Veteran of Foreign Wars of The United States
Jerry Skrivanek VFW Post 8185

The post was named after Private Jerry Skrivanek who was killed in Sicily during World War II on July 23,1943 Jerry was the first person , from Port Deposit, to lose his life during World War II

POST HISTORY

The ground work for our post was begun early in 1946; and as with all organizations, it took a small group of people to ignite the spark. Men like Frank "Dusty" DiGiovanni, Carl Goodman, James "Reds" Campbell, John Einwachter, Fred Drexler, John "Proctor" Shure, David "Dave" Barr, Clair "Fleet" Auman and Arnold "Hammerhead" Curry were the nucleus. They were the ones who went out to sign up enough members so that they could obtain our charter.

 The charter was issued containing the names of forty-four members and the post was instituted on August r 3, 1946. The instituting Officer was J. William McAvoy who at the time was Department Senior Vice Commander. Comrade McAvoy is a Past "All American" Department Commander.

 The Post was named the Jerry Skrivanek Post after Pvt. Jerry Skrivanek who was killed in Sicily during World War II on July 23, 1943. Jerry was the first Port Deposit man to lose his life during World War II. Jerry's remains were returned to Harmony Cemetery on August 4, 1948 and the Post maintains perpetual care of his grave.  

The first Post Commander was John Einwachter and our sponsoring unit was the Weedon-Elliott Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8126 located in Havre de Grace, Maryland. The post held its first meeting under Commander Einwachter at the Royal Hotel, Port Deposit and during the next year were to hold meetings at the Old Mill Inn, Drexler's and Goodman's Barber Shop.

 Under our second Commander Paul Krauss, the first piece of property was purchased across from Benjamin's Garage on the South end of Port Deposit. This later proved to be unsuitable for our purpose and the post was setup in the Old Post Office Building. Here the first Bingo games were held in a fund raising campaign to obtain our own building. Another piece of property was purchased the following year under Commander Hermel Robichaud. this purchase was referred to by the older members as the “Octoraro Property" located North of our present location between the Bainbridge spur and the Pennsylvania Railroad Line. Again the property proved to be unsuitable due to a lack of right-of-way and was later sold. So it was back to the Old Mill and Goodman's for meetings for Commander Fred Drexler and Commander Oliver Hagerty. . During the second term of Commander Hagerty the Post began to establish itself and enter into the VFW way of life. The Post entered into community projects and Memorial Day 1953 began decorating the graves of veterans for the first time. This Memorial Day project has been continued by the Post and encompasses several cemeteries in the area. 

Commander David R. Barr, Sr. became our commander in June of 1953 and the Post had its first member elected into the Military Order of the Cooties in the person of Delbert Taylor on August 14, 1954. On January 11, f55 the present location was rented and Jerry Skrivanek Post 8185 had finally found a HOME. One month later n February 7, 1955, our Ladies Auxiliary Charter was issued by the National Headquarters under the signatures ~ the National President of the Auxiliary, Agnes S. Holz and the Nation Secretary, Sally Cannon. Twenty-one names appeared on the charter and the first elected President of the Auxiliary was Mabel Auman.

Comrade Dave Barr was later to become the commander of the Fifth District of Maryland in 1952-1953. The first member of our Post to attain this high office.

August 15, 1955, under Commander Clair "Fleet" Auman the Post purchased the present property and bingo was started by the Auxiliary on the small upper level of the Old Post Hall.

 In June 1956 Commander Perry Barr took command and the addition, that was the Post Hall, and is now the Canteen, were started. All labor in the construction of the new addition was provided by the post membership and many of their friends. The Auxiliary started serving banquets and began Hospital work at the Perry Point Veterans Hospital. This was also the first year for the children's Christmas party at the Post, this party is still held each year.

 The first meeting of the Department of Maryland Council of administration was held at our Post in 1957 by Department Commander Leroy Maddox. Commander Edward "Frenchy" Robichaud started the Jerry Skrivanek Post 8185 "Good Hospitality" for which we are so well noted for throughout the Department of Maryland. Teen- age dances started the year before by Commander Barr were now in ful1 swing and during this term two of our oldest teenager's, Past Department Commander 1. William McAvoy and his wife Helen, attended the dance.

