NOT FOUND: VFW 1.jpgFollowing the Spanish-American War (1898) veterans found it necessary to come together to protect the rights of service men who gave their all for this great nation. Many soldiers came home from war sick and wounded, finding themselves with no medical care or benefits. There was a profound need that had to be met. Banding together and growing quickly, by 1915, membership was 5,000 and 200,000 by 1936. Today membership is 2.2 million, including auxiliaries, with 8,100 posts worldwide.
The VFW has been instrumental in establishing the Veteran’s Administration, creating the GI Bill, giving expanded educational benefits and improving VA medical centers.
More than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community are performed by VFW members each year and $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students are awarded, continuing the motto, “Honoring the dead by helping the living.”
The General John J. Pershing VFW Post 4647 on U Street is the largest post in California, with 1,600 members and has been making a difference since March 1956. Post Commander Dennis Anderson knew that, upon retiring from the Army in 2003, after 21 years, his next step was to join the VFW. In fact, his wife’s grandfather, Lou Baustian, was formerly the Post Commander, and is now Dennis’s senior advisor/ chief of staff. Lou, now 85, is also the bugler on the Post’s Honor Guard, which perform at military funerals and local events.
Senior Vice Post Commander Steve Milano joined the VFW because his cousin was post commander and said, “Write me a check.” The fact that Steve’s dad was a life member probably had some influence as well. While writing the check, Steve’s cousin added, “Be a life member – give a little bit of yourself.” Steve did just that, and has been giving ever since.
The Ladies Auxiliary began with the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of the military who wanted to help returning soldiers as well. It began at a time when women were not going to war, therefore not eligible to join the VFW.
NOT FOUND: VFW 2.jpgThere are also Men’s Auxiliaries for the members of the armed forces who have not served in a war, or the brothers, fathers, sons of those who have. Both the Auxiliaries host their own fund-raising events and activities to raise money for Veterans Health, education and community growth and awareness.
MOC AND MOCA
Military Order of Cootie. A dedicated and passionate group of effervescent post members who visit hospitalized veterans who “keep them smiling”. The hospitals visited on a regular basis are Mather, Reno, and Yountville. If you care to know how they got the name “cootie”, you’ll have to ask one.
Some of the ways our local VFW Post 4647 serves the community are by hosting several activities and events that have become area favorites.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
The Memorial Day Parade is a huge community favorite and has been sponsored by the VFW for 42 years. Steve Molina noted that, “If it wasn’t for the investment from the community, we wouldn’t have such a great parade. Their help makes the difference.”
For more information on how to get involved, call the VFW Post at 916-332-5950.
TENTH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Another annual event that kept coming up in conversation is the New York Life, The Ladies of AT&T and VFW Post 4647 Tenth Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The next one will be held at River Oaks course on September 27, 2009. There is a $10,000 hole-in-one contest, longest drive, raffle and door prizes. Cost is $85 per person and the entry fee includes golf, cart and a steak dinner at the post. All the proceeds from this event benefit the holiday food basket program and breast cancer research.
Reserve your spot by calling Steve Milano at 916-716-3798.
FIRST ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR
NOT FOUND: VFW 3.jpgA newer event to add to the list is the Vendor and Craft Fair. Everything from purses to gourmet dog treats. Contact Ladies Auxiliary Sr. Vice President, Cristy Peterson for more info 916-960-3254 or vendorfair@vfwpost4647.org
HOLIDAY BASKETS
Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets are prepared each year with the proceeds from the golf tournament and last year VFW Post 4647 gave 50 family baskets on Thanksgiving and 50 family baskets on Christmas.
FRIDAY NIGHTS
The joint is jumpin’ at the VFW Post with Karaoke, Dinner, Dancing and more. This is open to members and their guests.
These are just a few of the ways our very own VFW Post 4647 makes a difference in the lives of others. There are ongoing activities weekly at the post for members and guests. The facility is also available for rent to non-members.
If you are currently serving, or have served in the in Armed Forces, and have served in a conflict or war, you are eligible for membership at the VFW. Please call 916-332-5950.
If your parent, spouse, son or daughter has served, you may be eligible for the Men’s or Ladies’ Auxiliary.
If you care about your community and about our veterans, you are eligible to make a donation to this solid organization.
Remember to thank a vet and support out local VFW Post 4647 by attending any of the community events they sponsor.
Call 916-332-5950 for any additional information.