Local VFW and Legion Update

Local VFW Post 4067 and American Legion Unit 57, along with the Auxiliaries have been active within the community and state activities the last quarter of 2017. In addition to these groups, the Sons of American Legion and Juniors of the American Legion Auxiliary have been busy as well.

In September, the VFW hosted the Fall District Meeting, and were pleased with the turnout – a record for attendance in quite some time. At the meetings the two groups shared new information at the District and State level as well as upcoming projects for the two groups. Dinner was served at the VFW Club with several awards and individuals being recognized.

Vince and Carolyn Schmoeckel were presented with a plaque from the VFW for their years of dedicated service to Post 4067 and all veterans' support activities in the local community. Kari Hould was presented with a plaque also from the VFW, in appreciation "for meritorious and distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals of the VFW of the USA by Post 4067".

September was suicide awareness month and yellow ribbons were provided to the guests at the District meeting.

SAL and Junior ALA members presented a follow-up of a 4-H project "Old Glory" at the VFW, American Legion and both auxiliaries.

Throughout the year the VFW and American Legion Auxiliary members have presented community members with certificates in recognition and thanks for flying their flag and also to those who display the Green Lights On Til All Our Soldiers Come Home campaign.

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary stepped up to the plate and accepted the call and nominations and installed District President Carolyn Schmoeckel, Secretary-Treasurer Krista Fahlgren and Historian Kari Hould.

In October the Sons of the Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary participated in the Parade of Lights sponsored by the Chamber and the SAL took second place. The theme of the float was "Peace on Earth began with the soldiers" – with the float holding the SAL youth in a reenactment of Iwo Jima – including Ira Hayes.

Members also worked to refurbish the electric light above the VFW, bringing new life to the sign with the logo on it.

The American Legion added new members during the last quarter and also made financial donations to various community groups. The American Legion also hosted the fund raiser evening to "generate" funds for a generator for KMMR to allow service in case of emergencies. The group also made a financial contribution toward the goal.

The Sons of American Legion and Juniors of American Legion Auxiliary youth gathered and prepared ornaments in honor of the Veterans who have died in 2017. These ornaments were placed on the tree at the VFW.

Members of the AL and VFW and Auxiliaries took part in a Veteran's Day program at Malta High School on November 10th. The groups hosted dinner for the Veterans and served about 80 people on November 11th. Door prizes were awarded to Veterans.

Local individuals assisted the VFW and Auxiliary by helping judge the entries (68) for the Patriot's Pen essay and the Voice of Democracy competition. These winners were then submitted to District level as well.

The ALA had a busy evening determining the winners of the Christmas card for Veterans coloring contest. The winners were presented with gift certificates at DQ.

The VFW Auxiliary submitted two local teachers for local competition as the VFW Teacher of the Year. These teachers have advanced to District competition.

The American Legion Auxiliary donated funds to the Grace Home in Great Falls which houses displaced and homeless Veterans. They also contributed to the K-9 Care program, which was raising money to train a K-9 for use by a Veteran.

Names of local safety individuals were nominated by community members and submitted for the VFW Safety Awards of the Year, including Fireman, Law Enforcement and EMT. The names of these individuals were then submitted for the Montana VFW State Safety Awards.

American Legion Auxiliary members provide stars for the doors of Veterans at the Hi-Line Retirement Center in November and poppy wreaths in December. Also in December the American Legion Auxiliary gathered treats and prepared trays for Veterans and their families. Approximately 20 sets were delivered within the community.

A combined effort of the VFW and American Legion members attended the program at the local Boy Scout meeting and did a flag presentation for the group.

Members of the VFW and American Legion provide military honors at all funeral and burial services to which they are requested. When possible, a picture cd is provided to the family for a keepsake. A luncheon is also served to family and friends when requested. At invitation, a member of the American Legion and VFW will serve at the Wake of a deceased Native American, staying with and supporting the family during the time prior to funeral.

The new year will bring new projects to all the groups. The groups are always open and welcome new members. To be a member of the VFW one has to have served in the military overseas during war time and American Legion membership is open to those who served stateside. To be a member of the Auxiliaries one either must have served under the same parameters or have a family member who did. Both Auxiliaries are open to both men and women.

High school students in the county entering a field of study in college related to the medical field are encouraged to remember the $500 scholarship that can be applied for as well. The deadline for application is March 1 and application information has been provided to each school in the county, including home school students.

This is just a quick rundown of some of the activities and services the groups offer to the community. New members are always encouraged. Contact any member of the groups if you are interested in membership.