Veterans of Foreign Wars

Wounded Soldier Gets Frequent Family Visits, Thanks to Unmet Needs

Cara Putthoff — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:37:58 GMT

Wounded Soldier Gets Frequent Family Visits, Thanks to Unmet Needs Unmet Needs connects family with injured National Guardsmen 2011-12-15 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/US-flag-border.gif December 15, 2011 • VFW National Military Services Update Army National Guard MSG

VFW Unmet Needs Provides Over $91,500 in Aid to Tornado Victims

Cara Putthoff — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:06:49 GMT

VFW Unmet Needs Provides Over $91,500 in Aid to Tornado Victims Damage is widespread across the nation, from the Midwest and the South to the East Coast 2011-06-15 June 15, 2011 • VFW National Military Services Update VFW Unmet Needs disbursed $91,500 to military families victimi

VFW Unmet Needs Lends Hand to Retired Soldier

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:36:14 GMT

Retired SSG Eugene Schoen knows what it’s like to get lost in government red tape. Schoen faithfully served his country for 23 years before retiring from the Army Reserve. Unfortunately, an error in the system proved costly for Schoen and his family.

VFW Unmet Needs Gives Soldier Sigh of Relief

Jennifer McDonald — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:50:53 GMT

Army National Guard Sgt. Michael Krueger was well into his 40s when he opted to reenlist in the Army after spending 19 years as a civilian. He would ultimately deploy three times between 2009 and 2010–to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan–before being honorably discharged.

Unfortunately, the daily grind from his training and deployments took a heavy toll on his body.

VFW Salutes ‘Run for the Wall’ Riders

Jennifer McDonald — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:59:44 GMT

The Membership department at VFW National Headquarters joined local VFW members in Concordia, Mo., to pay tribute to motorcyclists participating in the annual cross-country “Run for the Wall” motorcycle ride.

More than 600 riders made a pit stop in Concordia as they journeyed to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor veterans of past and current wars.

VFW Reunites Military Family

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:22:14 GMT

The Kimballs were chosen from a database of VFW Unmet Needs recipients to receive a special honor as the VIP Military Family for a weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The VFW Foundation provided the airfare to fly Richard to Michigan for the trip, and he was able to reunite with his family on Father’s Day weekend.

VFW Posts Join Forces to Donate to VFW Troop & Family Support Program

Cara Putthoff — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:21:00 GMT

VFW Posts Join Forces to Donate to VFW Troop & Family Support Program 2011-04-01 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/4.1.11 NMS--thumb.jpg Earlier this year, VFW Post 7327 Commander Gary Kelch attended the 2010 USO Aloha Christmas Party for Wounded Warriors at the Walter Reed Army Hos

VFW National Military Services Celebrates Tremendous Year

Michelle Brill — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:54:33 GMT

2011 was a hugely successful year for VFW National Military Services and its programs, which continued to extend support and assistance to service members and their families.

VFW Members Join Together to Help Wounded Warrior

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:57:22 GMT

Family reaches out to VFW to help a wounded warrior attend his grandfather’s funeral. His grandmother’s house was not handicap accessible, so a temporary ramp needed to be built. Department of Indiana District 5 Commander Herb Mullen volunteered to spearhead the project. Not only would they build the ramp, they would meet the family at the airport and handle all the transportation needs. Mullen even found a pilot who provided the plane, fuel and time to make two round trips for the family.

VFW Members Go the Extra Mile for 578th Engineer Battalion

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:54:09 GMT

VFW Post 184 Senior Vice Commander Richard De La Hoya and his wife Yvonne wanted to do something special for their niece’s husband Adrian before he deployed to Afghanistan with his National Guard unit, the 578^th Engineer Battalion.

The De La Hoyas started planning a send-off party for him, but they soon discovered that other Guardsmen’s families were also planning send-offs. Everyone decided to combine efforts and plan one event for the entire Battalion.

VFW Members Donate Electrical Work for Duplex

Randi Law — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:25:48 GMT

Three members from VFW Post 1631 in Concord, New Hampshire have donated their time and skills to install all electrical services in a new duplex at the VFW National Home for Children. Master electrician and Past Post Commander Richard Angwin, owner of Angwin Electric in Concord, New Hampshire along with Jim Golden, Post Commander and Zeana Morris, Post Sr. Vice Commander, arrived at the National Home July 5th

VFW Keeps Troop Morale High with ‘Free Call Days’

Jennifer McDonald — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:36:09 GMT

U.S. troops stationed overseas recently had the opportunity to call family and friends back home, free-of-charge, thanks to a VFW Operation Uplink^TM “Free Call Day,” proudly sponsored by Sport Clips Haircuts.

Troops and hospitalized veterans in Afghanistan and Kuwait could call the U.S for free for a full 24 hours on March 25. Unlike with pre-paid phone cards, troops are free to talk as long as they are able.

