Lates News 2012

April 10, 2012 Marine Corps Disabled Veteran Sgt. Tim Harrington & Director for Cape Cod & Islands Needs our Help “Semper Fidelis” Spaghetti Dinner fund Raiser to Aid Tim & His wife Mary Ellen Complete a New Handicap Deck Roof at their Dennis home April 29th 2012 Time: 4: PM to 6: PM New Irish Village –Formerly the Gull Wing 882 Main Street South Yarmouth, Ma. 02664 “ Veterans Helping Veterans and families in our Local Cape Cod Community.” $10.00 Donation at the door – Meal $6.00 –Cash Bar - Entertainment Contact Jake O’Rourke @ 774-212-3176 – 508-394-0343 Tim & MaryEllen have been delivering gifts & joy to area children at Christmas for the past 12 years. Now they need a gift from us so they can continue their work for so many children in need every year. March 29, 2012 A VITAL service for blinded veterans By CYNTHIA STEAD March 29, 2012 2:00 AM We hear a lot about the neglect and despair of the wounded veterans who serve our country. Scandals at Walter Reed Hospital, even Arlington National Cemetery, can make us wonder why anyone would be willing to risk their lives and limbs to serve in the armed forces. So it was nice to spend a couple of hours with a group that is doing something right, and exemplifies the honor and dignity that our veterans deserve. Baker-Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 Cape Cod recently hosted a spring lunch at the Monument Beach Sportsmen's Club for the Cape chapter of the Blinded Veterans of America. BVA began in 1945 to help World War II veterans, and still advocates for them. There's no charge for any BVA service, and membership is not a prerequisite to obtain help. Unlike some services for disabled veterans, the blindness does not need to be service-connected to get help. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that about 158,000 U.S. veterans are visually impaired or blind, and more than one million have low vision. According to BVA, 13 percent of wounded U.S. military troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have received a serious eye injury. Adele Geringer was at the lunch, as she is the VA representative for the Cape, serving out of the Rhode Island office. She is the person who makes available the special reading machines, glasses, and other adaptive aids that the VA has for blind vets, and this is one area where the VA services really shine. But the Cape BVA is about more than qualifying for free stuff. They also educate and inform about research on blindness. On May 18, they will hold a meeting at the Hyannis VFW to report on the stem cell research for blindness that has gone to human trials after animal and scientific testing. At this point, the trials are not to test efficacy but safety — to see if the eye "parts" being grown are safe for humans. But a "side effect" of the safety testing has been improvement in sight for those taking part, and this is one of the successful attempts to use stem cells as a cure. This could be especially important for those who lost sight to injury — like a piece of shrapnel — in an otherwise healthy eye with the prospect of the actual reversal of blindness. But there's help here and now as well. Carla Burke, coordinator of the Vision Impaired Technology Assistance at the Library (VITAL) program at the Brooks Free Library in Harwich was the main speaker. Their lab there has the various (and sometimes expensive) machines for reading and communicating. They have computers equipped with JAWS software, a program that reads email and web pages to you. There are also the stationary readers with the "joystick" buttons that allow you to magnify and clarify an entire page of text, as well as toggle back and forth between bold black on white to bold white on black, which is an easier contrast for some visually impaired people to see. They have software which will also scan and read aloud documents, as well as translate them into Braille. One machine even prints out the scanned document in Braille using a special embosser/printer. Burke also talked about the Hadley School for the Blind and its new Blinded Veterans Initiative, officially announced last Veterans Day. The purpose of the long-distance learning program is to "educate and inspire blind or visually impaired veterans to pursue their personal and professional goals and help support their families." The courses work in tandem with the school's Forsythe Center for Entrepreneurship, which is designed to "provide individuals who are visually impaired with the knowledge, resources and networking opportunities to advance in their careers or start their own business," truly valuable training in this bad economy. The courses are tuition-free for both blind veterans and family members, thanks to the support of "Goldman Sachs Gives," a charitable aspect of the "one percent" that we hear less about. The military has always had one another's backs in combat and service, and through the Blinded Veterans here on Cape, they continue that care even when there's literally nobody looking. Cynthia E. Stead lives in Dennis. She can be reached at cestead@gmail.com. Michael Mahoney Baker-Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 Cape Cod March 23, 2012 Cape bridge naming will go to Legislature By JASON COOK jcook@capecodonline.com March 23, 2012 2:00 AMThe decision on whether to rename Bass River Bridge after a fallen soldier from Yarmouth has been scheduled for May 1, according to the office of state Sen. Thomas M. McGee. The proposed renaming to honor all veterans would be in memory of Nicholas Xiarhos, 21, of Yarmouthport, who was killed in July 2009 serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Xiarhos was the son of Yarmouth Deputy Police Chief Steven Xiarhos and Lisa Xiarhos. U.S. Sen. John Kerry backed the proposal in a letter sent Thursday to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation, of which McGee is Senate chairman. "The renaming of this bridge would be a lasting acknowledgement of a brave American, someone who selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," Kerry, a Vietnam veteran, wrote. If the bill is accepted, the bridge would be known as the United States Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos Veterans Memorial Bridge. Steven Xiarhos and others testified before the joint transportation committee March 12. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Demetrius J. Atsalis, D-Barnstable, vice chairman of the committee. The proposal has met with some community resistance from those who object to renaming the bridge at all or to singling out one soldier for the honor. Nicholas Xiarhos was a 2006 graduate of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. March 22, 2012 A ‘firestorm’ developing over Bass River Bridge renaming Town officials, veterans upset they weren't notified YARMOUTH — “A firestorm is developing,” Yarmouth Selectman Chairman Erik Tolley said at the end of Tuesday’s selectmen’s meeting around the proposal to rename the Bass River Bridge between Dennis and Yarmouth after Nicholas G. Xiarhos, a Yarmouth resident and U.S. Marine corporal who died while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Xiarhos was the son of Yarmouth Deputy Chief of Police Steven Xiarhos, who called on the state Committee on Transportation to get behind a bill to rename the bridge after his son. Rep. Demetrius Atsalis, D-Barnstable, sponsored the proposal and is vice chairman of the committee. The committee discussed the proposal last week and several members expressed their support, including Sen. Michael Rush, D-West Roxbury, a recent veteran of the war in Iraq and co-chairman of the veterans affairs committee. The selectmen, however, expressed their dismay Tuesday that they had not been notified of the proposal and that there had been no public discussion about it before the bill was proposed. “No one here knew anything about it,” Selectwoman Tracy Post said. “The proper procedure would have been to come before us. We don’t have any control. I don’t think we can do anything, but at least the public should be heard.” She added that the proposal was “not politically fueled” as some media have said. The bridge is on a state highway, thus out of the town government’s control. Atsalis represents three districts in Yarmouth as well as Barnstable. “We weren’t given the courtesy of being told,” Selectwoman Suzanne McAuliffe said. She also has received “a lot of feedback” on the proposal. The selectmen said they had been receiving many phone calls from their constituents about the issue, but they were reluctant to describe theirs or the citizens’ stand on it. Yarmouth resident and veteran Tom Kelley, appeared at the meeting in his American Legion uniform and asked to speak, but Tolley said he couldn’t because the issue was not on the agenda. However, Tolley allowed Kelley to speak briefly, without directly stating a position. Kelley said he was authorized to represent other local veterans organizations, which also had not been notified of the proposal. “The train is leaving the station. I hope we’re not too late if it’s on the agenda next week,” Kelley said. He said he had not spoken to anyone at the Statehouse about the issue and wanted to wait until he spoke to the selectmen. After the meeting, Kelley did not want to reveal his opinion or the veterans’ position on the proposal until he can speak to the selectmen in public. Tolley asked Town Administrator William Hinchey to check on the status of the bill and determine if the topic should be on next Tuesday’s selectmen’s agenda or if it could be postponed until the regular April 10 selectmen’s meeting. That decision had not been made by Wednesday morning, according to Hinchey’s executive assistant, Elizabeth Hartsgrove. Atsalis could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning. Read more: A ‘firestorm’ developing over Bass River Bridge renaming - - Wicked Local - Cape Cod http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/news/x1231828149/A-firestorm-developing-over-Bass-River-Bridge-renaming#ixzz1pwGedH46 March 19, 2012 Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast March 30th 2012 Baker-Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 members will attending and have a reserved table for eight. Make sure you are going and have your ticket in hand. See Vinnie Fontaine for more details. 774-352-1133. American Red Cross and United Way of Cape Cod & the islands Announce Local Heroes for Recognition at 10th Annual Heroes Breakfast on March 30th, 2012. The event will Be held at the Resort & Conference Center in Hyannis on March 30, 2012, from 7:00 -9:00 am. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.cciredcross.org or www.uwcapecod.org, by calling (508) 775-4746 or by writing to: Cape and Islands United Way, 749 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601. Honorees are: „h Adult Mentor/Role Model: Frederic Bommer of Centerville „h Community Educator: Bill Hough of Falmouth „h Community Impact: Maryellen and Timothy Harrington of Dennis „h Community Impact: Francie Randolph of Truro „h Community Service: Lt. Joseph Brait of Mashpee and Officer Garvin Kelley of Dennis „h Diversity: Stephen G. Brown of Centerville „h Educator: William J. Erhard of Marstons Mills „h Environment/Conservation: Robert F. Smith of Harwich „h Firefighter: Firefighter Thomas A. Long of Centerville „h Good Samaritan/Law Enforcement: Dumitru Babes and Allen Furman of Harwich, Officers Richard Buttrick and John Warren of Harwich „h Homeless Outreach: Dan McCullough of Orleans, Billy Bishop of Hyannis, Karen Graveline of Hollis, NH and Maureen Carser of South Yarmouth „h Law Enforcement: James Dorman of Mashpee and Deputy Chief Craig Tamash of Hyannis, „h Law Enforcement Community Impact: Barnstable Street Crime Unit, consisting of Officers Edward Cronin and Matthew Blondin of Hyannis, Trooper John Hanafin of Buzzards Bay, Deputy Michael Huse of Bourne, Trooper Matthew Lavoie of Buzzards Bay, Sgt. Mark Mellyn of Hyannis, Sgt. John Murphy of Hyannis, Deputy Kimberly Saladino of Bourne, Officer David Schneeweis ofWest Yarmouth „h Lifeguard: Taylor Inkley of South Yarmouth, Katie McLoughlin of Weston, MA, Conor Robertson of West Yarmouth, Zach Sarapas of Franklin „h Mentor/Role Model to the Disabled: Al Melcher of Cotuit „h Military Good Samaritan: MSgt. Guy Gottschalk of Osterville and TSgt. Dixie Segrin of Mashpee „h Military Rescue: Crew of Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 6040 -AMT Alejandro Delgado, Lt. Michael Feltovic , AMT Scott Higgins, LCDR Christopher Wright of Buzzards Bay „h Military Volunteer: Michael Camire E. Falmouth „h Red Cross Hero: Glen Beasley of Yarmouthport and Anne Katz-Jacobson West Yarmouth February 27, 2012 THE YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELEASE Friday, February 24, 2012 Yarmouth Police Take Prestigious Drug Enforcement Administration Maltz Challenge On Friday, March 23, 2012 at 9:00AM a team of Yarmouth Police Officers and Friends will participate in the 6th Annual Drug Enforcement Administration Maltz Challenge in Boston. The DEA Maltz Challenge is a rigorous Fitness Challenge named in honor of United States Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Maltz, brother of SOD Special Agent in Charge Derek Maltz. Master Sergeant Maltz was a pararescue jumper who was killed in action, along with five colleagues, during a medical evacuation of sick Afghani children in March 2003. Since 2007 the DEA has paid tribute to fallen heroes from all branches of the military through