 During 1958 through 1960 our Commander was our "VA Man" Andrew "Andy" Kneuker. Comrade Kneuker is best remembered for continuing the services to the Veterans and their widows started by Procter Shure and Carl Goodman. His ability to "get a claim through" was outstanding and for years, as our Service Officer, he was considered the best around. During 1959 a project was initiated to send a boy to camp, and that year a boy scout was sent to summer camp. 

During 1960 a dispute developed over our right to open our canteen on Sunday and a great amount of time and leg-work was in order for our Commander A. Lane Jenkins. His persistence, and that of Curtis Walker, Fleet Auman and Andy Kneuker paid off in our retaining our privilege to be open on Sunday. During this year our Commander T. C. Hopkins III died after only two months in office. .

 1961-1962 brought us Commander Rodney Sentman who was to excel in the eyes of his comrades. Comrade Sentman was selected as an "All State Commander" the first in the history of our Post. Comrade Sentman was also selected by the National Organization as an "All American Commander". He is the only Post Commander to have attained such honors for Jerry Skrivanek Post 8185 during its fifty years. Monthly adult dances were started for another first during this year and equipment for a playground for the children was purchased and available in the rear picnic area of the Post Home.

 A Crab Feast, a Shrimp Feast and an Oyster Roast were held in 1962 by Commander Clair "Fleet" Auman. The true hospitality of Post 8185 got its real start this year and our reputation as a "feeder" at our functions began with these first fund raisers. Comrade Auman had the honor of inviting the president of the Cecil National Bank, Pierre LeBrun, to a Post celebration of the burning of the "Mortgage". Not one to waste an opportunity Comrade Auman immediately secured a new mortgage and the construction began of a new addition which was to become our kitchen. The Auxiliary, true to their nature, dug-in and purchased two electric stoves for the kitchen. The Post Honor Guard was started in this year with twenty men in the unit. The Auxiliary banner was purchased this year and the Auxiliary won the Community Service Trophy and two membership awards at the Department Convention. To make the canteen a little better, the House Committee presented the membership with a television set. Property just north of the Post on RT. 222 was leased from the Conowingo Power Company and the Post had a bal1 field.

 1962-1963 brought the Post another" All State Commander" in Commander Lloyd Leonard. Comrade Leonard also became our first member to receive a National Aide appointment from National Headquarters. Comrade Leonard was later to become our Post's second District Commander during 1965-1966. The Post exceeded 200 fibers for the first time. The new kitchen was completed this year at a cost of ten thousand dollars, it was the ~st kitchen in the area. The Ladies Auxiliary continued to excel and captured the Fifth District traveling trophy the Best All Around Auxiliary. The Auxiliary was awarded, at the Department Convention, third place in community Service and Second place in Americanism. The Post started holding Memorial Day Services this year -Harmony Chapel at the graveside of Jerry Skrivanek and thus started a yearly tradition. In March 1964, Eugene was appointed a National Aide and our Post had its second national appointment.

 Commander William "Bill" McMillan held the top chair in 1964-1965. Comrade McMillan instituted a magazine sales campaign to raise money for the purchase of hospital equipment. His initial purchase of five hospital beds started one of the finest and most well equipped hospital equipment lending services in the area. The king lot was blacktopped along with a fire lane type road around the building. The Sons of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was initiated this year. The Ladies Auxiliary again won the Fifth District traveling trophy for community services at the Department Convention.

 In 1965, for the first time, a Commander was installed who was still on active duty in the person of Commander Fred Burke. Comrade Burke's tour was short due to transfer from this area by the U.S. Navy. During ; year the Ladies Auxiliary began a project to support the Retarded Children of Cecil County. This was a major project of the Auxiliary and went on for many years.

