POST 7916, BALL PLAYER, AND SCOUT, ASHER, WITH BOB LOVE, JEFF LETT AND LINDY DOLAN IS CONGRATULATED BY FOX 5’s STEVE CHENEVEY FOR WINNING OUR 2025 PATRIOTS PEN AWARD
POST 7916 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
1830 TUESDAY AUGUST 5!!!
Post 7916 Life Member Jim Adams, Department of Virginia 2017 Quartermaster of the Year, visits old Comrades
ALONG WITH MEMBERS OF TEAM RUBICON, THE POST MADE GREAT HEADWAY MAY 17 IN THE ROUND TWO RESTORATION OF THE OCCOQUAN MEADOW CEMETERY
Click for Mayor Porta's Podcast Thanks https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-66xk5-18b2c96
GREAT JOB!! 3 MAY ANNUAL DAY 0F SERVICE PROJECT
RESTORED THE HIDDEN OCCOQUAN MEADOW CEMETERY ON POPLAR LANE
ST 
OUR LITTLE LEAGUERS APRIL 5 OPENING DAY
Post 7916’s Eagle Scout Sophie Schell is the Department of Virginia’s Scout of the Year
Pictured with her mom, Sophie is a High School senior with a 4.5 GPA on her way to Wellesley College for pre-law and rowing.
Post Commander Jeff Lett receives our 2024 ALL AMERICAN designation from District 10 Commander Ray Delpesche.
For the past eight years in a row Post 7916 has earned the coveted "All American” performance designation placing
our Post in the top .01% of over 6300 VFW Posts in the world.
Occoquan Military Tribute Banners
This highly successful and most popular program, a partnership between the Town and VFW Post 7916, is NOW OPEN for new and renewal sponsorships for 2025. If you are a new sponsor interested in honoring your family member, ancestor, or friend for their military service, or a former sponsor wishing to renew for 2025 visit www.militarytributebanners.org .
TO PLACE YOUR ORDER, please follow the very simple instructions after you select the appropriate large blue button at the bottom of the of the Military Tribute Banner VFW Post 7916 Application Webpage.
NO SHRINKAGE OR STAGGFLATION Just like last year: $150 for a new sponsor & banner, $120 to renew a sponsorship & get a replacement banner and $75 to renew a sponsorship and use your existing banner.
If you choose to pay by check, the best method is to put your check to the Post Quartermaster in an envelope and deposit it in the grey box for membership applications on the wall outside the Commander's office.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
YOU SENT 123 wreaths to Quantico National Cemetery to honor our fallen comrades and as a result,
WAA is donating to Post 7916 $615.
Post Member Tyler Vargas Andrews with President Trump
at Arlington National Cemetery January 19, 2025
THANK YOU!!! We have just wrapped up our most successful Occoquan Craft Fair ever, due to the tireless work of the Post Staff, the House Committee, volunteer comrades, the Post Auxiliary, and our Scout Troops 1352 and 1369. Thanks to each and every one of you for helping the Post significantly exceed our goals and expectations. This weekend thousands of people saw what Mayor Porta always says, we are a great example for our communities, Occoquan, and all of Northern Virginia. THANK YOU!!!
Yours in Comradeship, Jeff Lett
CLICK HERE FOR OCTOBER FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER SPECIALS
THANK YOU POST 7916 SCOUTS AND HYLTON HS JAFROTC!!!!
POW/MIA RECOGNITION CEREMONY 20 SEPTEMBER AT MAMIE DAVIS PARK
OLD HICKERY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Rick, Steve, Nat's Pitcher Riley, & John Cornelio
are the 0830 Top of the Leader Board
AT THE END OF A VERY LONG AUGUST 24, 2024 DAY, COMBAT VETS AND THEIR FAMILIES RETIRED TO THE POST TO COMMEMORATE THE 26 AUGUST 2021 DEADLY KABUL AIRPORT ABBEY GATE TERRORIST BOMBING
(more photos in the Post Gallery)
Our 2024-2025 Leadership Team (left to right) Second Year Trustee Craig Chuba, Third Year Trustee Bob Love, House Committee Chairman Rick Cornelio, Service Officer Brendon Conway, Adjutant Lindy Dolan, Quartermaster Pete Jackson, Senior Vice Commander Brandon D’Andrea, Commander Jeff Lett, Installing Officer Past District Commander Chuck Wilson. Not Shown Junior Vice Commander Bob Fenlason, Judge Advocate General Jeff Springman, Chaplain Jim Hewitt, First Year Trustee Rob Hill
A number of young men from our Woodbridge Little League Team, now playing for the Washington Metro South Senators, are seen here receiving their medals at a recent championship!!
