Ledyard VFW Post 4608

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 VA Hospital Christmas Drive in Progress

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:58:17 GMT

Each year Ledyard VFW Post 4608 collects and donates items to the patients at the VA Hospitals in Connecticut. Throughout the year patients and hospital administration, make “wish lists” of what they need and desire. While Ledyard VFW makes their donation in December, both material and monetary contributions and donations are accepted throughout the year. The monetary donations are used to buy items not donated.

Items donated are dispensed by the hospital on holidays and patient birthdays as well as at Christmas time through the hospital “Adopted Veterans”, “Secret Santa”, and general holiday gift giving programs.

VFW Post 4608 is in the midst of the 2008 drive. For donation item ideas please visit the Post 4608 “News & Activities” webpage section, at http://www.orgsites.com/ct/vfwpost4608/index.html. Mail donations to Ledyard VFW Post 4608, P. O. Box 11 Ledyard CT 06339, or you can contact Post Commander Merlin L. (Bud) Evered at 860-464-6540. The Post will be happy to pick up your donation.

Please help us make this years drive a success and help us thank those who have answered the Nation’s call to serve and defend the nation. Your donation will put a smile on the VA Hospital patients face as well as reinforce to them that they have not been forgotten or abandoned.

Over the last eight years, Ledyard VFW, with the help of generous donations from the community, has donated an average of more than $600.00 per year. With your help, we can equal or exceed this amount in 2008.

Homeless Veterans need Our Help

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:58:42 GMT

This is the season of peace and hope, one of carrying and giving. One group that we can reach out to and help is the homeless veteran. There are many ways you can help. Get in touch with local community-based organizations that provide services to homeless veterans, and offer to help. For a list of providers in Connecticut or any state, visit www.nchv.org. To find the nearest VA Medical Center, call (877) 222-8387.

You can also volunteer for homeless veteran “stand downs,” support emergency shelters, or serve as a mentor, counselor or legal aide for veterans living in transitional or permanent housing.

The homeless veterans were there when the country needed them. Now they need our help. Let us be there for them. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) can be reached at (800)-VET-HELP (838-4357).

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a 13-member board of directors. NCHV is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year. NCHV also serves as the primary liaison between the nation’s care providers, Congress and the Executive Branch agencies charged with helping them succeed in their work. NCHV's advocacy has strengthened and increased funding for virtually every federal homeless veteran assistance program in existence today.

NCHV was organized in 1990 by a small group of community-based service providers who were troubled by the disproportionately large percentage of homeless people who are veterans and the lack of veteran-specific programs to help them.

The NCHV mission is to end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 Announces 2008-2009 Essay Contest Winners

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:30:38 GMT

Voice of Democracy/Patriot Pen Chairman Henry (Buz) Graves, Jr. announced the winners of the VFW sponsored 2008-2009 essay contests at the Post 4608 monthly meeting held on November 10.

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. The first-place winner, who competes with all the first-place VFW State winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Besides competing for the top scholarship prize, as well as other national scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000, each State first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The 2008-2009 theme was “how the service and sacrifice by America’s Veterans benefit today’s youth”. Essays are judged on treatment of the theme, organization and expression of the ideas presented, and clarity and creditability of the oral delivery.

Patriot's Pen is a nationwide youth-essay writing contest that gives students in grades 6, 7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Annually, more than 115,000 students participate in the contest. The first-place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond. State winners compete in a national competition and receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. The 2008-2009 theme was “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored”.

Both essay programs are endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The all expense trips to Washington D. C. are sponsored by the Target Corporation.

The 2008-2009 Voice of Democracy first place winner for the Ledyard VFW Post was Callie Bateman. Callie is the daughter of Mark and Paula Bateman of Seabury Avenue Ledyard and the sister of Chelsea Bateman, a previous Voice of Democracy winner.