 Commander Paul Rothgeb succeeded the departed Comrade Burke and our now weekly Shuffleboard 19ue between the members began. The Post donated a 220 pound piece of "Port Deposit" Granite, polished and ~raved with a bronze plaque, to send to Florida as the State of Maryland's contribution to the VFW MEMORIAL Lakeland, Florida. The stone now a base block, is within a memorial pyramid of stones from each state in the on.

 In 1967 another active duty Navy man took commandership with Commander Ray Boyle. Comrade Boyle Lin started teen-age dances, a project that was to bring a first place award in Youth Activities. Our canteen again s closed on Sunday and Comrade Boyle and Comrade Jack Bittner were the leaders in the fight for State legislation to legally permit Veterans Organizations to operate their canteens on Sunday. Persistence again paid in the passage of House Bill No. 1006 with amendments, Sections 90 (b) and 95 (b), giving us the legal right of opening our canteen. Friday night dinners were started by Comrade Robbins on a "you volunteer to cook" night to p create comradeship and fun. Comrade Boyle became the third Fifth District Commander from Post 8185.

 1969-1970 proved to be the best membership year ever under Commander Robert "Bob" Truslow. The Post exceeded 300 members that year reaching a total of 385 members. Post 8185 received two first place awards membership and the "Bill Reese" award at the Department Convention. We also received a second place award Health and Welfare. Our Commander was selected as "AI I State Commander", the third such honor for Post \5. A policy was initiated this year to bring Perry Point patients to the Post on Sunday each month for dinner I entertainment. The dinners continue, to this date, much to the enjoyment of the many patients who have received our hospitality.

 Commander Walter "Greasehound" Ragan followed in 1970-1971 and again the Post received recognition from the Department of Maryland for Community Service, Americanism, and Youth Activities. Our Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winner, Michael Feehly, of the Cecil Vocational Technical Center, won first place in the Fifth District finals and was our representative in the State of Maryland finals. The canteen received a new face this year with new paneling and indirect lighting.

 Commander Walter "Big Robbie" Robbins was our Commander during our 25th year 1971-1972. He made our Silver Anniversary year a success by attaining 100% in Community Service, Americanism, and Youth Activities. He also planned the "Silver Anniversary" Celebration which was a great success. Our Auxiliary gained another first this year in the election of Hazel Boyle to the Presidency of the Fifth District Ladies Auxiliary. At the end of his term in June of 1972 the Post and the rest of Port Deposit were hit by major flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes. The old portion of our building (the canteen) was condemned due to flood damage.

 Commander Cary Leonard, Sr. was our Commander in 1972-1973. During his term the main focus was getting the building back in shape after the flood. The Canteen was repaired enough to get us back in business and plans were started on an addition to the building. The Post received its Perpetual Charter on March 27, 1973 with the signing of our 25th Life Member.

 Commander Authur "Whitey" Ford followed in 1973-1974. During his term plans finalized for repairs and an addition to our building. The Post Hall was to be converted to a canteen and a new much bigger Post Hall was to be added. The addition would also include storage areas for the Post, Ladies Auxiliary, and the Honor Guard, also a T. V.. Room was to be added. The Old part of the building would then be torn down. The Post also won an award from The Department of Maryland for the Buddy Poppy Program.

 Commander Cary Leonard, Sr. followed with his second term in 1974-1975. Another Mortgage was secured from Cecil National Bank and work was now underway on the addition. Very few things were contracted out. Most of the work was done by members and friends of Post 8185. By the end of his term the addition was complete and the old building was gone thanks to some members who were also Navy "Seabees". Again this year- the Post won an award from the Department of Maryland for the Buddy Poppy Program.

 1975-1976 brought us Commander Charles Skrivanek. The Post was again very active in VFW programs, including Americanism, Community Services, and Youth Activities. The Post was also 100% in membership again this year.

 Our Commander in 1976-1977 was William "Bill" Hopkins. During his term the Post won awards from the V. A. Medical Center in Perry Point for our service to the Veterans. The Post also won a First Place Trophy, for their float that was entered in the Aberdeen Loyalty Day Parade. We also received a Plaque from the Department of Maryland for First Place in our membership division.