the Maltz Challenge. Some have direct ties to the DEA. In 2010 the DEA honored Special Agents Chad Michael-Forrest Leamon-and Michael Weston, who in October 2009 were killed in action in Afghanistan while participating in a military operation. For 2012 the DEA New England Field Division has nominated fallen United States Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos of Yarmouth Port and will pay special tribute to his ultimate sacrifice thru the Maltz Challenge. The DEA - New England Field Division has over one dozen employees that consist of support personnel, Diversion Investigators, Intelligence Analysts, Tech Specialist, Special Agents, and Task Force Officers that participate in the Maltz Challenge every year in Boston. The Maltz Fitness Challenge is a timed fitness circuit of eight events: 400 Meter Run 50 Pull-Ups 100 Meter Fireman's Carry or 200 Meter Farmer's Walk (50 lb. dumbbell for men, 25 lb. dumbbell for women) 50 Dips 100 Push-Ups 50 Knees-to-Elbows 100 Sit Ups, Feet Anchored 400 Meter Run DEA offices in Denver-New York-Washington, D.C.-Tampa-Seattle-and Boston will all be honoring a fallen hero on this special day. Anyone who is up for the challenge and willing to test his or her limits in tribute to our fallen warriors can participate. For additional information visit www.deamaltzchallenge.com 02 Feb 2012 Yarmouth Police Host 2nd Annual US Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Blood Drive Posted: 08 Feb 2012 04:23 AM PST THE YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENTMEDIA RELEASE Wednesday, February 8, 2012 “Yarmouth Police Host US Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Blood Drive” On Thursday, February 9th from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM and Friday, February 10th 2012 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM—the Yarmouth Police Department will host a two day community blood drive in honor of fallen United States Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos of Yarmouth. Nicholas G. Xiarhos died on the battlefield at age 21 in Garmsir, Afghanistan while going to the rescue of a fellow Marine in combat on July 23, 2009 and this blood drive is being conducted at Yarmouth Police Headquarters in his memory to support and assist Cape Cod Hospital Blood Donor Services. At last year’s blood drive 93 pints of blood were collected which was the most blood ever collected in one day on Cape Cod. By adding a second day, we are hoping to collect even more and allow people to donate during the evening hours as well as daytime hours. Blood collected in this blood drive will stay on Cape Cod and is used to treat people here. Any person over 17 in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds can become a blood donor and there is no upper age limit. In order to help make the process as efficient as possible—all donors are asked to make an appointment by calling 508-862-5663. Walk-ins are welcome. Every Three Seconds Someone is in Need of Blood. Give the Gift of Life. Everyone who donates will receive a free Regal Cinema Movie Pass, a special Long Sleeve T-Shirt, a Remembering Nick sticker, and a free Ice Cream from the Skipper Restaurant of South Yarmouth. 2nd Annual US Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Blood Drive Thursday, February 9, 201212:00PM to 6:00PMFriday, February 10, 201210:00AM to 4:00PM Yarmouth Police HeadquartersOne Brad Erickson Way West Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02673 This media release was prepared and distributed by Yarmouth Police Department Deputy Chief of Police Steven G. Xiarhos 508-775-0445 extension 2150 or sxiarhos@yarmouth.ma.us Toy's For Tot's December 22,2011 December 22, 2011 Post 333 Members donated money to the Toy's for Tot's program to be used locally as needed by the Toy's for Tot's on going Program. Post members helped distribute toys to families and organizatons at the Red Jacket Inn pick up point in South Yarmouth. Post 333 members helped (50 ) families from the DY School District obtain toys for children for Christmas who were identified as not having any gifts for thier children for Christmas Day. December 9, 2011 USMC Christmas Honor Tree December 9, 2011 December 9, 2011 USMC Christmas Honor Tree Family Letter Baker -Xiarhos AMVETS POST 333 Cape Cod December 9, 2011 Hi Mike, thanks for taking my call today. My name is Maggie Kenney and I want to inform your organization Baker –Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 Cape Cod of a special Christmas tree at the Osterville Historical Museum on Parker Road in Osterville, MA. The Museum is hosting it's festival of trees. My Tree theme is "Semper Fidelis Christmas" a tribute to the USMC. It is adorned with all USMC ornaments and "gifts" under the tree. The trees will be on display for silent auction until 3:00 today and from 9:30 to 3:00 on Saturday. This is a special tribute to my Nephew Jorden Smith who is currently serving his 2nd term in Afghanistan. He is a G-4 Corporal with the 3/6 Battalion Infantry Mortamen. Due to security issues his whereabouts are not Definite however, he is believed to be on the push toward Marja. Jorden has a beautiful wife Samantha and an 18 month old son Dominic born while he was on his first tour of duty. They hope and pray to be united with him in January. I hope a fellow Marine or Marines would enjoy the tree and enjoy owning the ornaments honoring one of their own. Thank you very much for your help and a Blessed Christmas to all. ~Maggie Margaret M. Kenney 1471 Iyannough Road, 2nd Floor Hyannis, MA 02601 508-362-1827 Hi, my name is Samantha Smith, you had recently talked to my aunt Maggie Kenney about the Semper Fi Christmas Tree honoring my husband Jorden Smith who is an E-4 currently in Afghanistan. I wanted to send to you a few pics of my husband. Thank you for your support! Samantha Smith November 11, 2011 Veterans Day Ceremonies November 11, 2011 Date: Nov 11, 2011 10:30:00 AM Details: November 11, 2011. Post 333 members will conduct Veterans Day ceremonies at Merrill Park - West Dennis at 11:00 AM. Rally time is 10:30 AM. Post 333 members will then march accross the Bass River Bridge at 11:15 AM to arrive at American Veterans Memorial Garden - Packet Landing at 11:20 AM. Veteran Ceremonies will be conducted there at 11:30 AM. The Yarmouth Moose Lodge will have on display thier custom made Memorial Wall for all mene and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan to date. Post 333 will welcome the public and Veterans to a buffet lunch at the Yarmouth Moose Lodge located at 769 Rte. 28 South Yarmouth at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. " Veterans helping Veterans" Commander Michael J Mahoney Baker - Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 Cape Cod

