VFW Post 1602 https://www.thebatavian.com/ en https://www.thebatavian.com/themes/barrio_batavian/images/thebatavian_logo.png VFW Post 1602 https://www.thebatavian.com/ Local Matters © 2008-2023 The Batavian. All Rights Reserved. Thu, 02 May 2024 08:19:36 -0400 https://www.thebatavian.com/themes/barrio_batavian/images/thebatavian_logo.png Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:06:00 -0400 VFW in Batavia retires tattered and faded flags in ceremony https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/vfw-in-batavia-retires-tattered-and-faded-flags-in-ceremony/635319
VFW flag disposal
Robert Kendall, a member of VFW Post 1602 in Batavia, ignites flags that were deemed no longer servicable during a Flag Day ceremony at the post on Wednesday.
Photo by Howard Owens

After a brief ceremony to incinerate retired flags on Wednesday at the VFW Post 1602, Veness-Strollo, in Batavia, members celebrated the freedom the U.S. Flag represents and the price paid and sacrifice made by those who served in the military to protect that freedom.

Members of the post incinerated dozens of flags as part of the ceremony. 

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/vfw-in-batavia-retires-tattered-and-faded-flags-in-ceremony/635319#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/vfw-in-batavia-retires-tattered-and-faded-flags-in-ceremony/635319 Jun 15, 2023, 12:06pm VFW Post 1602 VFW in Batavia retires tattered and faded flags in ceremony Howard Owens <figure role="group" class="caption caption-div align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img alt="VFW flag disposal" class="image-style-large" height="533" loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/vfw-flag-retirement-ceremony-2023.jpg?itok=gSsxTsb6" width="800"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Robert Kendall, a member of VFW Post 1602 in Batavia, ignites flags that were deemed no longer servicable during a Flag Day ceremony at the post on Wednesday.</em><br><em>Photo by Howard Owens</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>After a brief ceremony to incinerate retired flags on Wednesday at the VFW Post 1602, Veness-Strollo, in Batavia, members celebrated the freedom the U.S. Flag represents and the price paid and sacrifice made by those who served in the military to protect that freedom.</p><p>Members of the post incinerated dozens of flags as part of the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>
Photos: Sock Hop at the VFW https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photos-sock-hop-at-the-vfw/627596
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Poodle skirts galore, duck tails and pony tails, rolled-up blue jeans, and a rockin' band (the Front Porch Pickers) brought the era of hit 45s, soda jerks, jukeboxes, and pre-Beatles pop music back to life on Saturday night at the VFW in Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photos-sock-hop-at-the-vfw/627596#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photos-sock-hop-at-the-vfw/627596 Feb 20, 2023, 11:01pm VFW Post 1602 Photos: Sock Hop at the VFW Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop.jpg?itok=27imCa5K" width="460" height="307" alt="vfwsockhop.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>Poodle skirts galore, duck tails and pony tails, rolled-up blue jeans, and a rockin' band (the Front Porch Pickers) brought the era of hit 45s, soda jerks, jukeboxes, and pre-Beatles pop music back&nbsp;to life on Saturday night at the VFW in Batavia.</p> <p><em>Photos by Howard Owens</em></p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-2.jpg?itok=g5aRbZBY" width="460" height="307" alt="vfwsockhop-2.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-3.jpg?itok=t4-gNLk5" width="460" height="307" alt="vfwsockhop-3.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-4.jpg?itok=-ohVHSCS" width="460" height="307" alt="vfwsockhop-4.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-5.jpg?itok=FJtOlX_F" width="460" height="307" alt="vfwsockhop-5.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-6.jpg?itok=I-4GmUMU" width="460" height="306" alt="vfwsockhop-6.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-7.jpg?itok=xHgFGFPg" width="460" height="306" alt="vfwsockhop-7.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2023-02/vfwsockhop-8.jpg?itok=P424kW9P" width="460" height="306" alt="vfwsockhop-8.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p>
VFW Post in Batavia hosting open house this afternoon https://www.thebatavian.com/steve-ognibene/vfw-post-in-batavia-hosting-open-house-this-afternoon/577830
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Today is Veterans Day -- and an appropriate time for members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter to invite Batavia-area residents to an "open house."  The public is welcome to come to the Veness-Strollo Post 1602 at 25 Edward St. from noon to 3 this afternoon to learn more about the organization, enjoy a bowl of soup or chili, and have a beverage. New members are welcome. For more information, call 585-344-3249.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/steve-ognibene/vfw-post-in-batavia-hosting-open-house-this-afternoon/577830#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/steve-ognibene/vfw-post-in-batavia-hosting-open-house-this-afternoon/577830 Nov 11, 2021, 6:59am VFW Post 1602 VFW Post in Batavia hosting open house this afternoon sognibene <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/328/2021-11/a76y5765.2.jpg?itok=9Jr0FZ4A" width="460" height="307" alt="a76y5765.2.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>Today is Veterans Day -- and an appropriate time for members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter to invite Batavia-area residents to an "open house."&nbsp;&nbsp;The public is welcome to come to the Veness-Strollo Post 1602 at 25 Edward St. from noon to 3 this afternoon to learn more</p>
Batavia VFW marks 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attack: 'We will not forget' https://www.thebatavian.com/mike-pettinella/batavia-vfw-marks-20th-anniversary-of-september-11-2001-terrorist-attack-we-will-not “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” – President George W. Bush.