 Commander Donald "Donnie" Hart followed in 1977-1978. That was a very good year for VFW programs with the Post being 100% in Community Activities, Americanism, and Youth Activities. The Post was also 100% in membership. Again this year the Post had a float in the Aberdeen Loyalty Day Parade, and won a third place trophy.

 In 1978-1979 Commander Donald "Harvey" Cunningham, Jr. served his first term as Commander. Money was tight due to the expenses of the new building and the mortgage to build it. Enough money was raised through feasts and other fund raisers to install a range hood fire extinguishing system which was required by the Post's Insurance Co. Again the Post was 100% in Community Activities, Americanism, and Youth Activities. The Post was 108% in membership, and the Commander received Citations for membership from the Department of Maryland and National.

 Commander E. "Lee" Copenhaver served his first term as Commander in 1979-1980. During his term the Post raised enough money to paint the outside of the Post home. The Post was also represented in the Water Witch Fire Co. Parade of that year by a Color Guard. The Post was again 100% in membership.

 E. "Lee" Copenhaver followed with his second term as commander in the program year 1980-1981. During this term even with continued money problems the Post paid for the painting of the roof of Harmony Chapel where Jerry Skrivanek is buried. Also during this term the regular meeting night was changed to the second Wednesday of each month. Also this year the Ladies Auxiliary received an award for Outstanding Jr. Girls Unit. The Post also received a certificate for outstanding participation in the Safety Program.

 Commander J. "Frank" Barker served as Commander in 1981-1982. During his term the Post was very active in State and National Programs, and received many awards. The Post also received a plaque for 100% in membership.

Charles A. "Little AI" Burton, Sr. served as Commander in 1982-1983. One of the highlights of the year was the burning of the Mortgage, which helped to start easing the Posts money problems.

 John G. Mellin held the Top seat in the Program year 1983-1984. John kept the Post active in all National and Department programs. Also during this year some much needed repairs were done to the canteen and the hall. Again the Post was 100% in membership for the year.

 1984-1985 brought us Commander Carlos T. McCarver for his first term. Some highlights of the year were the 5th District used our hall to hold a Dinner to honor Past District Commanders and Past District Presidents. Also the walk -in Cooler that is presently in use was completed that year. The Post was also 100% in membership.

 In 1985-1986 Carlos T. McCarver served his second term as Commander. During this year the Post held a Crab Feast, Oyster Feast, and Bull Roast, and in doing so were able to start building up the Post Treasury. The Post spend $1050.00 for much needed roof repairs. The Department of Maryland Council of Administration held one of their meetings at the Post Home, and the Post held a POW/MIA flag raising ceremony to call attention to the POW/MIA problem. The Post also made a donation to the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.

 In 1986-1987 Carlos T. McCarver served another term as Commander becoming the first Commander to serve three consecutive terms. This was the first year that Cecil County Posts were given their own district, District 10. This was also the Post's 40th Anniversary year, and the District 10 Commander presented the post with a 40th Anniversary Award. Also during this year with the Post starting to get back on its feet financially a new Ice Machine was purchased, and the Parking Lot was paved. The VFW started using POW/MIA flags, chains, and vacant seats in their meeting ritual in support of our POW/MIA's. The Post was also 100% in membership this year.

 1987 -1988 brought us Commander Raymond M. "Hawkshaw" Hawkins. July 1, 1987 also brought us legal Slot Machines for the Post. Since the Post had to pay for the machine out of Post funds, we started off with only 2 machines at a cost of $7,000.00. By October of that year the machines had been paid for and the Post bought 2 more machines at $9,000.00. By June of 1988 our fifth machine was ordered bringing us to the legal limit. The Post took up sponsorship of Cub Scout Pack 555 during this year. The Post also received a plaque for their support for the Korean War Memorial, and a certificate for 100% membership.