VFW Helps Throw Huge Baby Shower for Military Wives

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:00:53 GMT

VFW Post 10047 and its Ladies Auxiliary, along with VFW Ladies Auxiliary 12093, joined the non-profit organization Operation Showers of Appreciation to provide the largest military baby shower in Nevada.

VFW has boots on the ground in Afghanistan

Randi Law — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:55:54 GMT

VFW has boots on the ground in Afghanistan VFW Communications Director Jerry Newberry Arrives in Kabul 2011-05-09 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/VFW has boots on the ground in Afghanistan thumb.jpg There's something about the old adage of "the best laid plans" that certainly rings true

VFW Greets ‘Run for the Wall’ Riders in Missouri

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:25:22 GMT

Between 300 and 400 riders made a pit stop in Concordia as they journeyed to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor veterans of past and current wars who never made it back home.

VFW Aids Service Members Who Weathered Second-Worst Storm in U.S. History

Randi Law — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:28:52 GMT

VFW Aids Service Members Who Weathered Second-Worst Storm in U.S. History Recent storms illustrate vitality of programs like Unmet Needs 2011-05-03 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/VFW Aids Service Members Who Weathered.jpg /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/VFW aids Service Members Who Weathe

VFW AGAINST RETIREMENT, TRICARE CHANGES

Randi Law — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:12:09 GMT

America's 10-year fight in the Middle East has produced a battle-hardened generation of young folks, who by and large have the full support and appreciation of a grateful nation. This is most welcoming to my generation of Vietnam veterans—who returned home to a vastly different reception.

VFW ‘Free Call Days’ Provide Troops with Link to Loved Ones

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:51:27 GMT

On August 7, service members overseas were able to call loved ones back home at no cost, thanks to a VFW Operation Uplink^TM“Free Call Day”(FCD). Troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, as well as hospitalized veterans, who made phone calls from their MWR center to the U.S. were greeted by a recording stating the call would be free, courtesy of Operation Uplink.

Unmet Needs Helps Family Stay Cool During Heat Wave

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:12:20 GMT

Having four children and a military spouse, Stephanie Hilpp knows how to handle the home front when things get tough. Unfortunately, the summer of 2012 hit the Hilpp family especially hard.

Twenty-Year-Old Veteran Takes Command of Her Local VFW

Randi Law — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:27:49 GMT

Twenty-Year-Old Veteran Takes Command of Her Local VFW Tasha DeBlois, a 20-year-old military veteran was recently named commander of the Fitchburg, Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars Branch 2011-07-06 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/Twenty-Year-Old Veteran Takes Command of Her Local VFW lar

Temecula VFW Post Stands Behind Marine Unit

Jennifer McDonald — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:47:50 GMT

Temecula Valley VFW Post 4089 and its Men’s and Ladies Auxiliaries adopted the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469 Vengeance last November through the VFW National Military Assistance Program’s (MAP) Adopt-a-Unit.

Through Adopt-a-Unit, VFW Posts and their Auxiliaries are able to develop supportive relationships with military units and help deliver the vast network of resources the VFW has available for those serving in the military and their families.

Runs Held in Honor of POW/MIA Day a Great Success

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:30:21 GMT

VFW Post 3396 member SFC David Sousa wanted to do something special for POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 16. He decided to organize a 5K and 10K run in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he is stationed, as a way to remember and honor his fellow comrades who suffered as POWs or who never returned home.

Prepping Military Teens for College Exams

Randi Law — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:20:30 GMT

Prepping Military Teens for College Exams New VFW member benefit helps military families prepare for college. 2011-01-03 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/VFW Sponsored SAT ACT College Preparation Materials.jpg Tremendous challenges face America’s military families, especially when freq

Overseas Troops Thankful for VFW Free Call Day Program

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:23:20 GMT

Troops stationed overseas were able to wish their loved ones at home a happy Easter, thanks to a VFW Operation Uplink^TM“Free Call Day” (FCD) sponsored by the VFW Department of Texas.

Ohio Post Helps Fellow VFW Post After Hurricane Sandy

Alicia Diaz — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:23:31 GMT

Hurricane Sandy left a trail of devastation along the East Coast. New York and New Jersey were hit especially hard. Many buildings, including VFW Posts, lay wasted in dire need of repair after the hurricane swept through.

NMS Brings U.S. Coast Guard Band to Kansas City

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:03:21 GMT

NMS was pleased to sponsor a performance by the United States Coast Guard Band at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The free concert was part of the Band’s tour around the country, which included stops between New Orleans and Kansas City.

