground for another new duplex to help care for families of our nation's veterans and active duty military.

At their recent meeting, the National Home's Board of Trustees authorized the new construction on the 629-acre campus. The project will be funded by a portion of the $3.5 million charitable donation that resulted from the 2006 Memorial Day Dealership Campaign conducted by the Buick-Pontiac-GMC Division of General Motors Corp.

---

(From VFW HQ E-News)
VFW/Dell Computer Discount Program

The VFW and Dell have joined together to offer discounted computer systems to Posts, Departments, Members and Employees.

VFW Members/Employees:

If you are a member or an employee of the VFW, you may visit Dell's EPP (Employee Purchase Program) site, where you can custom build a computer system to suit your needs. The savings are already calculated for you, so get started on your new computer system today!

Members click here to visit the Dell EPP page.

To order by phone, please call 1-800-695-8133, and mention ID# PS30482412.

VFW Posts / Departments:

If you are a Post or Department, you may visit the Dell Premiere page, where you can select from a list of pre-selected systems, each configured to suit your Post/Department's needs. We have provided a "base" set of configurations, but each configuration can be upgraded, depending on your specific needs. You can also custom-build a system. All computer systems purchased through the Dell Premiere page come with 24/7 U.S.-based customer support!

Posts and Departments click here to visit the Dell Premiere page.

To order by phone, please call 1-866-746-4977, and mention ID# PS76832215.

*NOTE: Clicking on the links to the Dell website will open a new browser and take you to the Dell.com website.

The Dell logo is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.



Internet - Online Resources

---

Veterans of Foreign Wars HQ: www.vfw.org

Ladies Aux VFW HQ: www.ladiesauxvfw.org

U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov

VFW National Home for Children: www.vfwnationalhome.org

Operation Troop Support: www.troopsupportusa.com

Department of MA VFW: members.aol.com/massachusettsvfw/index.html

All American Witch City VFW Post #1524 Website & E-Newsletter: www.moondragon.org/salem/vfw.html



Classified Ads

SEWING: Machine sewing and crafts, hand stitching, buttons, zippers, repairs, and minor alterations. New and used clothing. Very reasonable rates, fast item turn-around. Contact: Leather Dupris at 978 744 5593. Drop off address: 0 (Zero) Boardman Street, #1, Salem (across from the Salem Commons)

If you would like to place a classified ad, become a business sponsor (with an ad placed in the newsletter), or submit news to the newletter, Please contact: Commander Roger Leger: 978 745-0010 Leather Dupris: 978 744-5583 VFW Email: vfw1524@aol.com

Witch City VFW Post #1524 Home Page

Vfw1524@aol.com

Please, if you want your post to be listed on this website, email the webmistress at MoonDragon2@aol.com and put VFW Listing in the subject line.





This page updated January 31, 2007



Veteran-Related & Non-Veteran Links

Tribute To Vietnam Veterans: The Vietnam Era (60's & 70's Music)

Tricorn Commemorative Medals
Honoring American Veterans, Past & Present
Tricorn Donates a Portion of Each Commemorative Medal Sale to the
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund www.freedomalliance.org

If you are a visitor to Massachusetts (especially to the Boston Metro area) This is a humorous look at navigating and driving in the Boston region. Click below:

MoonDragon's Humor: You Must Be From Boston If...

If you would like to visit the rest of my website, please feel free to click on these links:

MoonDragon's Main Indexlisting

MoonDragon's Home Page
(Has my Guestbook if you would like to leave a message.)



This webpage has been donated by MoonDragon Birthing Services and is maintained by the MoonDragon.org webmistress. If you have a webpage for your VFW post or other veterans-related website and you would like to be included in these links, please email me at moondragon2@aol.com. Upon receiving your email, I will be happy to visit your website to verify the link and view it and then, upon approval, will include a link. Please feel free to include a link for our webpage on your website.



WebPage Design & Maintenance By:
Leather Dupris
MoonDragon Birthing Services
0 (Zero) Boardman Street
Salem, MA 01970
978- 744-5583
Website: www.MoonDragon.org