Newton Falls – On September 20th a banquet was held at the Newton Falls VFW Post 3332 to honor past Commanders & past Presidents. Honorees and their guests enjoyed a banquet catered by Roby Lees.
State VFW Commander Bob Pool & his wife Susan and State VFW Auxiliary President, Sandra Uzell & husband Clayton attended the event, a first for the Post which has made the banquet an annual event to honor their leadership and remember those who are no longer with them. Also attending were VFW District 8 Sr. Vice Commander Mark Ross, American Legion Post 212 Commander Joe Ball & Kim Shaulis.
Past Commanders present were, WWII Vets, Gideon Fetterolf and Faustian “Fudge” Rapczak, Commander Ray Hanzes (current &15 times past), Bill Douglas, Alex Kish and Ron Widowfield.
Past Auxiliary Presidents in attendance were: Donna Himes, Bobby Jo Stiltner, Wanda Thompson, (current & 7 times past), Doris Hawkins, (6 times past), Emma Gilanyi & Dorothy Cooke, (3 times past).
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America, Raymond Ornelas, Past District 8 Commander & Pin Chairman, conducted the POW/MIA Ceremony honoring those who were captured or missing in action.
WWII Veteran Gideon Fetterolf, Past Chaplain gave the invocation.
Following the banquet a memorial service took place with Quartermaster Steve Garcar lighting candles for each deceased past Commander and Chaplain Rosemary Domyanich lighting candles for the past Presidents.
Jr. Vice Commander Ron Domyanich played taps.
A slight twist in the evening occurred, when Commander Ray Hanzes was presented with the Man of the Year award instead of presenting it. Past President Donna Himes presented the Woman of the Year award to Auxiliary member Julie Smeiles, who serves as Jr. Vice, Historian & Legislation Chair.
Many thanks go out to Banquet Committee Chairman Pete Price, Co-Chair & Decorating Committee Donna Himes, the Welcome Committee, Steve & Marlene Garcar, and the Auxiliary for the hors’doeuvres, all together made for a memorable evening.