As those words by a president seeking to calm a nation shocked by the events of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, resound to this day, officials of VFW Veness-Strollo Post 1602 this morning conducted a moving and fitting tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost as a result of that horrific terrorist attack on American soil.

The Batavian, as a community service to those unable to attend today's remembrance event, is publishing the text of the speeches given by Assemblyman Steven Hawley, VFW member Max Sernoffsky (who acted as master of ceremonies), Post 1602 Junior Vice Commander John Woodworth Jr. and City Councilman-At-Large Robert Bialkowski.

Another story, featuring Batavia Police Det. Sgt. Matt Lutey and Batavia Fire Lt. Dave Green, will follow.

Assemblyman Steven Hawley

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It’s hard to believe that it has been 20 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Most, if not all of us, remember exactly what we were doing that day … almost as if it were yesterday. Where we were; who we were with and how we felt. Watching the twin towers (of the World Trade Center in New York City) fall changed our lives and our nation forever.

As New Yorkers, we were all particularly affected by the attack close to our own homes. We are forever grateful to our first responders, many of whom still live with the physical and psychological effects of their service during that tragic time.

Their courage can not be understated. Thousands of firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and police officers rushed into danger at that scene to save others during the attack – and we will never forget the hundreds of responders who died so that others might live.

After the tragedy of the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, a sense of unity spread throughout the entire country. American flags blossomed everywhere – on homes and on businesses. Bumper stickers and magnets declaring support for our military were a common sight on highways. And we came together to support those within our communities and beyond.

The American spirit of resilience was on full display, just as it was during our Revolution and during the World Wars. We must always remember that resiliency and never forget that regardless of our personal or political differences, we are united freely and equally as one people under our Constitution.

It is that commitment to our common ideals and the respect for one another that has empowered us to be as strong as we are. The events of the past few weeks have thrust us into a new period, and reminds us – home or abroad – the strength, bravery and skill of our military service members are what stand between freedom and tyranny.

The men and women who fought in Afghanistan should be welcomed home as heroes, and those we lost should be remembered and honored for all history. They fought bravely for a righteous cause. As soldiers return to their families, we must ensure they’re given every resource to make a successful transition back into life at home.

Most of all, they deserve our gratitude and respect.

Max Sernoffsky, VFW Post 1602 member

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Three major questions have got my attention while planning this event: who, how and, most importantly, why.

Well, 911 has always been known as a sign of distress. If there is trouble, just call the number and you get help from first responders. So, the question of who. Who are we honoring? Definitely, first responders.

Sept. 11, 2001 was very different. This was a very vicious and malicious attack on all of America through which our World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked. In essence, the heartbeat of America.

On this day all of America responded. America became proud, ready and united. On this day, we honor all Americans who made themselves ready for the call to protect our way of life.

The question of how? It has been said that how we should act is sad and somber. I totally agree what happened 20 years ago was anything but a celebration. Well, America did not die on that day. America came together. Angry and upset, maybe, but definitely united.

As one may say, let a sleeping dog lie, because after this tragedy America did become alive. Every patriotic American volunteered to support the cause of freedom.

