I took this picture of Jeff Grates swabbing the floor at the VFW wearing his Packer jersey yesterday. The picture’s kinda funny, but telling. Jeff was an Army Command Sgt. Major for 28 years. He also spent over 40 years in law enforcement. On New Years Day 2017 Jeff is still doing what he can to serve veterans and his community. He could have been any place celebrating, but he had chores he wouldn’t let slide. Jeff’s not unique. Each of you have done the same thing . It’s this commitment that makes the American Legion, VFW, Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart so special. We’re family. We argue, fight, get peed off over operational differences and much more. However, we are family and that makes us strong.

Everyone needs help at some point. No one stands up and advocates for veterans and their families more than the Legion, VFW, Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart. No one!! Our family had some squabbles in 2016 for sure. I’m asking each of you to put that in the past and recommit to helping our fellow veterans. You’ve all heard me say it a hundred times. “If we don’t look out for us no one else will”. Many veterans were treated terribly when they came home from the service. Please, let’s stand together and never allow that to happen again.

I’m asking you to forward this e-mail to the other veterans in our Post’s and community. It’s important that our servicemen and women know they’re not alone. I have very few e-mail addresses in my book so I need your help. Thanks in advance. Together we can make 2017 a very good year!

God Bless,

Jim Heimerl – Heinzen-Ditter Commander