 In 1988-1989 Carlos T. McCarver was again our Commander. The Post participated in the Town of Port Deposit's 175th Anniversary celebration and Parade. During this year due to the many requests for donations being received, the Commander appointed the first Charity Committee, to review all requests for donations and make recommendations at the Post Meetings. It was also decided that the Post needed office space, so the TV room was converted into 2 offices and storage space at a cost of $2,500.00. The cost of office furniture was $1.500.00. We also made much needed repairs to the hall, with ceiling and other repairs costing $3,450.00.

 In 1989-1990 E. "Lee" Copenhaver served his third term as Commander. This year the Post added to its sponsorships with Boy Scout Troop 555. The Post was 100% in Americanism and Community Activities, and was, active in all other programs. The Post was again 100% in membership.

 1990 again brought us Commander E. "Lee" Copenhaver. Commander Copenhaver passed away after only 6 months of his term.

 After the unfortunate passing of Commander Copenhaver, Paul R. "Boots" Carroll was elected to fill out the remaining term of 1991- During his term an Army unit serving in Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Storm requested a Maryland State Flag. The Post purchased the flag and sent it to the unit.

 In 1991-1992 Commander Paul R. "Boots" Carroll was again elected to the Top Spot in our Post. One of the highlights of this year was the dedication of the Armed Forces Memorial at Marina Park in Port Deposit. The Post Commander appointed a Committee chaired by Harvey Cunningham to look into ideas and cost for this monument. The monument was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1992, with Department Commander Blair Cross as Keynote Speaker. The cost of this monument was $10,980.43. The M48 Tank on display in front of the Post Home was dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 1991.

 Francis W. "Bill" Mellin became our Commander for the 1992-1993 program year. The Department of Maryland held their Buddy Poppy Queen Contest at Post 8185 on a very snowy day in February. Also a donation was made toward packages being sent to GI's serving in Somalia. The Post received a plaque for First Place in our division for the Department Commanders Special Project.

 In 1993-1994 Commander Francis W. "Bill" Mellin served his second term as Commander. During this term many improvements and repairs were made to the building, including approval of installing cable TV in the canteen. Also a 60" TV was purchased for the canteen. A reproduction of the painting "Reflections" was also placed in the canteen, and roof repairs of $7,500.00 were made. Along with this the Post was active in programs, and 100% membership.

 1994-1995 again brought us Commander Donald "Harvey" Cunningham, J r. for his second term. The Post was 100% in Americanism, Community Activities, Youth Activities, and Safety. The Post also received a plaque for first place in their membership division for the Department Commander's Special Project. At the Annual Department of Maryland Convention the Post was awarded a certificate for 100% membership, a certificate for the Buddy Poppy Program, a trophy for 4th place in the State Newsletter Competition, a trophy for 3rd place in the State Hospital Program, a trophy for 2nd place in the State Safety Program, and we also received the "Monroe A. Woodward Award" as the most outstanding Post in the State for the "Mentally Retarded and Physically Handicapped" Program. Also this year an annual scholarship of $2,500.00 each was set up for both Rising Sun and Perryville High Schools.

 Again in 1995-1996 our Commander was Donald "Harvey" Cunningham, Jr. The Department of Maryland held their early Joint Conference (Men and Ladies Auxiliary) at Post 8185. Two of the major projects for this year were the renovations to the Hall at a cost of $40,000.00, and the planning for our Fiftieth Anniversary celebration. The Post again did very well in all the State and National Programs. We were 100% in Americanism, Community Activities, Youth Activities, and Safety. We received a certificate for our participation in the Mentally Retarded and Physically Handicapped Program, a third place plaque for Youth Activities, and we received every First Place Plaque in our membership division for our Hospital Program. Again for the second consecutive year we received the "Monroe A. Woodward Award" for the most outstanding Post in the State in the Mentally Retarded and Physically Handicapped Program.

 The program year 1996-1997 again brings us Commander Donald "Harvey" Cunningham, Jr. During this program year we plan to be very active with State and National Programs. No doubt the highlight event this year will be the 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Post is very proud of this milestone, and we are looking forward to a good start to our next half century. Commander Cunningham was also elected District 10 Commander this year, becoming the first District 10 Commander from Post 8185