As the 35 game summer league ends, our own Post 7916 Jack Avery, top dead center ( 9th from right), is the Metro South team leader who in addition to his recent clutch grand slam has a 0.883 OPS, 0.512 OBP and 370 batting average. When you see Jack Avery, think Mike Trout.
.jpg)
Occoquan Military Tribute Banners
This successful and popular program, a partnership between the Town and VFW Post 7916, is CLOSED for new and renewal sponsorships in 2024. If you are a new sponsor interested in honoring your family member, ancestor, or friend for their military service, or a former sponsor wishing to renew FOR 2025 after Veterans Day visit https://militarytributebanners.org/virginia/occoquan-va.html and follow instructions on the application webpage; or, stop by the Town Hall or the Post for more information. EXPECT, just like this year, NO SHRINKAGE OR STAGGFLATION: $150 for a new sponsor & banner, $120 to renew a sponsorship & get a replacement banner and $75 to renew a sponsorship and use your existing banner.
Commissioning Ceremony
On Tuesday 5 December, William Winston was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard in the Wilson Black Cat Lounge.
His oath of office was administered by his dad, Colonel Robert Winston, USAF Ret. The three attending Winston Air Force generations included brother Maj. John Winston USAF and grandfather Ramon Winston USAF Ret.
John, Robert and Ramon are all active members of our Post! In all about 25 attended including many family and friends.
A big congratulations to Ensign William Winston U.S. Coast Guard!!
Army wins the Commander-n Chief Trophy!!
CLICK HERE FOR THE POST'S BRAND NEW AUGUST 'WARRIORS STILL SERVING' CANTEEN MENU
A Day of Honor and Brotherhood at Hawkins-Reeve VFW Post 7916
On Saturday, August 3, the Post hosted over 30 USAF firefighters, representing six decades of dedicated service to protecting Air Force One and the Andrews AFB community. Led by Life Member Skip Powers, the day was filled with good food, drinks, and, most importantly, the camaraderie that only those who've served can truly appreciate. "...It was a memorable gathering at our bi-annual event, celebrating the bravery and commitment of these heroes. Thank you to all who attended and continue to serve! And, special thanks to the entire staff, Officers, and Comrades of Hawkins-Reeve!” ~Skip Powers
.jpg)
This nine-flag stand was built by Caleb Eklund of Troop 1352 as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. The nine-flag stand was presented to VFW Post 7916 at the November General Membership meeting. Boy Scout Troop 1352 is one of three scout troops sponsored by Post 7916. Bravo Caleb Eklund and Boy Scout Troop 1352!
Post 7916 Auxiliary Senior Leaders have been inducted by Post Commander Jeff Lett.
"When We Assumed The Soldier, We Did Not Lay Aside the Citizen."
George Washington
For Hawkins-Reeve Post 7916 Events Calendar CLICK HERE
WAHOOOO!!! The Woodbridge Little League Spring Season has ended and our VFW Post 7916 Seniors and their Families are
THE UNDISPUTED BEST!!!!
OOOORAH!!! Check out the Boots!!
2023 Ms Veteran America
Post Life Member Victoria Taylor USMC
TYLER VARGAS-ANDREWS, A POST 7916 GUY,
IS HONORED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY
A Perfect Day at Old Hickory Golf Club, Woodbridge Raised Several Thousand Dollars for the Post. Thanks to all, Especially Our Generous Sponsors
Be sure to see the Post's Gallery
Bob Fenlason, Mike Frank, Nick Roper, Jeff Lett,
Clancy McQuigg, Clay Winkler, Wade Meyers, & Rob Hill
Thank You. As a result of your GENEROUS contributions for wreaths to honor our Fallen Comrades, Wreaths Across America has donated $640 to our Post & the Post Auxiliary
***Click Here for The Town Of Occoquan Veterans Day Proclamation***
CONGRATULATIONS POST 7916!!
ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE POST, Jr VICE BOB FENLASON AND QM MIKE FRANK ACCEPT THE 2023 DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA MEMBERSHIP AWARD, POST 7916's PATRIOTS PEN WINNER CONNOR FOR BEING SELECTED AS DISTRICT 10 PATRIOTS PEN WINNER AND WE ARE THE TOP VFW RECRUITING POST
Post Junior Vice Commander And Department of Virginia Scouting Chairman, Bob Fenlason, has been designated a highly coveted "50 Year Veteran Scout" by the National Counsel of Boy Scouts and commended for his selfless service and inspiration to countless scouts, their children, and grandchildren.