New York VFW Partners with Excelsior College

Randi Law — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:27:44 GMT

New York VFW Partners with Excelsior College VFW members and spouses are eligible for reduced tuition under new education partnership. 2011-03-22 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/New%20York%20VFW%20Partners%20with%20Excelsior%20College.JPG /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/New Yo

Nevada Post Raises Money Hosting ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Event

Randi Law — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:31:17 GMT

VFW Post 3819 members in Reno, Nev., gathered local celebrities to compete in a formal "Dancing with the Stars" event to raise money for their Post to support VFW programs and local service members. They teamed up with Salt and Pepper Productions to recruit star dancers and judges, including local TV and radio hosts, the owner of a local semi-pro basketball team and Miss Reno Rodeo. A state senator and the current Miss Nevada also served on the judging panel as the night’s professional judges.

Nevada Archery Club Donates to NMS

Cara Putthoff — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:40:18 GMT

The Elko Archery Club in Elko, Nev., recently donated $500 to VFW’s National Military Services (NMS). The club is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering, expanding and perpetuating the practice of field archery, as well as the use of bow and arrow to hunt wild game.

Military Moms Receive Priceless Mother’s Day Gift

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:19:21 GMT

Mothers of deployed U.S. troops received very special gifts this Mother’s Day, thanks to a VFW Operation Uplink^TM“Free Call Day,” sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. The Free Call Day allowed overseas military personnel to call home free-of-charge and personally wish their moms a happy Mother’s Day.

Military Families Treated to Special Day at Arrowhead Stadium

Jennifer McDonald — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:39:47 GMT

The VFW teamed up with the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 6 to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members with Military Appreciation Day at Arrowhead Stadium.

The VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) hosted a hospitality tent before the game and the VFW Foundation provided fans at the game with giveaways and VFW merchandise for sale throughout the stadium. The Chiefs also made VFW Adjutant General Allen “Gunner” Kent an honorary coin toss captain for the game.

Michigan VFW Post Awarded $25,000 Gift Card

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:17:40 GMT

Taylor, Michigan VFW Post 4422 was the September winner of The Home Depot Foundation’s “Aprons in Action” program! The Post received a $25,000 gift card from The Home Depot to renovate the exterior of their facility. The building is over 60 years old, and renovations will include landscaping, painting, and installing a war memorial and garden. The modifications will finalize a complete remodel of the facility. The Post has already recently redone the hall and club room and is currently remodeling the kitchen.

MAP’s Adopt-A-Unit Brings VFW’s Support to Troops

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:15:50 GMT

When a member of VFW Post 8713 in Brooksville, Fla., learned he would deploy to Afghanistan, his VFW comrades and sisters wanted to show their support. They decided to adopt his unit, 3/20^th Special Forces Group (SFG) Support Company, through the VFW Military Assistance Program’s (MAP) Adopt-A-Unit.

MAP Grant Helps Post Organize Women Veterans’ Conference

Randi Law — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:54:22 GMT

MAP Grant Helps Post Organize Women Veterans’ Conference The VFW works hard to ensure that no women veterans are ever forgotten 2011-01-03 /uploadedImages/VFW.org/News_and_Events/Press/MAP Grant Helps Post Organize Women Veterans Conference thumb.jpg Women play an important role in the military. Th

Lt. Gov. Sheehy Thanks Nebraska VFW for Donation Benefitting Veterans Home Residents

Alicia Diaz — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:27:58 GMT

Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy today thanked the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for a contribution totaling nearly $27,000 that helped provide four new vehicles for use at the state’s veterans homes.

Invisible Wounds Leave Marine in Need of Help

Jennifer McDonald — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:53:43 GMT

Marine Cpl. Ricardo Aponte was honorably discharged in 2009 after serving in Iraq. Though he looked healthy when he returned home, he, like so many others returning from the battlefield, was carrying invisible wounds with him, facing PTSD and depression.

Insurance Mix-Up Leaves Military Family in Trouble

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:06:05 GMT

While in Afghanistan, Army National Guard SPC Jesse Clark jumped from a helicopter nine feet off the ground while loaded with all of his gear. Ever since he has suffered back pain and leg numbness, which doctors attribute to damaged disks in his back. Jesse was honorably discharged, and between his frequent medical appointments and pain medications, he is unable to work.

“This injury has been an ongoing problem for Jesse since his return to the States in November 2010. He has been receiving heavy pain medication treatment since June 2011,” explained Jesse’s wife, Stephanie.

Ill Soldier Awaiting VA Rating Increase Gets Boost from VFW Program

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:55:22 GMT

Army National Guard SSG Travis Alberhasky contracted a serious condition called avascular necrosis from medication he was prescribed while serving in Kosovo. Since the onset of the condition, Alberhasky has had surgeries to replace both hips, and now needs both shoulders replaced as well. Although his health improved following the hip surgeries, he was still unable to work. Alberhasky’s medical NCO told him about VFW’s Unmet Needs program, which provides emergency grants to service members who face unexpected financial difficulty. The recipients need never repay the grant.

