Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 2022-23 newly installed board of directors (left to right): Arthur Fink, chaplain; Ron Siegel, judge advocate; Chuck Wolin, commander; Ron Buckner, past commander; Elliott Reiss, Jr. vice commander; Joyce Spartonos, communications; Kevin Murphy, hospitality; Owen Fabert, Sr. vice commander; Gabrielle Forsberg, chief of staff; Bob Brooks, quartermaster; Rhonda Berns, secretary/historian. Absent from photo are Bernie Lieberman, Jr. vice commander; Dr. Michael Levitt, surgeon; and Art Sharf and Leo Pessin, past commanders.
Nancy Stutman
On Thursday June 2, at 3:30 p.m., Jewish War Veterans Post 619 will host a Bar-B-Que for 60 to 70 veterans experiencing homelessness at MANA (Marine, Army, Navy, Air Force) House, a transitional facility in Phoenix. MANA House is a peer-support organization of homeless and formerly homeless veterans. The home helps support veterans to rebuild their lives by providing support from its staff and partners.
Volunteers are needed to flip burgers and talk to the veterans to show them we care. More help is always needed. You don’t have to be a renowned chef to flip burgers. Just sit and listen. All the vets really want is a sympathetic ear.
Sixteen members from Post 619 are currently signed up to attend. “The most important part of this is the time we will spend just talking to the veterans,” notes Commander Chuck Wolin. “I’ve always come home with a feeling of satisfaction,” he says with pride.
Carpools will meet at 2:30 p.m. in the Ace Hardware parking lot located at 9666 E. Riggs Road in Sun Lakes. To volunteer, contact Elliott Reiss at 480-802-3281 or [email protected].
Sunday, June 19, will be the Post’s final meeting for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The meeting will be at Oakwood Country Club, Poolside Card Room, at 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd, Sun Lakes.
Bagels, lox, coffee, and “meet and greet” start at 9:30 a.m. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. There is no charge, but to partake in the food, a reservation is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 17, by contacting Joyce Spartonos at [email protected] or 480-802-4902.
Instead of a speaker, pins will be awarded to members who have five or more years in the JWV. The meeting will then focus on future activities and goals for the coming year.
JWV Post 619 members represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participate in philanthropic activities to help Jewish and non-Jewish veterans. Money raised from its Poppy Drive and fundraising activities enables the Post to fund events such as the MANA House Bar-B-Que. JWV’s mission to support hospitalized, homeless, and at-risk veterans is further accomplished by donating all profits to 501(C)(3) veterans’ organizations.
For more information, visit CopperstatePost619.com. Meetings feature speakers focused on supporting veterans. To learn about JWV activities or membership, please contact Jr. Vice Commander Elliott Reiss at 480-802-3281 or [email protected].