Voice of Democracy Program Second Place winner was Jonathan Huang. Jonathan is the son of Jian Shi and Ming Huang of Autumn Way Ledyard. Third Place winner was Brandy Morneau. Brandy is the daughter of Paul and Trudy Morneau of Ocean Avenue New London. Receiving Honorable Mention was Jessica Franco, Jasmine McDowell, and Michele Saums.

The Ledyard VFW Post 4608 2008-2009 Patriot Pen winner was Francis Brunner, son of Michael and Theresa Brunner of Birch Street Ledyard. Francis is enrolled in the Mother of Divine Grace Home School Program. Chairman Graves remarked on the enthusiasm shown by this years contestants and that all worked hard making their essay special and just right. All the essays were very good, interesting, and comprehensive, making it very challenging for the judges to pick the winning essay. Chairman Graves expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ledyard school principals and staff. Their contributions helped make the program rewarding for the student and a success.

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 congratulates and is proud of all the fine young people who took part in this years contest. The Post wishes Ms. Bateman and Mr. Brunner continued success and the best of luck as they move on to the Connecticut VFW State competition.

Post Commander Evered commended Chairman Graves for his administration of this year’s program. The Commander spoke for the entire Post when expressing the thrill and admiration he feels as he meets and interfaces with the fine young adults in our schools.

Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) honors loved one's service

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:11:10 GMT

Presidential Memorial Certificate Family members of honorably discharged deceased veterans are eligible to receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) expressing the nation’s gratitude in memory of their loved one’s service. The PMC is an engraved paper certificate signed by the sitting President to honor the memory of the departed loved one. More than one certificate may be provided. Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply for the certificate in person at any VA regional office, by U. S. Mail, or toll-free fax. By mail or fax you will need a copy of VA Form 40-0247, which you can pick up at VA offices around the country or on the VA website www.va.gov and a copy of the veteran’s DD214 or discharge papers. Copies of DD214 can be requested through the National Archive website http://www.archives.gov/veterans/. For more information and history on the PMC program visit http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/pmc.asp The mailing address for the PMC is: Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C) 5109 Russell Rd. Quantico, VA 22134-3903

The fax number for the PMC is:

(800)-455-7143

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 Makes Donations

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:30:47 GMT

Through the Post’s community outreach program and in keeping with their Post objectives Ledyard VFW Post 4608 donates to causes and programs brought to their attention.

At a recent Post Meeting, the membership discussed and approved donations to several local organizations and programs.

The Post donated to SUBVETS of Groton for Thanksgiving dinners for active duty personnel, police, firefighters and others: to the VFW National Home for Children: the Red, White and Blue Mass held at the Norwich Cathedral, and VFW Post 6391, Port Allegany, PA.

The SUBVETS annual Thanksgiving dinner provides meals to many service members, first responders, shut-ins, and others who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The VFW National Home provides care, guidance, and education programs for children youth and family members of VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary. The Red, White and Blue Mass is a annual Mass recognizing the service member and veteran. The Port Allegany, PA VFW Post was the victim of a fire bombing which destroyed the Post.

Thank a Veteran on Veterans Day 2008

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:44:10 GMT

Shortly the Nation will recognize Veterans Day. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was to commemorate the 11^th hour of the 11 day of the 11^th month as the moment the “war to end all wars [World War I] ended. After World War II Armistice Day became Veterans Day and designated as a day to remember all of the Nation’s veterans. To celebrate and recognize all the citizens who answered their countries call.

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 asks all citizens to join with us, other VFW Posts, and the State and National VFW Headquarters in recognizing and thank America’s veterans. Take the hand of that Vet in your family, your workplace, or in public and tell them “thanks”.

Veterans Day was once a widely celebrated holiday. There were parades and ceremonies in most communities. While there are still some parades and ceremonies, Veterans Day is increasingly forgotten by many Americans. The percentage of citizens who have worn the uniform of this great nation is forever shrinking. Far too often today, the significance, remembrance, understanding, and appreciation of this important national holiday goes unnoticed and is often ignored or misunderstood.

