Tag Archives: Heinzen-Ditter VFW

The Heinzen-Ditter & American Legions Veterans Program was a Success!

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On Nov. 9, 2019, Dean Sherman and I attended the VFW and American Legion Program.  As usual, the program was well attended with representation from all age groups.  The breakfast was tasty.  And the strength of character and service readily apparent at the VFW.
The Speaker, Major Derek J. Plymate, Ret. reviewed his extensive military history  and some of the  “why” for his service. He served in many dangerous combat zones with temperatures ranging up to 140 F.   On his “safe” days he supervised and moved explosives and munitions of all types. His presentation contained important reminders about service, sacrifice, loss as well as humor.
The many Scouts in attendance listened carefully to Major Plymate’s reflections on service  and his profound respect for other Veterans.  His simple reminder was to always express appreciation to Veterans when possible with “Thanks for your Service ” as this is appreciated.  Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon clearly agrees with his reminder and observation.
Kudos to Jim Heimerl, VFW Commander and his crew in making this program a success.
Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

PBYR Helped Sponsor the Thank MN Troops Block Party

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On September 21, 2019 the Heinzen-Ditter served as host to this event and helped recognize and support  the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund which has assisted  veterans and soldiers for many years.  PBYR managed a hydration station for the 5K run and gave a donation to the  Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund.  The weather was not the most cooperative but the sun finally appeared and there was a good dedicated turnout. Kudos to Joe Bennek and  Jim Heimerl for all their hard work and efforts to make this event a SUCCESS.  And despite all the hard work, Jim even had the energy to do the run as the photo documents!

 

Heinzen-Ditter Celebrates PBYR, Home Depot and Volunteers!

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On June 7, 2019,  Jennifer, Dean and I attended a dinner celebration at the VFW regarding individuals and organizations that helped make their recent restroom renovation project a success. The completed project looks great and will help Veterans and their families for many years into the future, especially those with mobility issues due to service injury illnesses and aging.

During the celebration, PBYR  presented a plaque to Commander Jim Heimerl in honor of his lifelong dedication to community service.  His quiet Dignity and Courage is an inspiration to all!

Gary was able to highlight the PBYR-VFW partnership since 2011:

  • The VFW helped with a steering committee for PBYR, even before PBYR was operational
  • The VFW has had continued presence on the PBYR Board since 2012
  • The VFW is the mail address for PBYR
  • The PBYR-VFW have partnered and shared tables at Home Depot Programs and other programs
  • PBYR-VFW Partnered with purchase of American Dream Oak – a living part of the Plymouth Veterans Memorial
  • The VFW  helped PBYR achieve 501(c)3 status
  • PBYR-VFW have partnered  with programs for Memorial Day  and Veterans Day

It was an honor for PBYR to attend the celebratory dinner and participate in this remodeling project.  PBYR looks forward for the PBYR-VFW partnership to continue and grow with the passage of time.  Also, I must note that their prime rib was 12 on a 10 point scale!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

PBYR presented a plaque to Commander Jim Heimerl in honor of his lifelong dedication to community service.

 

Plymouth Lions donate $5,000 to PBYR

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In May 2019, The Plymouth Lions donated $5,000 to PBYR.  The Plymouth Lion’s trust and support has been critical to PBYR’s success since 2012.  Clearly, without their support and trust,  PBYR could not have done all the positive and helpful projects to date.  We sincerely thank the Plymouth Lions and appreciate their efforts to help and improve our community.

PBYR’s most recent project was a $10,000 grant to the Heinzen-Ditter VFW that was used to help bring their restrooms up to the American Disability Act (ADA) requirements.  The Veterans that come to the VFW are often elderly and many have disabilities, mobility problems and service related injuries that impact their easy use of the restrooms, hence this project will serve Veterans for many years in the future in a very helpful and positive way. Hug a Plymouth Lion!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

PBYR makes $5000 donation to VFW

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The Heinzen-Ditter VFW is remodeling their restrooms to make them ADA compliant and to deal with the age, mobility problems and disabilities experienced by elderly Veterans.

PBYR will assist the VFW with monetary support for this project. If anyone with construction experience that would like to further donate some time and expertise  to assist the VFW with this project,  please coordinate directly with Bernie Stein.

Bernie  and I have reviewed costs and material. All were expertly put together as Bernie has significant experience with managing engineering projects.  Bernie is a West Point grad and currently serves as the VFW’s quartermaster.   This project includes 3 restrooms: men, women and family — all meeting ADA guidelines.