The most important question is why? Why are we gathered here today? This is a remembrance event. Remember there are some out there that try to take our freedoms, rights and way of life from us … as American we must always be prepared to protect and defend as we did on that day.

Heroes on Flight 93 were the first to respond. They were American citizens who were very heroic. They stopped the terrorists from reaching their mark in an attempt to destroy America. To those brave American citizens, we just always remember and never forget. Let us honor them by doing what it takes to keep our country free.

Among us today, we have many veterans and first responders. We also have many citizens whose help was instrumental. Several are part of the many organizations that are here to serve. Why? Because they believe in what you're doing for our country.

To our young citizens, I realize you were too little or not even born when this tragic event took place. To you I realize that you are about to embark on a path – whatever you become – doctors, firemen, policemen or even a member of the armed forces. There will be times you feel alone along the way, alienated, tested or even overwhelmed.

Just remember … we always have your back. I encourage you all to stay around after the ceremony and engage first hand with our fellow veterans, supporting organizations and first responders. Ask the questions, gain knowledge, insight and wisdom from them.

(He also thanked the businesses who supported the ceremony).

Today, we remember our firefighters, police force, armed forces and citizens who all stepped forward when they first got the news. These people ran toward the danger – not away from it. Why? Because there were American citizens in those towers.

It is because of that bravery that many lives were saved. They did this knowing full well of the risk that they themselves may never make it back alive. I can’t say this enough. It is Americans like you that make me so proud to be an American.

Please God, always give me the same strength that they had to be ready to face danger and to never turn my back to it. Whenever I think of the many Americans selflessly doing their part, protecting our way of life, it just makes me so thankful and patriotic.

Why do Americans do this? It is because Americans are resilient. They do this because America is worth protecting. As long as we continue to have our brave young Americans protecting our way of life, we will forever be and always will be the greatest nation ever.

Councilmember-At-Large Robert Bialkowski

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We certainly live in very troubled times. 20 years (ago), it seems like just an hour ago, the mainland of our country was attacked by our enemies. Please, let’s never, ever forget this day.

Four airliners were hijacked and used for these attacks of terror. American Airlines Flight 11 was crashed into the World Trade Center north tower at 8:46 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 was crashed 17 minutes later into the south tower at 9:03 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 was crashed into the west side of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93, heading for target White House or the Capitol building was overtaken by some very brave passengers and crashed in Shanksville, Pa., at 10:03 a.m.

Many of us have had friends, relatives and associates working in these buildings. I, personally, had a relative and other military people I knew that were working in the Pentagon at that time. By the grace of God, they escaped.

The aftermath of this attack was 2,977 fatalities. Over 25,000 people were also injured. Three hundred and forty firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers paid the ultimate sacrifice performing their heroic rescue attempts, and to this day there are thousands of people suffering health issues.

This was a major attack and it all occurred in minutes, and it was well laid out and well planned. These people – al-Qaeda, Taliban, ISIS and all the other terrorist groups – are our enemies and must be treated as such. They will never be our friends and we must never forget.

It’s an honor to be here today to recognize our local post 1602 and the entire VFW organization for all your unselfish work supporting all our veterans. Since your beginning in 1899 … that’s a long time to be providing services. You provide a home, and when I say home, I’m talking about a community – a community where all veterans are welcome with honor and dignity.

He then was joined by City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. in presenting a proclamation from the City of Batavia recognizing today as “911 Day of Remembrance in the City of Batavia” and encourage citizens to honor the lives of those lost to participation in community service and remembrance ceremonies on this day and throughout this year.

VFW Post 1602 Junior Vice Commander John Woodworth Jr.

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I encourage our recruits to understand that the VFW and American Legion is our voice in Washington, D.C. We have to depend on each other, so I highly recommend that you join these organizations to support not just ourselves but our community as well.

My name is John Woodworth Jr. I'm a U.S. Air Force retiree and I continue to serve our great nation as of now, for 31 years.

I would like to speak about September 11th, 2001, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the events ... and remember all those who lost their lives on that tragic day. To me, September 11th has been the worst attack on the American people and the second worst attack on America’s resolve.

The first, as many may know already, is December 7th, 1941, at the Pearl Harbor Naval Stations. However, but instead of another country waging war on our nation using military force against military force, 19 Islamic extremists committed an unthinkable act of cowardliness against the American people and tested our resolve. These 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners – American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77 and United Airlines Flight 93.