High School Student Supports Military Families with Fundraiser

Randi Law — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:23:42 GMT

High school student Heidi Murr needed to complete a project to fulfill a graduation requirement. Though she knew she wanted her project to benefit the community in some way, she wasn’t sure how.

After much planning, she decided on a fundraiser for VFW's Unmet Needs program. The benefit took place at VFW Post 418. Money was raised through the sale of dinner and raffle tickets. With nearly 150 people attending the event, Heidi was able to raise $1,800 for the Unmet Needs program, far more than she anticipated.

High School Band Supports Troops Through VFW Program

Jennifer McDonald — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:22:12 GMT

The Carroll Dragon Band at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas paid tribute to our troops with their 2011 competition show, “To Honor Those Who Serve and Protect.” The show was set to military‐themed music and allowed the band an avenue to show their support for U.S. service members. Wanting to do more than simply honor the troops though, the band researched ways they could directly impact those who are fighting for our freedoms overseas.

When they came across VFW’s Operation Uplink^TM program while researching phone cards online, it seemed like a great fit. They would tie-in the band’s military-themed show with a home football game and hold a fundraiser for Operation Uplink.

Around 10,000 fans attended the game against Carroll High School’s cross-town rivals, and donations totaled nearly $6,500.

Georgia VFW Post Strives to Keep Troop Morale High

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:22:34 GMT

Warner Robins, Ga., VFW Post 6605 Commander Ben Damron knows it’s crucial to keep morale high for troops protecting our freedoms overseas. To help accomplish this, Post 6605 adopted the 116^th Air Control Wing (ACW) through the VFW Military Assistance Program’s (MAP) Adopt-a-Unit. The 116^th ACW isn’t just any unit to Post 6605 either; several of its members belong to Post 6605.

George Lisicki thumb

Randi Law — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:54:52 GMT

Family Gets a Hand Up from VFW Unmet Needs

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:18:38 GMT

Deployments are never easy on any military spouse, but it was particularly hard on Jackie Foster when her husband Dale was deployed.

Jackie suffers from severe immune deficiency disorder and has frequent medical appointments for her treatment. She’s unable to work because of her health issues, so the Fosters rely solely on Dale’s income.

When Jackie’s vehicle needed repairs it put her in a tight spot. Not only did she require transportation to get to her many appointments, but the Fosters needed financial assistance for the unexpected car repairs.

Dedicated Warrior Receives Needed Assistance

Alicia Diaz — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:32:16 GMT

Michael is a dedicated fighter for his country, but after returning home to the nation he gave so much to, he wasn’t able to maintain a civilian job due to his injuries. His family was in a tight spot and needed help, so he sought advice from a VA representative.

Convention Attendees Donate to NMS Fundraiser

Jennifer McDonald — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:31:36 GMT

For the second consecutive year, VFW National Military Services (NMS) offered up a friendly competition between VFW and Ladies Auxiliary convention attendees at the 113^th VFW National Convention in Reno, Nev.

California VFW District Dedicated to Adopted Unit

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:52:51 GMT

In 2010 VFW District 22 in the Department of California and its Ladies Auxiliary adopted the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3) through VFW Military Assistance Program’s Adopt-a-Unit.

Arkansas VFW Post Works with NMS to Assist Family

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:21:44 GMT

Michelle Brandon's car needed unexpected repairs while her husband was deployed, and Michelle needed some assistance. She reached out to VFW National Headquarters, who worked with Benton, Ark., Post 2256 Commander Mike McCune to get her assistance. Mike and other Post 2256 members promptly purchased replacement parts for the car and installed them themselves, free of charge to the Brandons. Post 2256 was then reimbursed for the cost of the parts by VFW’s Unmet Needs program

‘Toast the Troops’ Wine Tasting, Silent Auction Benefits VFW Programs

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:42:41 GMT

More than 50 guests attended the event, raising over $400 for the Platoons Forward program and over $1,500 for Operation Uplink.

‘NMS Services Challenge’ a Huge Success

Jennifer McDonald — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:45:32 GMT

At the 112th VFW National Convention, VFW National Miliary Services thought a fun way for attendees to support the troops would be through a contest called the NMS Services Challenge. Veterans from each branch of service and Ladies Auxiliary members would compete against each other to see who could donate the most money to NMS.

'Commander George Lisicki Veterans Apartments' to open on October 27th

Randi Law — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:57:33 GMT

[Carteret] Mayor Dan Reiman will be joined by the Borough Council, residents, and military veterans on October 27th for a Ribbon Cutting ceremony, formally unveiling “The Commander George Lisicki Veterans Apartments,” Carteret’s first veterans’ apartment building. The project has been dedicated in honor of past National Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander George Lisicki, an advocate of a number of nationwide programs and services.