The Schaeffer
Schaeffer--Fischer Post
Beacon Falls, CT
Legion Post 25
Incorporated in 1871
Chartered in 1941
♦ INAUGURAL EDITION ♦ FALL 2016 ♦
INSIDE THIS EDITION
WHY THE POPPY?
2
ARE YOU POSTED?
3
NOW IN MEMORIUM.. “60 ”
3
COMMANDER’S CORNER
4
MEMBERS HONORED
4
LEGION BOYS STATE
4
CONTACT THE EDITOR
4
Welcome To The First Edition Of
‘The Schaeffer-Fischer Post Newsletter’
2016-2017 Elected Officers
The ‘Post’ will be published on a quarterly
basis to share our accomplishments, challenges and opportunities as we serve our
community.
Adjutant: Richard J. Minnick
Delivered directly to our members by mail,
or available at our regular meeting, you will
not have to download it, print it, or sign on!
Simply pick it up and enjoy...and if you
have an interesting story, comment or
idea...just contact the Editor, as noted in
the contact box on the bottom of page 4.
In each edition we will have an ‘Are You
Posted’ board where we hope to share
pictures of our Veteran Family in action.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
UPCOMING MAJOR POST EVENTS
September 22 Monthly Meeting 7pm
Senior Center
October 22 Flag Placement 10am
Pines Bridge Cemetery
October 27 Monthly Meeting 7pm
Senior Center
November 11 Veterans Day Svc 11am
Matthies Park
November 12 Armistice Day Dinner 6pm
St. Michaels Church
Commander: Bruce Carlson
Sr. Vice Commander: Frank Correnty Jr.
Jr. Vice Commander: Norbert Williamson
Finance Officer: Robert W. Ingianni
Chaplain: Joseph A. Poirier
Chaplain (Assistant): Ronald O. Getchel
Sergeant-At-Arms: Robert W. Slater
(A) Sergeant-At-Arms: Michael Bouchard
POW MIA Liaison: Ernest Tyers
Membership: Frank Huelsman

OUR THANKS AND CONGR
CONGRATULATIONS
ATULATIONS
THE TWENTY-FOUR TOUGHEST NOTES
“HONORING OUR LOVED ONES WITH “TAPS”
As a piece of music, taps is relatively simple. It has only 24 notes and the pace is unhurried. But those who have to play it say the challenge isn’t what they play, it’s
where. Natalie Katrenya was asked to play taps for our Post on Memorial Day with
just about 48 hours to get ready and she said, “Yes, it would be an honor to play.”
At the young age of 15 she has been playing trumpet for 5 years and is already an
accomplished musician at the concert, orchestra and jazz level at Woodland Regional
High School. But this is different! You’re all by yourself; there’s not much room for error and she said, “ you want to nail it.”
A slightly “older” taps player myself, I called Natalie to compare notes. “I viewed this
as my sacred duty”, she said, and “I wanted to make sure I got it right in every aspect:
tone, presence and quality.” AND SO SHE DID! Taps is played from the heart and
we honor Natalie for sharing hers. (Natalie is Posted on page 3)
“CONTINUED DEVOTION TO OUR FELLOW SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS”
American Legion, Schaeffer-Fischer, Post 25
MEETING LOCATION
Beacon Falls Senior Center, 57 N. Main Street
Commander: Bruce Carlson
Adjutant: Richard J. Minnick
FOR POST INFORMATION CALL RICH: 203-640-3119
Page 2
Schaeffer-Fischer Post
LEGION FAMILY - FLOWER OF REMEMBRANCE
The POPPY pays tribute to
Veterans, both living and
dead and reminds Americans
of their debt to those who
served so well.
The red
POPPY has been designated
as a symbol of sacrifice of
lives in all wars.
Americans wear the POPPY
to honor America’s War Dead
and Veterans.
In Flanders Fields
—
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Page 3
Schaeffer-Fischer Post
“Post
“Post--It” Activities Bulletin Board
SIXTY: THE NUMBER EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT TO THE PRODUCT OF SIX AND TEN; TEN MORE THAN FIFTY; 60.
