Veterans are a small segment of the American population, and combat veterans are an even smaller slice still. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the oldest continuing veterans’ organization and the one with the most selective membership requirement. Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars is, as is evident in its name, restricted to those who served time in a combat zone and possess a recognized campaign ribbon from the United States government.
The purpose of the VFW today remains faithful to its founders’ goals. It is particularly focused on the speedy rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans; assisting veterans’ widows, orphans and dependents in need; and promoting American values through constructive service in local communities and education in patriotism. Its acclaimed rehabilitation program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and non-members alike, in centers throughout the nation. At these centers it also offers guidance and aid in government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, and civil service employment preference.
Membership in the VFW today remains restricted to any active or honorably discharged officer or enlisted person who is a U.S. citizen and who has served in the armed forces “in any foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service shall be recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States military campaign medal.”
Post 9552 in West Lebanon is a proud representative of the VFW legacy. It meets every third Thursday at the American Legion Post 22 in Lebanon. The Post has been actively involved in 40 charities and charitable contributions during the past year alone. All combat veterans have a welcome home in Post 9552, where they can find camaraderie among fellow veterans of overseas conflicts. By advocating on behalf of all those who have worn our nation’s uniform, Post 9552 proudly serves our veterans, the active military and surrounding communities.
Mike Pollitt
West Lebanon
The writer is chaplain of Wood Guarino Memorial Post 9552.
We have at least one (probably more) black bear that cruises our neighborhood, usually on the night before trash day. They have figured our routines out, and they have figured out who doesn’t have garages or secure sheds for storing trash cans. Since we’re in that group, several years ago I spent time and money hunting for a bear-proof trash barrel, and I want to say that it really works. Our barrel has been knocked over countless times, thoroughly scratched on every side and even had the little knob on top of the lid chewed off –– and it’s held its own. Last night a bear tried again, for more than five minutes, and didn’t even run away when I turned on the outdoor lights (he only left when I yelled loudly), and it got me wondering how many trash cans he was going to get into on my road before dawn today. He keeps coming back because we have a few neighbors who don’t care if he gets into their trash.
If only businesses in the Upper Valley would make it easier to find bear-proof trash barrels! And please, everyone, don’t put your trash out until the day of trash pickup. Just this alone will go far in discouraging the bears who have figured out the easy pickings. It’s our responsibility and it keeps them safe.
Anne Donaghy
Plainfield