They used them as weapons of mass destruction on American citizens and citizens from 77 different countries. These weren’t the only victims of 911. We lost 412 of America’s heroes, and I’m referring to our firefighters, police officers and medical personnel who answered the call and gave all save tens of thousands of lives during rescue operations at the World Trade Center.

Which leads me to the other heroes of September 11th – Chief Master Sgt. Troy McIntosh from the Pentagon who rushed into flames three times to help evacuate wounded personnel and Master Sgt. Noel Sepulveda, a career medical technician, who pulled six injured people through windows and set up a triage in the parking lot. And finally, the passengers of Flight 93.

The passengers of Flight 93, after learning the intentions of their hijackers, established a plan to retake their aircraft from these assailants – transforming themselves from victims to heroes. Their sacrifice resulted in safeguarding an unknown number lives at the hijackers’ unknown target – cementing themselves as the first ones to fight terrorism on September 11th, and in my eyes, the biggest heroes of the day.

The actions of our first responders and Flight 93 passengers inspired and strengthened America’s resolve.

I often wonder if Osama Bin Laden felt the same pressure as Japanese World War II Admiral Yamamoto by awakening a sleeping giant. Did Bin Laden recognize true might of America or did he misjudge America’s pursuit of peace as a weakness?

On Sept. 18, 2001, President Bush signed a bill to authorize use of military force. Then on Oct. 7, 2001, U.S. forces began air campaigns against the Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. For nearly 20 years, the U.S. armed forces kept the fight on enemy soil.

However, the war on terrorism isn’t truly over as we discovered on August 26th, 2021, when 13 American service members lost their lives to a suicide bombing as the United States was withdrawing from Afghanistan to officially end the longest war in American history. (He then mentioned a display inside the VFW set up to honor those 13 service members).

My final words for September 11th are this:

We should never forget the men, women and children whose lives were so tragically on the ground and in the air. We should never forget the sacrifice our first responders and the passengers of Flight 93. As Americans, we need to remain ever vigilant and continue to stand together to stand together against terrorism.

As Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer quoted, “Let’s roll.”

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Photos at bottom: U.S. Army personnel observing a moment of silence; Tom Cecere rings the bell at 8:46 a.m. to mark the first strike into the World Trade Center (other bell ringings took place at 9:03, 9:37 and 10:03); playing of taps as VFW honor guard stands at attention. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/mike-pettinella/batavia-vfw-marks-20th-anniversary-of-september-11-2001-terrorist-attack-we-will-not#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/mike-pettinella/batavia-vfw-marks-20th-anniversary-of-september-11-2001-terrorist-attack-we-will-not Sep 11, 2021, 11:27am VFW Post 1602 Batavia VFW marks 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attack: 'We will not forget' mikepett <p><em>“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” – </em>President George W. Bush.</p> <p>As those words by a president seeking to calm a nation shocked by the</p>
Batavia VFW Post 1602 announces 9/11 remembrance https://www.thebatavian.com/mike-pettinella/batavia-vfw-post-1602-announces-911-remembrance/571439

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VFW Veness-Strollo Post 1602 is planning a solemn ceremony in remembrance of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 – 9/11 – beginning at 8 a.m. this Saturday at the facility’s grounds at 25 Edward St.

Post Junior Vice Commander John Woodworth said the event will be marked by a variety of tributes, including:

  • Speeches by Assemblyman Steven Hawley, Batavia City Council member Robert Bialkowski, representatives of Batavia’s police and fire departments and Woodworth;
  • Bell ringing followed by moments of silence corresponding to key times of the terrorist attack on that fateful morning (8:46, 9:03, 9:37 and 10:03);
  • A 21-gun salute around 10:30 a.m. commemorating the fall of the last tower of the World Trade Center;
  • An “Echo Taps” salute performed by two buglers.

The ceremony will commence with a meet-and-greet with free coffee and donuts at 8 o’clock, with Hawley delivering his address at 8:30.

Following the observance, a jamboree is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music by Bill Pitcher, Julia Morales Jr., Front Porch Pickers and Old State Roadhouse. Pizza will be provided.

