Feb 15, 2011
Members at VFW Post 49 in Mobile, Ala., know it’s important to recognize and honor all military units—large and small. They’re concerned that small detachment units don’t always receive the same recognition as their larger counterparts. Members decided the best way to address this concern was to officially adopt the 946th Forward Surgical Team through VFW’s Military Assistance Program’s (MAP) Adopt-a-Unit program.
The 946th Forward Surgical Team is small, with fewer than 40 soldiers. 16 are being deployed toAfghanistan. Though small in number, this team plays a vital role in the military. Their primary mission is to provide life-saving help to the wounded by controlling bleeding and stabilizing casualties until the wounded can be safely moved by helicopter to a hospital.
When LTC Peter Ray called the Post asking for help with a deployment ceremony for his unit, Post 49 knew this would be a great opportunity to pay tribute to these outstanding soldiers.
“We were confident our Post members and our community would be willing to work together to develop a ceremony that would honor the troops and families of the 946th Forward Surgical Team,” said Vicki Yanen, Post 49’s Junior Vice Commander.
More than 100 people attended the deployment ceremony held at Fort Whiting, and with the help of a MAP grant, the Post purchased sandwiches, chips, drinks, vegetable trays and cake for everyone to enjoy. Members of the Post opted for ready-to-eat food, so they would be free to visit with the soldiers and their families.
The event was a huge success. “Our community is more aware of who we are, and that we are here to serve those who serve and have served us best—our military and veterans,” explained Yanen. Post 49 sets a great example for the Mobile community and VFW Posts nationwide, reminding everyone the importance of honoring all military units.