VFW POST 11329 NEWSLETTER
COMMANDER'S CORNER
We are well into fiscal year 2002, as reporting for programs begins
in June. We have had only one recruiting date, so are behind in that
effort. We have some opportunities in the coming months that we will
need to take advantage of. Once again, I ask each of you to take
a few minutes to consider your family and friends for potential members.
The most common objection for eligible veterans is the lack of time
to attend meetings or to participate in community activities. Although
our main objective is to assist veterans and serve our community,
we could not attain any of our goals without the funds received through
membership dues. Please be aware, and make it known to others, that
we absolutely need them to join, even if they are currently unable
to participate in the post. Consider buying someone a one year membership
as a gift. Membership
includes the magazine subscription, $1500 Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Policy, discounts on travel packages, car rental, group rates on various
types of health, life, and long term care policies, and VFW Credit
Union membership. A membership handbook is available to all members
at the post meeting. If unable to attend, you may request a copy
be mailed to you. Let us not forget our Ladies Auxiliary when recruiting
new members. They provide support for all of our activities, and
have many more activities of their own, including cancer fund drive,
USO lounge, and hospital visits. All spouses, children and grandchildren
of veterans are eligible, even when the Veteran is deceased. While
the Post membership has .remained stable over the past year, the ladies
membership has declined. We will be focused on our youth activities
over the next few months. We will have Voice of Democracy and Youth
Essay materials out to the local schools this month. Students need
not be affiliated with a public or private school in order to enter
these scholarship programs. Cash prizes are awarded at the post level,
district, state, and national levels. The top national prize for
Voice of Democracy is $25,000, so it is well worth the effort for
grade 9 through 12 students. Youth Essay program is for grades 3
through 8, but only grade 7 and 8 entries are eligible for national
competition. The top prize is a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond. Your student should
ask their school counselor for an entry form, or print one from the
VFW website, vfw.org. To submit entries directly to the post, contact
Jim Amondson, 253-631-2405.We also continue to sponsor a Boy Scout
Troop and Cub Scout Pack, and participate in awards to Jr. R.O.T.C.
at Kentwood High School. Any member who is involved in youth sports
may make a request for the Post to co-sponsor their team. Please make
note of the schedule of activities published in this newsletter and
volunteer to help where you can.
Roy Robinson, Post Commander