An information fair with representatives from various veterans’ services organizations is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those include the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency, WNY Heroes, Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. and the Veterans Outreach Center at the VA Medical Center.

In Le Roy, American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post 576 at 53 West Main St. will observe a moment of silence in memory of 9/11 during its special dinner event from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. Steamed corn, sausage and salt potato dinners will be available for purchase for $12.

The Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. soil (New York City, the Pentagon and plane crash in Pennsylvania) by the militant Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda resulted in the deaths of 2,996 people (2,977 victims plus 19 al-Qaeda terrorists) and injuries to an estimated 25,000 more.

It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the U.S., with 340 and 72 killed, respectively.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/mike-pettinella/batavia-vfw-post-1602-announces-911-remembrance/571439#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/mike-pettinella/batavia-vfw-post-1602-announces-911-remembrance/571439 Sep 8, 2021, 3:44pm VFW Post 1602 Batavia VFW Post 1602 announces 9/11 remembrance mikepett <p></p><div class="align-right"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/129907/2021-08/911.jpg?itok=59w4ubZP" width="126" height="198" alt="911.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> VFW Veness-Strollo Post 1602 is planning a solemn ceremony in remembrance of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 – 9/11 – beginning at 8 a.m. this Saturday at the facility’s grounds at 25 Edward St. <p>Post Junior Vice Commander John Woodworth said the event will be marked by a variety</p>
Video: Fundraiser at VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/video-fundraiser-at-vfw-veness-strollo-post-1602/540021
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Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 19-6 held a fundraiser Saturday at VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.

Subscribe to The Batavian's YouTube channel.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/video-fundraiser-at-vfw-veness-strollo-post-1602/540021#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/video-fundraiser-at-vfw-veness-strollo-post-1602/540021 Jul 22, 2019, 9:00am VFW Post 1602 Video: Fundraiser at VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 Howard Owens <div> <div><span>Video Sponsor</span></div> <div> .pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)</div> <div></div> </div> <p>Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 19-6 held a fundraiser Saturday at VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/newsbatavian">Subscribe to&nbsp;<em>The Batavian</em>'s YouTube channel.</a></p>
Bike run, BBQ, live country music with JB Aaron and more on tap at Batavia VFW Saturday to help vets and soldiers https://www.thebatavian.com/billie-owens/bike-run-bbq-live-country-music-with-jb-aaron-and-more-on-tap-at-batavia-vfw-saturday

Submitted photo of national country music recording artist JB Aaron will perform a fundraising concert Saturday at the Batavia VFW to help reduce the suicide rate among vets and solidiers.

Information from Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association:

Did you know that every day in the United States, on average, 22 of our nation's veterans/soldiers take their own life? That number is more than 128,000.

That means that there have been more suicides since the 9/11 attacks, than there have been combined deaths in combat from the Korean War all the way through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This trend has to stop.

To help get these suicides down to zero, "Operation 22-0" -- 0 > 22 -- of the Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is again hosting a memorial ride and fundraiser tomorrow (July 20) at the VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.

It will assist our veterans with the help they need to try to get that number down to nothing.

Operation 22-0 is an amazing group of people help vets and their families in any way they can.

You are invited to join them for a day of motorcycling riding, good food, fun and live country music for a good cause.

The day starts out with a motorcycle run. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Kickstands up at noon; ride until 3 p.m. The ride donation is $10 per motorcycle.

Cash bar afterward, and $20 for dinner starting at 4, plus a chance to win a door prize. Food by Babz BBQ includes pulled pork, chicken and side dishes.

The post's banquet and bar area is huge and air-conditioned; a great place to cool off on what is expected to be a scorcher!

Hear live music until 8 p.m.

Rochester's own Worthy Duncan and Josh Shaff will perform, followed by national recording artist JB Aaron, who along with his band the Brethren, donates much of his free time to organizations such as this. Aaron supports and gives back every chance he can.

Please come out and join us as we help those who have helped our country for so many years. They have helped us, now its our turn.

The VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 is located at 25 Edwards St.

To learn about the history of the motorcycle group, click here.

To visit their Facebook page, click here.