The Woodbridge Little League Spring Season has ended with our Post 7916 Woodbridge Orange Junior Warriors turning in a magnificent performance, game after game, for the entire season. Our stands, next to our dugout with the Post 7916 banner, were regularly packed with entire families, from infants to grandparents, cheering not just for our team, but for outstanding little league baseball played by teams from all over Northern Virginia. Good sportsmanship was a core value for our Warriors. Hitting and pitching was excellent. Our Coach Weaver’s (USMC) leadership is without equal. Focused on basics and competencies, our team was always a pleasure to watch. Additionally, Coach Weaver’s enthusiastic, aggressive offense is impressive, especially his base running calls as 3d base coach, regularly inducing spectacular and jubilant stealing home that brought the fans to their feet. Our players are, exuberant, well disciplined, and baseball savvy beyond their years. Not only are the players a joy to watch, but the dedication of all the coaches, the players’ families, as well as the Woodbridge Little League leadership, is a ray of sunshine. This team definitely goes in the Post’s "shaping the future of our youth” win column.
THE ALL AMERICAN POST 7916 TEAM HELPS A POST LIFE MEMBER
DeptPatriotPenWinnerConnor.2.jpg)
CONGRATULATIONS Post 7916 Eagle Scout Connor
Being Presented the Department of Virginia’s 2022 Patriot Pen Award and the associated $1700 stipend by Department Commander Geoff Lyster
He is a 12th grade student at Charles J. Colgan senior high school. He received his eagle award as a member of Troop 964, sponsored by the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City. His Eagle leadership project involved collecting food for the food pantries of our Lady of Angels and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches. He intends to be a history teacher for middle or high school students.
WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
VFW Post 7916 is establishing a partnership with Warrior Canine Connection! (Click Here)
This organization trains service dogs for qualified veterans in need, and they allow veterans with PTSD to participate in training of dogs to assist in their recovery (Click Here). Currently based in Maryland, WCC, a 501 charity organization, is seeking to establish a presence in Virginia and will be using the upstairs event room at the canteen once a week beginning in May, approximately 1200-1300, to train their puppies (Click Here)
OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA
Post 7916 Voice of America and Patriot Pen Winners, February 1, 2022
Post Life Member John Palo of Home Depot has presented the Post with $6,000 that will go to immediate use in our Post Relief Fund to help a needy Veteran.
OUR SCOUTS ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE
At All American Post 7916 Veterans Day Ceremony, our Boy Scouts posted the colors to begin our ceremony.
Occoquan Mayor Ernie Porta said: "Thank you members, auxiliary, and leaders of the Post past and present who have done so much for the Occoquan community. We are better for your presence."
Senior Vice Commander Nick Roper read a vignette about Virginia veterans.
POST 7916 BLUE WARRIORS ARE THE WOODBRIDGE LITTLE LEAGUE SPRING 2022 JUNIOR CHAMPIONS
ALL- AMERICAN HAWKINS-REEVE POST 7916 SALUTES OUR MEMBERS WHO HAVE SELFLESSLY SERVED IN COMBAT ZONES AROUND THE GLOBE!!!
For the News Article on the 75thAnniversary-CLICK HERE
Or click the Picture Above
THANK YOU FOR THE BEAUTIFUL LEGACY BOX DONATED BY
THE VETERAN OWNED AMERICAN LEGACY GEAR COMPANY
http://www.americanlegacygear.com
All-American Hawkins-Reeve Post 7916 has been especially selected to represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars
nationally.
A crew from VFW Headquarters Kansas City arrived in Occoquan at sunrise Saturday July 18 to make a Public Service Announcement featuring the great work of VFW Post 7916’s "Warriors Still Serving”, one of just six Posts of the over 6000 VFW Posts worldwide selected to represent the VFW.
The film crew began the day by capturing the beauty of Historic Occoquan store fronts, water front and emphasizing Occoquan’s military tribute banners hanging throughout the town.
The crew filmed Post members raising the American Flag, delivering meals to the needy, checking on the health and welfare of veterans and community members, providing food and supplies to families in the community, as well as preparing "care packages” for deployed troops.