To help counter this trend, the VFW has long promoted Veterans Day as an opportunity to educate and highlight to the public the meaning of this significant day in November. This is accomplished through what the VFW refers to as the five “Ws”.

Who. As a nation, we remember all Americans who served on active duty in the armed forces. Those members of the armed forces, who made the ultimate sacrifice, while never forgotten, are remembered and mourned on Memorial Day. Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly honor and commemorate the contributions of living veterans.

What. Collective as well as individual contributions to the nation’s defense are what we are remembering. The out come of any given military campaign is irrelevant here. It is the veteran’s efforts and sacrifices made at the behest of the nation that is important.

Where. Across the nation, there are monuments, memorials and plaques honoring those who have served. Be it a state capital or the nation’s capital, a courthouse, a public park or an American Legion or VFW Hall. Some of these monuments, memorials, and plaques are as old as the Revolution and as new as the Iraq War. Paying homage to veterans need not necessarily be in a public place. It can be in your home, the home of a friend or neighbor, or the work place. The important thing is to pause, reflect, remember, and thank and recognize the veteran.

When. As a Nation it is essential that we preserve the integrity of November 11 as that one extra-special day for the American people as a whole to pause and remember in silence or demonstrate public recognition for the contributions and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans.

Why. Remembering gives true meaning to sacrifice and service. Millions of Americans’ lives were profoundly and forever altered because they donned a uniform to protect the freedoms and rights we take for granted. We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to them.

If not everyday, Veterans Day is the time that we pay honor and recognize that sacrifice and service. It is our way of keeping faith, our way of reaching out, our way of honoring, and our way of saying thank you.

Remembering America’s warriors is often an afterthought for many Americans. Ledyard VFW Post 4608 asks everyone to make November 11, 2008 different. Attend a Veterans Day service or celebration, seek out that Vet and say “thank you”. Pause, remember and say a prayer for the Vet struggling with a wound or a disability. There are 23.8 million veterans living in America. We all know one or more. Stop and tell that Vet “thank you, well done”.

VFW Voice of Democracy & Patriot's Pen Essay Contests

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:04:05 GMT

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 is encouraging all Ledyard High School and Middle School students to participate in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship contests.

Besides competing for the top scholarship prize, as well as other national scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000, each State's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Target Corporation.

The VOD program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme. The VOD 2008-2009 theme is "Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth by ... "

The Patriot's Pen is a youth-essay writing contest endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' and is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6,7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Annually, more than 115,000 students participate in the contest.

Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first-place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. The Patriot’s Pen 2008-2009 theme is “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored”.

Historically, the themes (annually chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief) are purposely kept broad in scope to allow the participant flexibility in interpretation to encourage originality. Since the VFW is a patriotic organization, the annual theme always will be related to patriotism.

The deadline for essay submission for both programs is November 1, 2008. Interested students should see their teacher or councilor for information and applications. More information is also available from the Post 4608 website at http://www.orgsites.com/ct/vfwpost4608, or by emailing juma7@comcast.net, or calling Post Commander Merlin (Bud) Evered at 860-464-6540.

VFW Post 4608 Collecting Campbell Soup/Product labels for the VFW National Home for Children

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:03:46 GMT

The VFW National Home for Children recently took delivery of it fourth new minivan earned through the Campbell’s soup “Labels for Education” program. A 2008 Dodge Caravan was purchased with over 1.5 million donated soup labels.

Residents of the VFW National Home count on the home’s motor pool for transportation to school, church, doctor and counseling appointments and other off-campus events.

The Campbell Soup “Labels for Education” program enables the VFW National Home to order materials necessary for programming needs in the education and recreation departments.

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 maintains an ongoing label collection campaign. The Post is always accepting Campbell soup labels, from the membership and the general public, for forwarding to the National Home. If you can help, drop your labels off at a Post meeting or send them to the Post at Post Office Box 11, Ledyard, CT 06339.