Below is a video produced by Cosmic Video of JB Aaron and the Brethren performing "Cadillac Bound" in June 2018 at the American Warrior Festival at The Ridge in Le Roy.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/billie-owens/bike-run-bbq-live-country-music-with-jb-aaron-and-more-on-tap-at-batavia-vfw-saturday#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/billie-owens/bike-run-bbq-live-country-music-with-jb-aaron-and-more-on-tap-at-batavia-vfw-saturday Jul 19, 2019, 5:01pm VFW Post 1602 Bike run, BBQ, live country music with JB Aaron and more on tap at Batavia VFW Saturday to help vets and soldiers Billie Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/2061/2019-07/unnamed.jpg?itok=uDDY0u26" width="240" height="320" alt class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><em>Submitted photo of national country music recording artist JB Aaron will perform a fundraising concert Saturday at the Batavia VFW to help reduce the suicide rate among vets and solidiers.</em></p> <p><em>Information from Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association:</em></p> <p>Did you know that every day in</p>
Sea Cadets help spiff up VFW Post 1602 https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/sea-cadets-help-spiff-up-vfw-post-1602/261138
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A contingent of Navy Sea Cadets volunteered their time Saturday to help clean the grounds of the VFW Hall on Edwards Street, Batavia. The exterior work comes after members recently completed interior renovations.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/sea-cadets-help-spiff-up-vfw-post-1602/261138#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/sea-cadets-help-spiff-up-vfw-post-1602/261138 Apr 24, 2017, 10:20am VFW Post 1602 Sea Cadets help spiff up VFW Post 1602 Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2017-04/img_2083vfwclean.jpg?itok=PtqyI8U8" width="460" height="236" alt="img_2083vfwclean.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>A contingent of Navy Sea Cadets volunteered their time Saturday to help clean the grounds of the VFW Hall on Edwards Street, Batavia. The exterior work comes after members recently completed interior renovations.</p>
Former homeless vet getting fresh start in Batavia with help of VFW Auxiliary https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/former-homeless-vet-getting-fresh-start-in-batavia-with-help-of-vfw-auxiliary/156695
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Willis Middleton moves into a new apartment in Batavia tomorrow, and the day before yesterday, he signed his lease and picked up his keys.

At first, he didn't think much of it. He went back to his room at the VA Center, in the Cazenovia Recovery Program, and sat down on his bed and started looking for a keychain.

"After I put all the keys on the chain, I just stared at it and I was like, dang these are my keys," Middleton said. "I mean, I’ve had that before, but it just means a whole lot more. I was just staring at those keys and I was like, ‘wow.’ It’s been a long road and I’m very appreciative of the people who helped me. It’s just a great feeling, it really is."

The ladies of the VFW Auxiliary Veness Strollo Post #1602 in Batavia were among those who helped Middleton get to this point, which comes after years of struggling with addiction, in and out of rehab programs, until he was finally brought to one that is making a difference.

One of the key benefits of the program, Middleton said that at the end of it, counselors make sure patients don't go back to the same community and the same life and same associates they were mired in before.

"Let’s be honest, we all do rehab really well," Middleton said. "We all go in and make these promises we’re going to do better, we’re going to do this and we’re going to do that, but then when it’s time to leave, we really didn’t have the resources, so basically we got threw back into that environment that we came from. Excuse my French, but snowballs stand a better chance in hell with that situation. But here, it gives you an opportunity to change everything, even your environment. I think that’s more important than anything, those resources and employment are more important than anything."

Middleton, originally from Cross, S.C., and most recently a resident of Durham, N.C., is getting a fresh start in Batavia.

He thinks that's wonderful.

"By the time this program came, it saved my life," Middleton said. "That’s really all I can say. It saved my life because I was thinking crazy, I was doing irrational things and, well, I ended up in the psych ward at the Durham VA. That was the beginning that put me on this road right here and I’ve been blessed to be on this road for so long, Thank God. I’ve been seeing all of these wonderful things that are happening to me now."

The VFW Auxillary is providing many of the necessities Middleton will need to get a good start in his new apartment. They've purchased for him, as they do many other veterans who have been through Cazenovia, a coffee pot, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, dishpans, a strainer, utensils, kitchen trash can, cleaning products, dish towels, oven mitts and potholders, sheets, blankets, a shower curtain, curtain rings, a wastebasket, toilet brush, plunger, towels, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, shaving products, alcohol-free mouthwash, curtains and furniture.

They ladies buy all that for multiple veterans with funds raised from Buddy Poppy sales, social events and raffles.