 

 

 

September 25, 2011

YARMOUTH - Sunday was National Gold Star Mother's Day. Every year, the last Sunday of September, is for honoring mothers whose sons or daughters died in the line of duty. The name references the single gold star on service flags displayed in the windows of homes that have lost a child to war.

Just as when it was founded, the Gold Star Mothers continue to concentrate on providing emotional support to its members, doing volunteer work with veterans in general and veterans' hospitals in particular, and generally fostering a sense of patriotism and respect for members of the Armed Forces.

Cape Cod Area Persian Gulf War Fallen
Army Sergeant Mark R. Vecchione Eastham Iraq July 18, 2006
Army Sergeant Alexander H. Fuller Centerville Iraq January 25, 2007
Army Staff Sergeant Alicia A. Birchett Mashpee Iraq August 9, 2007
Army Sergeant Zachary D. Tellier Falmouth Afghanistan September 29, 2007
Marine PFC Daniel A. C. McGuire Mashpee Iraq August, 14, 2008
Army PFC Paul E. Conlon Mashpee Afghanistan August 15, 2008
Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos Yarmouth Afghanistan July 23, 2009
Marine Captain Eric H. Jones Mashpee Afghanistan October 26, 2009
Army S/Sergeant Matthew A. Pucino Bourne Afghanistan November 23, 2009
Army PFC Clinton E. Springer II Bourne Afghanistan September 24, 2010
Army Sergeant Matthew Gallagher Falmouth Iraq June 26, 2011
Navy SEAL Kevin A. Houston Barnstable Afghanistan August 6, 2011
Release furnished by Yarmouth Police

 

 

AMVETS Post 333 Invited By The Dennis Summerfest August 20, 2011 to provide Flag Retirement Ceremony

August 20, 2011

Sat., 8/20—FAMILY NIGHT OUT,W.Dennis Beach, 4:30-10 PM—BON FIRE, 5:00 PM until after fireworks show. Toast Marshmallows.—AMVETS Post 333 Ceremony, 6:30 PM.—DeNovo Band, 5PM until after fireworks..—FIREWORKS, at DUSK – Presented by the Atlas PryoVision Productions Co. **Free SHUTTLE BUS, park at the West Dennis Graded Schoolhouse, West Dennis, from 4:30 on, Provided by First Student Inc.

Post 333 members were invited to provide an American Flag retirement ceremony for the Dennis Small Business Association held at the West Dennis Beach on Saturday , August 20, 2011 at 6:30 PM. Members Michael Mahoney, Vincent Fountaine, and Dennis Eagle Scout Sean Mahoney performed the ceremony with the on hand public. A fire pit located on the beach under the supervision of the Dennis Fire Department was used to burn the properly retired American Flags no longer in use. Eagle Scout Sean Mahoney gathered numerous young children and adults to participate in the proper shredding of our American Flag. The importance of the history of our flag and its proper retirement was provided by Post 333 member Vincent Fountaine. The Blue Star field with true embroidered stars were salvaged to pass onto the "Pease Greeter's" and "Gold Star Mother's located in New Hampshire to package the individual embroidered Stars to pass onto active duty men and women deploying to over seas assignements in defending our nation to remind them of a little piece of home is with them.