As a Result of Your Generosity WAA Donated $780 to the Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uvnbrPliCw
This one includes Mary Ellen on USNS Comfort in NYC &
JP's face masks at INOVA Fairfax.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3UJpl8zkQI
Walter, Lisa, Wes, Lindy & Joe
IN FRONT OF THE U.S. CAPITOL
Post 7916 celebrates Col Herbert J. "Buddy” Duke (USA/Retired) on his 99th birthday in Beaufort S.C.
Buddy and his family extend their thanks to the men and women of Post 7916
for the warm well wishes, cards, and notes!
It was a day of laughs and celebration!
Comrades~
Recently, I helped edit and publish a book my Dad has been working on for some time. Its an interesting read and now "live" on Amazon (kindle and paperback editions).
It's an autobiography that takes him from the turret guns in Vietnam to an Undercover State Police Officer to a Maximum Security Prison cell in Maine.
He was worried about sharing the story, though I am confident it has helped, in many ways, close the chapter on a set of instances that forever changed him.
50% of all sales of the book will be donated to All-American VFW Post #7916. We would appreciate your candid reviews and support. You can purchase an e-book or paperback edition here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W7GB93Q/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
~Skip
WE HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS VFW POST OF THE MONTH FROM THE OVER 6000 VFW POSTS WORLD WIDE. MAYOR PORTA CALLS US A STABLIZING FORCE FOR THE GOOD OF OCCOQUN
September 11th Commeration
(Click For Post Life Member Skip Powers Poignant Remarks)
Remembering 9/11
HOW THE ARMY 911th TECHNICAL RESCUE COMPANY GOT ITS NAME
By Paul Lara INSIDENOVA Sep 11, 2021 Updated Sep 11, 2021
VFW Post 7916 Life Member 1SG Chris Hoffman is the current First Sergeant.
A BAD DAY IN OCCOQUAN IS BETTER THAN A GREAT DAY DEPLOYED
"You must never
confuse faith that you will prevail in the end -- which you can never afford to
lose -- with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current
reality, whatever they might be.”
— James B. Stockdale, VADM USN, Pilot, POW, CMH
The National Cemetery Administration continues internment at National Cemeteries, but for now without traditional Committal Services and Military Honors. National Cemetery Administration may be reached at 1-800-535-1117. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVANCA/bulletins/2849dcb
Click here for more: Memorial Day History
Saturday June 5 was a perfect day to bring to a conclusion the memorable 2021 Post 7916 Woodbridge Seniors season.
The Post owes a huge debt of gratitude to Post Life Member Coach Stu Davis (far right) and his coaching staff for their focus on teaching our team core values, discipline, reliability, and resilience. The unmitigated support of the player’s families was awesome.
After hosting the Prince William Little League closing ceremony in the morning, our seniors faced off in a twinight doubleheader against Dale City with the same élan and aplomb they played with all year.
Under a cloudless azure sky at 90 degrees at "Bombers” first pitch, we were grateful for the awning that was sent up for the crowd from the Post. The field was in its best condition of the season and as was "Blue’s” performance. Unbelievably… our second baseman "Mari” is now in the record books as a hit batter (HBP) for the 6th game in a row.
Our second game started at 6:30 PM. It was the team’s best game ever and a fitting end to such an unbelievable 2021 season.
"Nuke" was on the mound after having played shortstop in the first game. He faced 17 batters in the five inning game. He struck out at least two batters every inning and had a 3 run double. Several Dale City players just swung themselves out.
In the bottom of the fifth and game ending inning, a Dale City batter hit a dying quail single busting Nuke’s no hitter.
We won 10 to 0. Again, the best game I have ever seen.
Since June 27, 1946 All-American Hawkins-Reeve Post 7916 "Warriors Still Serving"
"honor our dead by helping the living."
.jpg)
t the State Convention in Portsmouth, our Post 7916 Boy Scout of the Year James was awarded Department of Virginia Boy Scout of the Year Award by State Commander Eric Mallet and our Junior Vice Commander. James is an Eagle Scout as well as the highest Sea Scout rank "Quartermaster”. James turned down a full Army ROTC scholarship to Virginia Tech in order to accept his appointment to West Point.
CONGRATULATIONS James!!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Monday July 4th, we celebrate America’s 246th birthday.
America has much to be proud of! Americans pioneered the establishment of modern democracy, experienced both domestic and global wars, and paved the way for the digital age. Throughout this period, we have been blessed with the dedication of our Armed Forces. Yes, for these 246 years, our military has worked to preserve the freedoms which were dearly valued by our Founding Fathers.
