Officer Election
Our annual election and appointment for Post officers was held on April 18. Immediately following the Post meeting and election, spouses, family members and friends witnessed the Installation Ceremony conducted by special guest Connecticut District 3 Commander Lee Wilson. Each of the officers raised their right hands and recited the oath of office while the commander held the American flag.
Back Row: Bill Moryto, Barrie Tootill, Ray Hartford, Gene Skowron, Jim Hunter, Lee Wilson, Rob Cross
Front Row: Paul Haas Jr., Doug Fairbanks, Lynn Engler
Commander Wilson commented on the Post’s physical improvements but, moreover, praised the officers and members for the hard work and successes such as the monthly veterans breakfasts, “Soldiers Songs and Voices;” youth scholarship program, fundraising and generous donations to multiple veterans, national and local charities.
The 2024-25 Landry-Sic Post 9544 Veterans of Foreign Wars Officer Staff, their respective branch and war service:
- Commander Bill Moryto, Marine Corps, Global War on Terrorism (GWOT)
- Senior Vice Commander Ray Hartford, Army, Vietnam
- Jr. Vice Commander Gene Skowron, Air Force, Vietnam
- Quartermaster & Adjutant Rob Cross, Air National Guard, GWOT
- Chaplain Fritz King, Marine Corps, GWOT
- Judge Advocate Barrie Toothill, Army, Vietnam
- Surgeon Paul Haas, Army, Vietnam
- 3 Year Trustee Doug Fairbanks Army, Vietnam
- 2 Year Trustee & Service Officer Jim Hunter, Army, Vietnam
- 1 Year Trustee Seamus McGovern, Navy, Vietnam
Gold Star Families Honored
The May Veterans Breakfast was a special event honoring three Gold Star Families from Suffield. Richard and Linda Bixler, parents of Corporal Stephen Bixler, USMC, Donna Chapman, mother of Sergeant Will Davidson, USA, and Brian and Karen Doyon, parents of Petty Officer Second Class Dustin Doyon. Post Chaplain Fritz King offered a prayer and comments by the Post Commander acknowledged and honored the ultimate sacrifice of each young man for our great nation and to reinforce the care and support for their families.
Scholarship Winners
For 2024: The Landry-Sic Post awarded two $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors with plans to continue their educations. This year’s recipients are both Suffield High School Seniors: Andrew Bombard, to attend Boston College and Luke Robles, to attend Lincoln Technical Institute. Each student wrote an insightful and personal essay about Americanism. Congratulations Andrew and Luke!
Red Cross Blood Drive
On June 19, the Post will team with the American Red Cross to conduct a blood drive from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at 972 Sheldon Street in the main dining room. Light refreshments and snacks will be available for donors. To schedule a specific donation appointment; please go to: www.redcrossblood.org and enter “Suffield” and select: VFW Suffield – Post 9544.
Duke’s Canteen
Come be a guest of a veteran at Duke’s Canteen. Open Wednesday through Sunday at 4 p.m., Duke’s has multiple TVs showing sports, news, or game shows. You can also play pool or darts and listen to music.
Memorial Day
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped place flags and flowers on the more than seven hundred veteran’s gravesites in Suffield’s cemeteries.
Do you know a veteran in need? Please contact the Post at suffieldvfw9544@gmail.com or call (860)758-5174 and leave a detailed message.