The note that goes along with every packaged American Star say's"

"I am a part of our American Flag. I have flown over a home in the U.S.A. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds have caused me to becaome tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten,"

 

AMVETS Post 333 Annual Bass River Toll Booth August 20

August 20. 2011

Post 333 Members conducted its annual August 20, 2011 Toll Booth Collection at the South Yarmouth Bass River Bridge on the corners of Rte 28, North Main Street, South Main Street and the bridge overpass from Yarmouth into West Dennis. Booth Collection times were held from from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Monies collected from the August 20, 2011 Toll Both will be donated to the Dennis - Yarmouth families of active duty men and women serving abroad who are having local financial difficulties here in our community while thier significant other is away.Many families located here on Cape Cod are family run business's and it is very difficult for a key family member to be deployed and keep the family local business afloat.

Post 333 Members were decked out in Post 333 Black Ball Caps, new road safety D.O.T Lime Green Shirts, AMVET Member I.D Tags, and AMVET 333 Lime Green safety colored collection buckets. Safety on the bridge and intersection's for collecting 333 members was key this year. It was hard for moving vehicles not to be able to see Post 333 members collecting on the roads this year. The new safety look will be now be standard Post 333 outside public collection and event support dress code.

 

August 15, 2011 - "Senator Brown Meeting"

"AMVETS Post 333 invited to attend meeting with Senator Brown"

 

 

 

July 28, 2011 - "Pease Greeters"

JoAnne Schottler from the Pease Greeters Organization sent along a "Thank You Note" to Post 333 for the many retired American Flag Embroidered Star Fields they use to send off to our men and women serving overseas. The Pease Greeters works with the Gold Star Mothers to make up the special Star packets they hand out or deploy to organzations to give out to he public. Post 333 continues o support the "Pease Greeters" Post member Harry Whatling is a key relationship between the Greeter family of volunteers and Post 333 members. Our delivery to the Greeters from our June 14 2011 Flag Day retirement event yielded  3,400 Stars to be packaged. Area Scouts ad the invited public made this possible along with members of Post 333, Legion Post 206, Korean War Veterans of Cape Cod and numerous veerans in attendence on June 14, 2011.

The Star package deployed reads: "I am a part of our American Flag. I have flown over a home in the U.S.A. I can no longer fly. The Sun and Winds have caused me to become tattered and torn. PLease carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten". 

July 27, 2011

AMVETS Post 333 members attended the VSACC (Veterans Service Assistance Cape Cod) group meeting held at the Hyannis Carreer Center. Post 333 was the only Veterans organization in attendence to meet with other VA and State Veterans Agents along with local business members. A Planned week of Veterans events is planned for November 7-11 on Cape Cod. Events are in the planning stages at this writing.

July 23, 2011

Baker Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 members turned out on Saturday monring on July 23, 2011 to support "Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen". Post members setup flags and signs at the corner of route 6A & Settucket Road in Yarmouthport to salute the 550 plus riders who rode in honor of fallen USMC Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos, killed in action Afghanistan July 23, 2009. A short distance away from Post 333 members were several area young Marines who presented a color guard to salute Nick's Riders as well.  

July 8, 2011

Baker Xiarhos AMVETS Post members donate Estate Sale house contents to AMVETS Thrift Store in Brockton, Ma. 180 Oak Street, Brockton, MA 02301-1354 Tel # (508) 580-2972.

Post 333 member Vinnie Fontaine lead a donation drive to provide to the AMVETS Brockton Mass thrift store house hold items, furniture, clothing, and miscellaneous items to be sold to raise money for needy Veterans. 

Some things to consider about the AMVETS Thtift Store:

Donors get the satisfaction of knowing their good, unwanted items are helping AMVETS and being used by others who want and need them. 

AMVETS Thrift Store in Brockton is assured a steady source of revenue for its veterans' programs. 

AMVETS Thrift Store in Brockton will receive a supply of good quality merchandise that can be sold at bargain prices. 

The public can buy quality goods at AMVETS Brockton Thrift Store at economical prices. 

Masschusetts gains because AMVETS Thrift stores are creating jobs and paying taxes like any other business.

July 7, 2011 Sgt. Matthew Gallager Funeral - Bourne National Cemetary: 

AMVETS Post 333 Staff members have been invited to attend on July 27th  a Veterans workshop in Hyannis  to join in the development of helping Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans find employement and other needed assistance using resources  being newly allocated for Cape returning Veterans. All Veterans groups are welcomed. Contact Sue Pollard @508-862-6127, Local Veteran Employment Representative,Career Opportunities, 372 North Street, Hyannis, Ma. 02601. Meeting time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM: "Hire-A-Vet events for the month of November" planning.