Middleton joined the Army when he was 17 and served four years. His problems, he said, started when he got out. He struggled with drugs and homelessness off and on, though he also had times of stability, but hit rock bottom in Durham.

"When I got here at first started learning about myself, it wasn’t a pretty picture at all," Middleton said. "It was kind of ugly, to be honest, but the more I stayed the course, the more it just was so obvious that if I didn’t want to die in my addiction, I knew that I had to change. I just had to get down and dirty and do it.

"This program has meant a lot to me," he added.

Photo: Pictured with Middleton are Jean Dolph, Daphne Cross and Judy Cooper, of the VFW Auxiliary Veness Strollo Post #1602.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/former-homeless-vet-getting-fresh-start-in-batavia-with-help-of-vfw-auxiliary/156695#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/former-homeless-vet-getting-fresh-start-in-batavia-with-help-of-vfw-auxiliary/156695 Aug 31, 2016, 1:56pm VFW Post 1602 Former homeless vet getting fresh start in Batavia with help of VFW Auxiliary Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2016-08/willisnewaptaug2016.jpg?itok=T4nXqbo1" width="460" height="307" alt="willisnewaptaug2016.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>Willis Middleton moves into a new apartment in Batavia tomorrow, and the day before yesterday, he signed his lease and picked up his keys.</p> <p>At first, he didn't think much of it. He went back to his room at the VA Center, in the&nbsp;Cazenovia Recovery Program, and sat down on</p>
Collins visits VFW, highlights need to repair halls that house veterans' groups https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/collins-visits-vfw-highlights-need-to-repair-halls-that-house-veterans-groups/47714
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The VFW Post in Batavia is in a poor state of repair, and Rep. Chris Collins is pushing legislation that could help the post, and veteran's service organizations throughout the country.

Collins highlighted his legislation today with an appearance at the post.

Incoming Post Commander Ronald Jackett gave a tour of the building, with it's stained and missing ceiling tiles, corroded bathrooms and peeling paint.

Jackett estimates repairs -- including a new roof -- will cost $40,000.

To help raise funds for repairs, the post is selling tickets for a Harley-Davidson raffle, but he certainly welcomes the proposal being pushed by Collins to make Community Development Block Grant funds available to the nation's veterans services groups for building repairs and upgrades.

"Many of these organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion are able to fund themselves by offering their facilities for special events such as birthdays and weddings," Collins said. "Their facilities serve as community centers, bringing neighbors and families together for special events. These organizations should have the ability to repair their existing facilities and further ensure the safety of those using them for special occasions and gatherings.

Collins said by using CDBG funds, the program draws from an existing expenditure, rather than creating new spending that would add to the federal budget deficit.

Wherever the money comes from, it would certainly be welcome, Jackett said.

"I don't know how we're going to do on this motorcycle raffle," Jackett said. "It's very slow going. It's very important. If we don't get enough off this motorcycle raffle, we're going to be looking everywhere else we can to try to get funding."

The post hasn't been able to use its kitchen for more than a year. It used to be an important source of revenue, generating as much as $1,000 a week in sales.  

The Harley is routinely on display at Chesley Auto on East Main Street, Batavia, where raffle tickets may be purchased.

The bill sponsored by Collins is similar to one introduced by other members of Congress in previous sessions, but never passed.

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After their appearance at the VFW, Collins and Assemblyman Steve Hawley visited Ken Barrett Chevrolet, which was hosting a recruitment drive for the county's veterans' groups, with WBTA broadcasting from the dealership.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/collins-visits-vfw-highlights-need-to-repair-halls-that-house-veterans-groups/47714#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/collins-visits-vfw-highlights-need-to-repair-halls-that-house-veterans-groups/47714 May 9, 2015, 10:44pm VFW Post 1602 Collins visits VFW, highlights need to repair halls that house veterans' groups Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2015-05/vfwmay92015.jpg?itok=Ej04hAVM" width="460" height="307" alt="vfwmay92015.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>The VFW Post in Batavia is in a poor state of repair, and Rep. Chris Collins is pushing legislation that could help the post, and veteran's service organizations throughout the country.</p> <p>Collins highlighted his legislation today with an appearance at the post.</p> <p>Incoming Post Commander&nbsp;Ronald Jackett gave a tour of</p>