This Week at Walter Rhoades Post 111
Announcements, news, events, and other information about your American Legion Post.
From the Commander
As you know, we hope to be laying wreaths on all Veteran graves at the Louisville Cemetery on December 14th this year. Congratulations! We have reached 100% of our goal - all wreaths are sponsored. The next step is receiving and placing the wreaths. Andrea and Boyd Bell have graciously agreed to provide storage for the wreaths. We do not yet have a date for delivery of the wreaths but expect it to be 7-10 days before December 14th. As soon as that becomes available, we'll get that published to everyone. We will need volunteers to help offload the wreaths and move them into temporary storage. We’ll also need volunteers on December 14th to move the wreaths from storage to the cemetery. A sign-up sheet is available at the Post for volunteers to sign up.
v/r
Chuck
Announcements
Precious Child Tree: The Precious Child Tree is up at the post. If you’d like to participate in the program, stop by the post and visit the tree. All gifts are due by December 12th.
Help Wanted: We have a number of positions at the post that need a volunteer. These include Chaplain, Honor Guard Coordinator, and Medical Equipment Coordinator.
The Chaplain is an integral part of all American Legion ceremonies, especially the installation of officers; the initiation of new members; the dedication of halls, monuments or colors; and funeral services and other rituals that are standard throughout the organization. This is an Executive Board position.
The Honor Guard Coordinator interacts with the community and organizes honor guard support for local events. This work can be primarily done from home.
If you are interested in filling any of these positions, please contact the Commander or any member of the Executive Board.
Field Kitchen 111 Weekly Specials: This week’s specials:
Mon: Fried chicken sandwich w/ Fries $15
Weds: Mango Salsa w/ House-made Lime seasoned Chips $8
Thurs: Pork Belly Sandwich w/ Fries $14
Fri: Veggie Eggrolls w Teriyaki $10
Sat: Pesto cheeseburger w/ Fries $16
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News
Medicare open enrollment and your CHAMPVA eligibility
It’s open enrollment season. Now through Dec. 7, millions of Americans can select 2025 Medicare plans. If you’re currently enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA) or may be eligible, your Medicare status can impact your CHAMPVA benefits.
CHAMPVA eligibility
CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program through VA that shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. You may be eligible for CHAMPVA if you are a spouse, widow(er), or child of a service-connected, permanently and totally disabled Veteran, or they were when they died.
You need Medicare Parts A & B to be eligible for CHAMPVA
If you are eligible for Medicare for any reason at any age, you must have both Part A and Part B to be eligible for CHAMPVA. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you are over age 65 and were never eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, you do not need Part B. Call the CHAMPVA help line, 800-733-8387, or visit Ask VA for information about your specific situation.
Tips about your CHAMPVA eligibility and Medicare
If you already have Medicare, keep your Medicare Part B coverage. If you cancel Medicare Part B coverage, your eligibility for CHAMPVA benefits will end on the same day your Part B coverage ends.
If you are a CHAMPVA beneficiary turning 65, make sure you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Send us a copy of your Medicare card and a CHAMPVA Other Health Insurance Certification Form (VA Form 10-7959c). We will send you a new CHAMPVA identification card with an extended expiration date.
Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, is optional. Consider instead using the Meds by Mail program (you can only pick one). Meds by Mail provides maintenance medications at no charge to you (no premiums, no deductibles, and no co-payments) if you don’t have any other prescription drug coverage.
Apply for CHAMPVA today in three steps:
Fill out the application for CHAMPVA Benefits, VA Form 10-10d (up to three beneficiaries per form).
Complete the Other Health Insurance Certification, VA Form 10-7959c (fill this out for each beneficiary).
Include a copy of your Medicare card (if you’re already enrolled).
If you or an eligible family member are age 65 or older and not entitled to Medicare, you must send documentation from the Social Security Administration that confirms you are not entitled to Medicare benefits under anyone’s Social Security number.
Submit your forms by:
Fax to: 303-331-7809.
Mail to: VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, CHAMPVA Eligibility, PO Box 137, Spring City, PA 19475.
CHAMPVA and other health insurance
If you have any type of other health insurance (for example, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna), CHAMPVA will be the secondary payer. If you have more than one health insurance, CHAMPVA will pay after the other plans. CHAMPVA only pays first if you’re enrolled in Medicaid, Indian Health Services, State Victims of Crime Compensation Program or CHAMPVA supplemental health insurance.
Support and resources
Check out these videos to learn more about CHAMPVA.
Call the CHAMPVA Help Line at 800-733-8387, available 8:05 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Submit a question online to Ask.VA.gov.
Visit the Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare Part B.
Explore health and disability benefits for families and caregivers.
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Upcoming Events
Sons of the American Legion Meeting (December 4, 2024): There will be a Sons of the American Legion Meeting at 6:00 PM at the post.
General Membership Meeting (December 10, 2024): There will be a General Membership Meeting at 6:00 PM at the post. The lounge will be closed during this meeting.
Auxiliary Unit 111 Meeting (December 14 , 2024): There will be an Auxiliary Unit 111 Meeting at 9:30 AM at the post.
Wreaths Across America (December 14, 2024): Team 111 is supporting Wreaths Across America at the Louisville Cemetery again this year. We will hold a brief ceremony at 1000 AM followed by laying of the wreaths. In preparation for this day, Andrea and Boyd Bell have graciously agreed to provide storage for the wreaths. We do not yet have a date for delivery of the wreaths but expect it to be 7-10 days before December 14th. As soon as that becomes available, we'll get that published to everyone. We will need volunteers to help offload the wreaths and move them into temporary storage. We’ll also need volunteers on December 14th to move the wreaths from storage to the cemetery. A sign-up sheet is available at the Post for volunteers to sign up.
Live Music by James Hurtado (December 20, 2024): We are excited to once again welcome James Hurtado to Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111. James has been playing professionally for 20 years and has shared the stage with Daniel Valdez and has also performed at the Winter Park Music Festival as well as the Taste of Colorado. Join us for a night of wonderful music. This event is open to the public.
Save the Date (January 18, 2025): We will be hosting a fundraising pancake breakfast at Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111. More information to follow.
Bingo (Every Monday Night): Join us for bingo, every Monday night starting at 6:30 PM. All proceeds support Veterans and Veterans' Programs.
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Hours
Monday 4-8 PM
Tuesday 4-8 PM
Wednesday 4-8 PM
Thursday 4-8 PM
Friday 1-9 PM
Saturday 1-9 PM
Sunday 12-8 PM
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Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111
1150 Pine Street
Louisville, CO 80027
(303) 666-6314