June 26, 2011 

 TGC for the Troops, Free Area Vets Golf Clinic: 

 Baker Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 members participated in the June 26, 2011 "Free Golf Clinic" for active duty and retired  military personnel, returning veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The clinic consisted of area Golf Pro's who donated thier time to make a fun event for a day for "Veterans".Gwen Errhalt, TGC for the Troops Tournament Director invited Post 333 as a fellow member of VSACC. On Monday, June 27, 2011, the TGC conducted thier annual fund raiser to support our military and veterans in need.

The money brought in by the tournament is managed by The TGC Fund, a donor-advised fund overseen by the Cape Cod Foundation, and is distributed through 501(c)(3) organizations to veterans and local military families and individuals for food and fuel assistance as well as job training through a simple grant application process. In addition, the TGC Fund supported MA Otis's Pantry, an on-base emergency food pantry for military families and veterans at Otis AFB

June 14, 2011

Baker Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 conducted "Flag Day" at the Merrill Memorial Park located on Route 28, West Dennis. Post 333 annually conducts a retirement American Flag ceremony to retire American Flags collected from various Flag collection boxes donated by Post 333 to area Town Halls, Police Departments, Business locations, Fire Departments and area Veteran meeting halls. The Burn barrells are annually donated by the Town of Dennis D.P.W to assist in the annual ceremony. Area Scouts and the public were invited. The proper disposal of our American Flag was conducted by Post 333 member Vinnie Fontaine, Don Costa, and Kevin Doherty. The Blue Star fields were salvaged to pass onto the " Pease Greeters and Gold Star mothers located in New Hampshire. The embroidered Stars from the Blue Fields are then recycled by the "Pease Greeters" and "Gold Star mothers" to hand out to servicemen and women deploying overseas to have a little rememberance of Home. A total of 3,400 Stars were recovered by local Scouts and participating public volunteers.

June 8 - 12

AMVETS State Convention held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center in Sturbridge, MA. Post 333 member Finance Officer Vinnie Fontaine and Post 333 Commander Michael Mahoney, attended the Convention. Post 333 members voted in the election for new State AMVETS Officers for 2011-2012. Post 333 were presented by the State Commander a certificate and Pin of 100 % membership retenion and activities for a local Post.

June 4, 2011

AMVETS Post 333 Change of Command was held at the South Yarmouth Packet Landing American Veterans Memorial Garden. The change of Command was conducted at 11:00 AM. Current AMVETS 333 Commander John F Connell passed his two year leadershp of Post 333 over to incoming Commander Michael J Mahoney. In accepting the new Command, Michael Mahoney presented the official name change of Post 333 Cape Cod as the Baker Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 Cape Cod. Post 333 was renamed in honor of fallen USMC Cpl. Nicholas G.Xiarhos, a post member, who had been killed in action on July 23, 2009 in Afghanistan. The new Post charter was prsented to Liza and Steven Xiarhos, parents of Nicholas at the ceremony. On hand for the ceremony change was State Representatives Sarah Peak and Cleon Turner. A proclamation was pesnted by both repeseatives to new Commander Michael Mahoney. AMVETS State official Alt. NEC Leon Proctor conducted the swearing in ceremonies.

A celebration "Pig Roast" was held at the Claddah Inn located at 77 Main Street (Rte. 28), West Harwich by Jack Connell, former Post 333 Commander and founder. Monies raised at the "Pig Roast" were donated to Post 333 for distribution to "Helping Veterans".

May 30, 2011

Town of Dennis Memorial Day Parade:

AMVETS Post 333 members participated in the annual Town of Dennis Memorial Day Parade held on May 30, 2011. Post members carried the 333 colors and represented the Veterans of area towns. Post 333 member Frank Verney was the Chief of Staff for the Ceremonies and is the Chairman of the Town of Dennis Memorial Day Parade Committee. Post 333 member Walter Van Hon was the Town of Dennis Memorial Day Parade 2011 Marshal. Walter had served for the Past 20 years as the Town of Dennis Memorial Day Parade Committee Chairman

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May 2, 2011 

 New Letter to Iraq Vet Manion:

 

AMVETS POST 333

7th Annual Chili Fest...February 20th 2011 from 1pm to 5pm 

New Irish Village –Formerly the Gull Wing  

"AMVETS Post 333 Veterans Helping Local Veterans Fund Raiser 2011"  

Come and enjoy the tastiest Chilies from around the Cape’s favorite restaurants you know.

. 882 Main Street South Yarmouth , Ma. 02664

 

 

 

 

               

 

Summer great events:

  Flag raising ceremony on July 29th was beautiful and attended by Xiarhos family. The Memorial garden at Packets landing is about complete with bronze plaque honoring veterans of Gulf, Iraq and Afgan wars now installed. Dedication will be Nov. 11, 2010.

Special thanks to Don, Vinnie, and Kevin for carrying the load on this excellent project.

                       

 

March events of note: 

Cape Cod St. Patrick's Day parade took place on route 28 in Dennis-Yarmouth before the largest crowd yet, estimated at 50,000 on March 6, 2010.Amvet members marched in the veteran's division, rode in the Marine Corps van of Jake O'Rourke and in Claddah vehicles.

   

The post donated $1,000 to the Marine Corps League to help bring the Silent Drill Team and Drum and Bugle Corps to Yarmouth at the D-Y High school on June 30. It will be the first visit of the Battle Colors ceremony in this area and is being supported by Jake O'Rourke and veterans groups on the Cape. MCL league members also marched.

