President's Message

I guess the "saying better late than never" was never put to better use than in the case of Shields member and friend Randy Jurgensen,(Ret. Det. NYPD) who was recently honored on Veteran’s Day 2009. He was presented with The Purple Heart at West Point for his actions in the Korean War (the forgotten war) during the 1953 battle for Pork Chop Hill.

As you read this newsletter I know that Mike Villa and his committee will be putting the finishing touches on our 2009 Children’s Holiday Party on December 6th. It’s still not too late to take advantage of this happy/joyous party. Fill out the coupon found in this paper and get it back to Mike with any applicable payment before the deadline.

I recently had an embarrassing situation occur at BJ’s Wholesale Club. I went there to renew our organization’s membership, only to learn that it had been suspended due to a $29.13 unpaid gas bill at their Freeport store on November 3rd. I’m sure someone simply forgot to pay. Please take care when you are using something in the Shields name, because misuse can only bring embarrassment to our organization. Hopefully, this situation will shortly be rectified.

Membership Chairman Lloyd Thomason requests that you fill out your membership application when returning your 2010 dues, so the proper account can be credited. Lloyd also asks that you put your name on the windfall tickets, because any blank tickets drawn will default to the Shields.

Thanks to Joe Wolff, he filled in for our guest speaker at the October meeting. He gave us an education of the history of the NYPD Traffic Squad Benevolent Association. Good job, Joe!

Remember Tuesday, January 12th the Shields will be attending the Islander Detroit Red Wing hockey game. There are a few tickets left, hope you and your family can join us. (see page 7 for details).

Since this is the last Call Box in 2009, I would like to take this opportunity to THANK our many loyal members and friends for their continued friendships and support throughout the past and hopefully future years. You are the ones that make this the fine organization that it is.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, joyous Chanukah, Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. If you can’t attend the December 3rd meeting, hopefully we’ll see you February 2010.

Remember to keep the men and women who defend our freedoms in your prayers.