Home Depot has contributed $3000 to date and it is unknown whether they will contribute more.  Some of the estimated  costs may be increased or reduced due to Home Depot’s military discount applies to some items and not others.  I reviewed  the paperwork and plans and believe this project is a go from all perspectives.  The following is the plan :

PBYR makes an immediate $5000.00 donation to the VFW. PBYR will review the additional amount needed for the project as construction progresses with Bernie and give another donation after clarification of final costs and Home Depot’s total grant contribution and discount.

PBYR will present a Plaque to be displayed at the VFW after all construction is completed. Gary will coordinate with Sun Sailor as needed as they  want a picture of PBYR presenting  the  plaque.

This project meets the mission of PBYR and  will help Veterans for many years.  PBYR would not have been able to help without the yearly support and trust of the Plymouth Lions!!  Hug a Lion if you see one!!

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP, President, Plymouth Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Veterans Day Program was a Success!!

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Kudos to the Heinzen Ditter VFW Post 5903 and the American Legion Post 394 for sponsoring an excellent Veterans Day Program on November 10, 2018.  The parking lot was completely full.   PBYR was honored to help promote the event.

All the speakers highlighted  poignant reflections about  America, such as clarity of purpose, mission, respect and  the importance of character.   I  reflected on the comments about the dedication and time commitment of the Veterans that volunteer  to serve with the Fort Snelling Rifle Squad and those that serve as a Color Guard to meet the numerous requests for assistance at  burials and representation at special events.  Veterans do us proud by their example and dedication!     Congrats to VFW Commander Jim Heimerl  et al in making this program a success.

Gary Goldetsky, Psy.D, LP

PBYR President

PBYR meets with Medtronic’s Veteran Employment Resource Group

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PBYR met with Medtronic’s Veteran Employment Resource Group (VERG) over lunch on Oct. 23, 2017 to discuss PBYR’s history and the type of projects completed to date. Another focus of the meeting was to discuss the needs often seen with Service Members, Veterans and their families.  It was a good meeting and all agreed to continue the dialogue. VERG was alerted to PBYR’s partnership with Heinzen-Ditter VFW and encouraged to dialogue with all on creative projects and options.

PBYR Participates at Plymouth Home Depot’s Military Appreciation Day Event

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We were able to visit  with fellow vendors and shared several tables with the Heinzen-Ditter VFW,  Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the American Legion.   There was a  light stream of folks visiting our tables.

Several people decided to join our network on Saturday and will be added to our mail distribution list soon.  We received a very small amount of donations, however the real purpose of the event is for  PBYR to express appreciation to Vets and Service Members and support our partner Home Depot in the event.  Jim Heimerl expertly demonstrated flag folding and gave some history about handling the flag.

Free Durable Medical Equipment is Available!!

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Free Durable Medical Equipment is Available!!

PBYR will help highlight the availability of donated durable medical equipment, e.g., wheel chairs, walkers etc on the PBYR website. There is no charge if people need to use this equipment. The Heinzen-Ditter VFW has stored durable medical equipment as a result of their work with the Gerry Dykoff Loan Shelf program (telephone 612 865-0247). Jim Heimerl at the VFW can also be contacted at (763) 478-2077. This equipment will certainly assist service members, veterans and their families when need arises. PBYR thanks Heinzen-Ditter and the Gerry Dykoff Loan Shelf program for these thoughtful and helpful efforts!!

Acknowledge and Support Heinzen-Ditter VFW

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There are many ways to support Veterans, Service Members and their families. The VFWs do this in a variety of important ways 24/7 and they also need our help and support for their efforts from time to time.

Heinzen-Ditter VFW, a longstanding partner with PBYR is sprucing up the exterior of their building with lighted signs—a not inexpensive task! This will permit easier recognition of the building and provide a more welcoming atmosphere and entry.

The PBYR Board recently approved a $200 donation for this work and recognizes the need to support such a valued partner. These signs are pricey and any additional financial support that you could provide as individuals or as companies would be appreciated by Heinzen-Ditter VFW and PBYR. Their address is —

  • Hamel VFW #5903
    19020 Hamel Rd,
    Plymouth, MN 55446

Let’s work together

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Jeff Grates

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

Plymouth Home Depot hosts Veteran’s Appreciation Day

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On November 14, 2015 PBYR and the Heinzen-Ditter VFW shared a table at the Plymouth Home Depot Store for Veteran’s Appreciation Day.  Many of the Vets told me that they came to Home Depot just for this celebration—not to obtain materials for home repair projects.  Special thanks to Sylvia, Doug and Paul for donating several hours to honor Vets that stopped by our table to chat.  PBYR has great appreciation for Plymouth Home Depot’s efforts  for hosting his yearly event with barbeque grilling and all that they do to help Veterans and their families in Plymouth!!!

PBYR flag