                        

 

                       

.Amvets participate in Oct.11 Yarmouth Seaside Festival

President Obama meets Xiarhos family

     The president and Michelle greeted Steven,Lisa and their three children warmly at the Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod on August 30 and expressed their sorrow for the loss of son ,Nicholas, in Afganistan last month. Earlier this year Nick had met Obama and shook his hand in Camp Lejeune.

Coast Guard Commander commends AMVET post member 

 

Passing the baton:

New post commander John Connell joins all members in recognizing the outstanding service Richard Sayers contributed in his 3 years as commander ending June 20.2009. His well-wishers are many.

   Commander Connell says he looks foward to being the new commander and working with all the members to continue to have Post 333 be number #1. He is interested in any new ideas and input from all members.

          

O'Shea's Olde Inn takes 1st place in Jack Daniel's New Drink Contest

    At the Christopher's event on June 23, Owner Jack Shea won the $300 first prize which he donated to the Amvets Post 333. Additional donations will be made to us from $1 for each of the new cocktail sold.        Trader Joes' of Hyannis took second place and donated its $200 prize to the post as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USMC Marine Corps League Cape Cod Defending Chili Fest Champions 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$10 Donation at the door – Children Free – Raffles – Prizes – Peoples Choice Award

 

Help Post 333 assist area Veterans and their Families in need

 

Come and Enjoy Live Music by Sean Brennan & Dave Hickey Local Favorites

 

Cape Cod Gold Star Families lead by Yarmouth Deputy Police Chief Steven Xiarhos provided You Tube interviews on the news of Bin Laden being finally taken out by US Forces on May 2, 2011. Gold Star Families are running on Main Street today, May 3, 2011 to show support for the capture and elimination of Bin Laden. Gold Star Families will be at the Bourne National Cemetary at 12:00 PM, May 3, 2011 to visit thier sons buried there to  honor thier ultimate sacrifice for  thier service to our country.

 

http://capecodamvetspost333.com/ Cape Cod Amvets Post 333 508-240-7378 PO Box 332 Dennisport, Ma. 02639

 

Baker Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 members along with a Town of Dennis Troop 80 Eagle Scout assist in the cleaning and landscaping of KWV memorial for Lt. Col. Filmore W. McAbee located on the Mid Cape  Highway at the Yarmouth Rest Area prior to exit 7.
Lt. Col. Filmore W. McAbee was a local Yarmouth resident and Real Estate Agent who served in WWII earing the Silver Star at the Battle of the Bulge and a Siver Star at Incheon, Korea. Col. McAbee was twice a POW while serving in Korea.

 

 

 

 Post 333 member turned out to to support TGC for the Troops held at The Golf Club of Cape Cod on June 26, 2011. Post 333 members were invited byTournament director, Gwen Errhalt. Post 333 is a member of the Veterans Support & Assistance Cape Cod (VSACC) - Cape Cod  where area business such as the Golf Club of Cape Cod participates in supporting issues concering Cape Cod Veterans.The Club conducted a free clinic for active duty area military personnel and veterans of all ages to come out and participate on June 26, 2011. The club made available Golf Pro's who donated thier time to help out and make the day a fun event. for all active ad retired or discharged Veterans. Lunch was provided by the club to all who attended. On Monday, June 27, 2011, the TGC conducted a fund raiser for area business's to raise money for distribution. TGC Fund, a donor advised fund, ranging from grocery gift cards and fuel assistance to job training. In addition, the TGC Fund supported MA Otis's Pantry,
an on-base emergency food pantry for military families and veterans at
Otis Air Force Base.  

 

 

The community

 

Shoppers

 

Thrift stores

 

AMVETS

 

Working Together Helps So Many

Contributors

 

SGT. Matthew Gallagher Funeral was buried at the  Bourne National Cemetary at 1:30 PM. Post 333 Commander Michael Mahoney and Post 333 member Jeff Dillon were in attendence for the graveside honor ceremony conducted by the United State Army Honor Guard and other local Honor Guards from Bourne, Barnstable, Falmouth, and the Sherriffs Department. The Patriot Guard were on hand in significant numbers and lines the final road way to the ceremony with flags and motor cycles. Numerous Cape organizations were on hand as well as a few area Veterans representing thier Posts.

 

 

 

July 7, 2011 

 

Brown, on jobs tour, meets Cape veterans

By Sarah Shemkus

sshemkus@capecodonline.com

August 16, 2011 2:00 AM

SANDWICH — Homeless veterans, the cost of health care, and employment services for soldiers returning from overseas were among the topics Sen. Scott Brown addressed during a meeting with area veterans and military families Monday.

The audience of about 40 people included area political figures, retired veterans and mothers who have lost children in the current wars.

"We've been in the war now for about 10 years," Brown said. "To the Gold Star families, there is nothing we can really say, except, 'Thank you.'"

The gathering at the American Legion post in Sandwich was a stop on Brown's statewide jobs tour that kicked off in Boston Aug. 5. Other stops Monday included a meeting with the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, a tour of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and a visit with Massachusetts Military Reservation employees at Air Station Cape Cod. He met Friday with the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce.

After speaking briefly in Sandwich on Monday, Brown spent about an hour listening to comments and fielding questions from the crowd.