* EDMUND ‘MOONEY’ SIERAKOWSKI *
Searching for some history on our Post, Rich Minnick offered a get together with a
long time member, Edmund ‘Mooney’ Sierakowski. We joined the family one recent
morning where I was introduced to the real meaning of the number “60”…
Edmund is married to his lovely wife Dolores for 66 years and has been an active
member of our Post for over 60 years! Imagine! He is, in all respects, what Tom
Brokaw defined as “the greatest generation.” An American citizen who came of age
during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America. Working on a small farm with his father, a Polish soldier, and his
cousin, Chet, who was like a brother, they kept things going during those depression years. A factory Slitting Machine Operator by trade, he joined the Army at the
young age of 21. PFC “Mooney” served his country proudly in Central Europe and
the Rhineland and returned home to Beacon Falls.
While he was getting back to civilian life he did not forget for one moment his
“band of brothers”. Mooney joined Post 25 early on and held several key positions
over many trying years. It was his leadership that kept the Post active during the
Vietnam Era and he was part of the team that negotiated the sale of the building,
shoring up our post’s finances. He last served as Commander in 2007, Vice Commander in 2008 and continues to be a committed member!
** SO WE THANK AND HONOR “MOONEY” AND HIS NUMBER 60! **
WELCOME BACK LEGIONNAIRES
COMMANDER BRUCE CARLSON
As your Commander, it is always a privilege and pleasure to serve you, along with
the officers of Post 25. We will do our best to uphold the traditions and honor of the
American Legion.
I would like to thank everyone who came out for the Memorial service for Past Commander Edmund (Mooney) Sierakowski, a continuous member for over 65 years.
Chester Mrozinski and Walter Mis, two more 65 + members who also entered into
Post Everlasting, kept our Post going through good times and bad. Let us remember them for their good deeds and keep their families in our prayers.
We had a great picnic at our last meeting in June. It was nice to get together to
share in some camaraderie and tell some stories. A new year is upon us and it’s
time to make preparations for Veterans Day and our upcoming Armistice dinner.
The simplest way to show your support is to help with membership. If you have not done so already,
please get your renewal completed. If you know of a veteran who is not a member, encourage them to join
Schaeffer-Fischer Post 25. Membership helps to fund the many programs of the American Legion. Donate
some time. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the various events. It is a great way to get to
meet people and have some fun in the process.
As always your ideas for additional events are always welcome along with your participation. So far we
are off to a great start, let’s keep it going and make this an outstanding year.
I look forward to the coming year being your Commander.
“MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, OUR VETERANS AND THIS POST”
QUILTS OF VALOR
On Saturday, August 20th Parson Jim Van Pelt was honored as a Veteran and Post member to receive a handmade
quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The presentation was held in the Fellowship Hall of the Congregational
Church in Beacon Falls. Parson Jim was nominated by Julia Steinis, a church member, whose husband John was
previously honored. The mission of the foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with
comforting and healing ‘Quilts of Valor’. Total Quilt Awards Recorded: 143,480
A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUN
JUNIORS
IORS
The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the
survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideal
and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful
management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong
and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished and long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys
States.
They are accomplished through a unique summertime program, one
that emphasizes not classroom lectures or textbook learning, but participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with its
governing bodies and elected public officials.
Boys State was founded, and its courses of instruction designed, to
supplement the information taught in high school civics classes.
Boys State teaches that our form of government is good but that its
preservation depends on intelligent, informed, and loyal citizens in
combination with an honest and impartial administration of government activities.
Young men chosen to be Boys State citizens can look forward to a
wonderful and challenging experience. All who attend can acquire a
better understanding and deeper regard for our nation’s legacy of
freedom and democracy.
Some of the famous Boy’s State
alumni include: Neil Armstrong, Jon
Bon Jovi, Michael Jordan, Mark Wahlberg, Tom Brokaw, and Chris Christie.
Volunteer to help bring this program on-line at our Post!
POST EDITOR AND PRODUCTION MANAGER, ALLEN SCHWARTZ; [email protected]; 631-807-1303