BELMONT AMVETS POST 2008

 

Mailing Address: Gregory H. Arabian, Commander

102 Clematis Avenue, Ste. 2-4, Waltham, MA 02453

Tel. (781)788-8800 / Fax: (781)788-8808 / Mobile: (617)719-6661 

 


Belmont Post 2008 meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month in Conference Room 2 at the Belmont, MA Town Hall, which is located in Belmont Center, 455 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478.

 

   
 
Dear Belmont AMVETS,
 
Kudos and thanks to 1st VC Barry, Provost Arty, and Chaplain John for their outstanding work on this years' White Clover. I will be giving you a final report on the figures shortly.
 
I have reserved Watertown's Stop and Shop for November 11, 2012 - NEXT YEAR - BOTH DOORS.
 
November 10 and November 11, 2012 will be the weekend. November 10 is Saturday;
 
November 11, 2012 is Sunday. Please reserve date well in advance.
 
NOTE TO LEON: please reserve this date for Belmont AMVETS Post 2008 in the Calendar for next year. Many thanks to all.
 
 

Gregory H. Arabian, Major, USAF HD
Commander, Belmont AMVETS Post 2008
Second Vice Commander, District 5 Posts
102 Clematis Avenue - Suites 2 - 4
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 788 - 8800 Office
(781) 788 - 8808 Office Fax
(617) 719 - 6661 Mobil
garabian@aol.com Email Address

 

Dear AMVETS

 
Despite the bad economy, the limited help, the tough entry into stores and overall obstacles, the core of Post 2008 came through with a terrific monetary take from hundreds of well wishers who generously donated to fill our buckets at our third White Clover Event. But that is not all.
 
First of all, these were ordinary folk; who come in with work clothes, un - ironed pants, flip flops, young, old, foreign (even from Zimbabwe), all of whom I classify as "special people."
 
Second, an unusually high percentage greeted us with "thank you for your service" and this got me into answering "you are welcome" instead of "thank you" for the donation.
 
Third, I ran into some very unusual persons with really intelligent and outstanding experiences. I ran into a Belmont resident who was a veterans of the Omaha Beach invasion of Normandy as well as columnists and educators with whom we conversed while the dollars poured in. One donor lamented that he was the Commander of the Newton VFW and had only 3 active members - when I told him that we didn't have too much more, he beamed that we could do so much.
 
Fourth, the amount of the individual donations that ranked in the $5 and $10 range increased significantly over the usual $1 donation. People out there are really appreciative of our veterans.
 
Fifth, I find that those who donated were unusually interested in discussing not only their military experiences, but those of their friends, family and neighbors; many even engaged me in discussions about world affairs, politics and all sorts of subjects - and the more we talked the more they became willing to donate.
 
All in all, it was a wonderful, renewing experience even though it was tiring. My wife overheard one of the shoppers remark "Gee, you know that guy at the veterans stand - I feel so sorry for him - he's been there for two days and he must be really tired; I don't know what makes him go on." It must have shown.
 
For those Posts who don't need money, and don't need new members, this note won't have too muck of interest for you. All you have to do is to keep investing and live off the profits.
 
But for those Posts who could use an infusion of money to fund your Posts and run your programs, what a boost that a White Clover will give you. Just a few members, a couple of well placed locations, a few scallop buckets and a home made display with a few pictures. You will be surprised at what the White Clover can do for you. Happy Veterans Day!
 
 
 
Gregory H. Arabian, Major, USAF HD
Commander, Belmont AMVETS Post 2008
I have the honor and pleasure of informing all my AMVETS that I have received a 6 X 8 flag from Washington, D.C. in stunning nylon colors. This flag was flown over the nation's capitol, as certified by the Flag Bearer, on Veterans' Day, November 11, 2011, during which weekend Belmont Post 2008 conducted a highly successful White Clover Drive.
 
After flying over the nation's capitol building, it was carefully placed, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, and received this day.
 
The flag was lovingly made in the USA at a cost to the Post of little over $35.00. It will be our hallmark and our trophy to which we will salute the colors at each and every meeting of Belmont's Post 2008. 
 
God shed his grace on the United States of America and for the glorious republic for which we stand, fight and support.
 
Gregory H. Arabian, Major, USAF HD
Commander, Belmont AMVETS Post 2008
102 Clematis Avenue - Suite 2 - 4
Waltham, MA 02453

Tel. (781)788-8800
Fax (781) 788-8808
Mobil: (617)719-6661
Email: Garabian@aol.com