Tom Lynch, a Sandwich man who has one son currently deployed and another recently returned from Afghanistan, emphasized initiatives that can help veterans find work after their time overseas. He has personally hired two men from the Helmets to Hardhats program, which funnels veterans into union apprenticeships in the trades, he said.

Brown offered to take the information about such programs and post it on his website as a resource for other veterans.

Merrill Blum, executive director of the Veterans' Outreach Center in Hyannis, expressed his concerns about the challenges facing homeless veterans.

"In order to have a job, you have to have a place to come home to at the end of the day," Blum told the senator.

"There's a tremendous movement for veterans' housing," Brown replied, though he acknowledged that "we need to do it better."

Multiple attendees spokes out n favor of lower corporate tax rates, which they said could make it easier for businesses to hire. Brown picked up on this theme, calling the United States' corporate tax rate the second-highest in the industrialized world and comparing it to "a wet blanket" weighing down economic growth.

Yarmouth resident Tom Sullivan was one of several people to mention proposed changes to the retirement and health care benefits offered to veterans, specifically focusing on the health care program called Tricare.

"If (veterans) lose Tricare for life, they are taking away something that was promised to them," he said.

Brown explained that the government is looking at structural changes to the system, but agreed that veterans in the program should not lose their benefits.

"If you've earned that benefit, that should be grandfathered in," he said.

The theme woven through all of the specific concerns discussed at the event was the importance of properly taking care of service members and veterans.

The last speaker of the afternoon was Kae McGuire of Mashpee, whose son Daniel was killed in Iraq three years ago. "Take care of our veterans, take care of our wounded," she said in a voice choked with emotion. "And you'll make me happy."

 

 

August 20, 2011

Sat., 8/20—FAMILY NIGHT OUT,W.Dennis Beach, 4:30-10 PM—BON FIRE, 5:00 PM until after fireworks show. Toast Marshmallows.—AMVETS Post 333 Ceremony, 6:30 PM.—DeNovo Band, 5PM until after fireworks..—FIREWORKS, at DUSK – Presented by the Atlas PryoVision Productions Co. **Free SHUTTLE BUS, park at the West Dennis Graded Schoolhouse, West Dennis, from 4:30 on, Provided by First Student Inc.

Post 333 members were invited to provide an American Flag retirement ceremony for the Dennis Small Business Association held at the West Dennis Beach on Saturday , August 20, 2011 at 6:30 PM. Members Michael Mahoney, Vincent Fountaine, and Dennis Eagle Scout Sean Mahoney performed the ceremony with the on hand public. A fire pit located on the beach under the supervision of the Dennis Fire Department was used to burn the properly retired American Flags no longer in use. Eagle Scout Sean Mahoney gathered numerous young children and adults to participate in the proper shredding of our American Flag. The importance of the history of our flag and its proper retirement was provided by Post 333 member Vincent Fountaine. The Blue Star field with true embroidered stars were salvaged to pass onto the "Pease Greeter's" and "Gold Star Mother's located in New Hampshire to package the individual  embroidered Stars to pass onto active duty men and women deploying to over seas assignements in defending our nation to remind them of a little piece of home is with them.

The note that goes along with every packaged American Star say's"

"I am a part of our American Flag. I have flown over a home in the U.S.A. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds have caused me to becaome tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten,"

September 2, 2011

Post 333 members have been asked to help out with the Yarmouth Cultural Center Fund Raiser this Sunday, October 2 from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Post members will man the Packing Landing Park - " American Veterans Memorial Garden Park". Members will provide the history of the park and our memorial history to the public as they go through our station to earn points for the Fund Raiser Contest. " Libations will served to who support the Cultural Center on Sunday at the Cultural Center at 5:PM

Sunday, October 2

All day

Treasures of Yarmouth Scavenger Hunt

When Sunday, Oct 2, 2011

Where: 307 Old Main St., South Yarmouth and All Around Town! (map)

Description(Severe weather date: October 9). $12 pp, kids under 12 free. Perfect for singles, friends, couples, the whole family! Letter Boxers, too! This event is not a race; it offers plenty of time for participants to explore and enjoy the town at their own pace. Hunters will start by picking up a booklet and map at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main St. in South Yarmouth, between 10:00am and noon and will then follow clues and explore Yarmouth's cultural, natural, and commercial gems before concluding at the Cultural Center no sooner than 4pm and no later than 5:30pm for refreshments, prizes, entertainment, and more. Locations on the Hunt will include: Packet Landing on the Bass River, Judah Baker Windmill, Bass River (aka Smuggler's) Beach, Parker's River Beach, Bayberry Golf Course, Gray's Beach/Bass Hole, Taylor-Bray Farm, Flax Pond, The Cobbler Shop and Kelly Chapel, The Weeping Beech Tree, The Bangs Hallet House, The New Church, The Edward Gorey House, Zooquarium, Bass River Sports World, and The Cultural Center of Cape Cod. At each location, hunters will get their booklets stamped and seek answers to clues. Those participating at the Advanced Level will be asked to complete additional tasks. Every properly completed booklet will become an eligible entry for valuable prizes, including a grand prize for the winner at the Advanced Level. Funded in part by a grant from the Town of Yarmouth Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund. For tickets, visit th