In a letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail, dated July 3d, 1776, Adams refers to that day as "the most memorable epoch in the history of America.” He continued: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore."
Adams concludes his letter with this stirring paragraph: "I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.”
This Independence Day, may we celebrate the birth of our nation proudly, resolutely determined to preserve our freedom, just as our Founding Fathers proclaimed so boldly over 244 years ago.
God Bless America!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
– Ronald Reagan
- Real-time, interactive video visits.
- In-home and mobile health remote monitoring.
- Technologies that transmit health data or images to VA providers.
THE VIETNAM PEACE ACCORDS WERE SIGNED JANUARY 27, 1973. U.S.TROOPS LEFT VIETNAM IN MARCH 1973. SAIGON FELL TO NORTH APRIL 30, 1975.
Since its inception on June 19th, 1952, U.S. Army Special Forces, or the Green Berets, have been the tip of the spear in the special operations community, being heavily relied on the last six decades for its expertise in unconventional warfare. The last 18 years U.S. Army Special Forces have been deployed to over 90 countries at any given time and has sustained over 60% of all Special Operations Forces casualties since September 11, 2001.
A Very Special Thanks. On behalf of the entire Post, I give a very special thanks to the following Post members, who despite their many other responsibilities, including their personal, and family requirements, have invested an extraordinary amount of time and energy to support those who need help during the COVID-19 unpleasantness. If I missed anyone, I meant to include you. I am proud to be a member of your Post. Jeff Lett, Commander
Mary and Steve Amato, Jimmy Bruck, Jeff Currer, Lindy Dolan, Mercedes N. Kirkland-Doyle,Mike Frank, Wes Girvin, Gianni Giordano, Renee Graham, Misty & Sean Hagerty, Lisa Renee Johnson, Pierce Lewis, Charles Mick, Sam Palmer and Amy Gregory, John Palo, Andrew Peck, Tanya & Dave Ralston, Suzanne Rogers, Logan Silicato, Lisa & Pat Sivigny, Mary Ellen Wetmore, Rick Wiegert, and Chuck Wilson.
POST 7916 MEMBERS ARE REAL "WARRIORS STILL SERVING”
Post members have been fully engaged in advancing our mission of "Honoring the Dead by Helping the Living”. We have provided and delivered hundreds of meals and Sunday Dinners to the needy including fabulous Easter Sunday Dinners amd Memorial Day Dinners to members, as well as making health and welfare checks for Post members. The Post made a donation to the Lorton Community Action Center (a local food bank) which used it to purchase 5000 pounds of food for the needy.
Post members on the Occoquan PD are making health & welfare checks for all Occoquan residents, we have provided protective masks to local medical facilities, Patriot Scuba provided scuba diving masks from a member’s dive shop for conversion to COVID-19 ventilator masks, one of our members is part of the Veterans Administration leader team to protect veterans from COVID-19, another member is on the Department of Homeland Security leader team fighting COVID-19. We are giving blood and contributing to the Occoquan "Good News Community Kitchen"run by one of our Members.
Today, a Navy Nurse Post member is onboard the USNS Comfort. This 1,000 bed floating hospital arrived on station at New York City in response to the COVID-19 pandemic currently attacking our nation. We are fortunate to have these Post Members and VFW members all over the world defending us and our families today. Bravo Zulu. Jeff Lett, Commanding
WOODBRIDGE 2022 JUNIOR SPRING CHAMPS
At 7 pm game time it was a melting, breezeless, 92 degrees, with 100% humidity and a relentless sun shining straight down the 1stbase line in the eyes of the RHBs and the catcher.
The first inning ended with our Warriors ahead 5-0, despite just one Warrior out, because of the Woodbridge Little League maximum 5 run per inning lead mercy rule.
Our Blues battled back & forth with the formidable Woodbridge Orange until the game was called because of a totally unforecast monster thunderstorm that dumped buckets of rain and serious lighting. The National Weather Service issued a last minute tornado warning as well.
As a result, the game was called in the 5th with us ahead 11-8 making us the Woodbridge Little League Spring 2022 Junior Champions.
The Blue Warriors, in gratitude for our sponsorship, presented the Post with a coveted jersey signed by the entire team.
In deference to Coach Troche and his staff’s extraordinary performance, they have been especially selected by Woodbridge Little League to coach the upcoming all star game. Several of our players will be playing.
The team will soon have lunch at the Post in case you are thinking about getting an autograph that could be worth plenty in a few years.
