Dear Comrades;
Over this last year we have seen a lot of changes in the post. We have seen new members come in and old members head to the great unknown. Many projects have been done around the post. Starting with Home Depot coming in and Dr. Brooks donating the new stove and TV for the hall. We have gained new sponsors, new donors, new supporters through the Greater Patchogue Chamber. Businesses in Patchogue have developed more veteran friendly programs with discounts and specials. We have become involved with the arts in the area through workshops and exhibits. Our post has taken part in Color Guards for the Cub Scouts, County Legislators. The post has seen an increase support in media coverage for our events and programs. We also take part in Lights on Veterans a program that recognizes veterans in the area. With the help of Doctor Brook we collected over 500 pairs of shoes for homeless veterans.
Now, already one month into the new year and a lot has been going on. During these last couple of months, we have had an increase in Buddy Poppy, held several events, the Incoming Commander and outgoing Commander were honored at the Duck’s Game, work continues to happen around the post, and more items have been donated to the post, we held another Coffee with a Veteran. We were part of Operation TP which collected and donated over 15000 rolls of toilet paper to Battered Women’s Shelters, Homeless Veterans and Food Banks. The Greater Patchogue Chamber has held a meeting at the post to show their support. And, we are now members of the Medford Chamber.
But things don’t stop there. Currently two Eagle Scouts and 1 Girl Scout Bronze Project are being done for the post. Which will give us a Flag Box, a new sign for outside and the Museum in the post. We are looking at a grant to replace the handicap ramp. Home Depot is looking to come in to help with the Club House. We have three fundraisers in the works, including one with Rudi’s and another with the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. We will be doing more art workshops and exhibits. We are continuing our program of monthly meeting at a local establishment to show support to those that support veterans. More stones are being ordered and placed to honor veterans. We are looking at creating Long Islands First Veteran Only parking outside of a Municipal Building. We will look at another coffee with a veteran, conduct a Blood Drive, continue to support local organizations through attending their events, giving scholarships to students, thanking those that support veterans, fundraising to assist homeless veterans and those that are struggling with PTSD. Expand our Buddy Poppy Program to ensure that members and businesses that support the program are properly recognized. Look to expand our support to the National Home for Children.
As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars you are an important part of this process as we strive to obtain our All State and All American recognition for Post 2913. A standard that says that all that we do is appreciated. While we do not seek praise, it is important to aim for lofty goals in order to keep the standard of excellence high. While you are out don’t forget that you are ambassadors to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Jayne-Lattin Post 2913.
• Be sure to always great a follow veteran and ask if they are a member. If not be sure to give them an application, or direct them to the post.
• If you know of a Veteran or Family Member of a Veteran in Distress let us know how we can help them.
• Support our programs (i.e. Buddy Poppy, Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, Blood Drives, etc.…) by participating in them and helping to organize them.
• Don’t be shy to bring projects to the post that will help the community (While it is true that we are VSO, we also have an obligation to serve the community in which we live).
• Volunteer at a place that helps veterans and those in need. (Be sure to keep track of your time for our community service reports).
• Let us know of someone doing something special to help Active Military, Veterans and their families. (It is important that we honor those that honor us)
Since I have joined this post it has been an honor to serve alongside and work with some great veterans. In two years we celebrate our 75th Anniversary as a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Let us continue to strive to make this the best post not just in the County, District and State but on the National Level, letting people know that those words on our logo is not just a saying but something that we live by “No One Does More for Veterans”.
vfwpost2913.com 