In addition to the soup labels, the national Home can accept other proofs of purchase (i.e. UPC symbols, lids, cash register tapes) from other Campbell’s products. Many product labels qualify for the program such as Campbell, Chef’s Kettle, Early California, Franco-American, Marie’s Dressings, Mrs. Pauls, Open Pit, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Sanwa, Specialty Kitchens, Swanson, V8, Vlasic. You only need to provide the front label from most soups and products. Visit the Post website at http://www.orgsites.com/ct/vfwpost4608/ for a complete list of qualifying labels and what to save from the label.

Just think of the impact we can have and how we can help the VFW National Home if at the beginning of each month we address an envelope to the Post and tape it to the refrigerator. During the month, we put qualifying labels in the envelope. At the end of the month send the envelope along to the Post and start a new envelope.

Your collection and forwarding of labels to Post 4608 can make the difference. Individually our collections may seem small and insignificant, but collectively they grow and multiply. More importantly, the VFW National Home for Children benefits immensely from this small act. Give it a try! Together we can make a difference.

VFW Wants the Modern Day Warrior

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:38:50 GMT

The VFW is a fraternal organization of men and women who have answered their nation’s call and defended the nation in foreign campaigns. The VFW works tirelessly on behalf of the veteran, active service person, and their families, and the community at large. Posts through out the nation and world are there making the lot of the veteran and the community better. All recent actions, the war on terror and submarine service meet eligibility requirements in the VFW. Ledyard VFW Post 4608 encourages military members, past and present to join the VFW. Join the Elite; Join the VFW.

In many respects, it is time for the baton of VFW support and activity to be transferred to the Veteran of the 1990’s and beyond. The benefits enjoyed by veterans and their families came only after hard fought campaigns in the halls of government by the veterans of World War II and Korea, and Vietnam. Each group appreciated what those before them had done and took on the challenge of continuing the fight.

The time has come for a new generation, a new perspective, a new energy to step up to the line and take on the fight for the benefit of the veteran of tomorrow. Modern Day Warrior, we need you to relieve the watch, assume your post, stand guard for those who will follow you.

A great way for you to meet this challenge and insure the benefits are there for the veteran of the future is to join the VFW.

The A. R. Evans, Jr. & C. A. Lutz, Sr. Post No 4608 of Ledyard Connecticut would love to have you join our Post. However, more important, if we are not the Post for you, consider one of the other fine Posts in the area. The important thing is that the veteran of tomorrow needs you today. Your biggest help to that future veteran is by joining the VFW. Join the Elite; Join the VFW. For more information visit www.vfw.org for the national office, www.vfwct.org for the Connecticut VFW Department, or www.orgsites.com/ct/vfwpost4608 for Ledyard VFW Post 4608.

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 Unveils Website

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:03:28 GMT

The A. R. Evans, Jr. & C. A. Lutz, Sr. VFW Post No. 4608, located in Ledyard CT, has unveiled it's new website. The site can be found at http://www.orgsites.com/ct/vfwpost4608/. The site is a "one stop" location for information about the Post. Information provided includes current Post events and activities, photo album, Post History, Military History and Trivia, Information on Post namesakes, listing of deceased members, contact information, and a message from the Post Commander.

For many many years the veteran of WWII and Korea carried the torch and fought for the rights and benefits of todays veteran. It is time for todays veteran to pick up that torch and to carry on, making sure the veteran of tomorrow is equally taken care of. Only you can do it.

Post 4608 is always seeking new members. Todays VFW is not your grandfather's VFW, for that matter it is not your father's VFW. Todays VFW is your VFW. Of members who joined last year, 50% were 40 years and younger; 33% were 30 years and younger. We can be your VFW Post.

Check out our new website, check out the Post. Join the Elite, Join the VFW.

Ledyard High School Junior is Essay Contest Winner

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:02:22 GMT

Dateline; February 19, 2008. Chelsea Bateman from Ledyard High School, who has been selected as The Ledyard Veterans of Foreign Wars “Voice of Democracy” winner, has won two more awards. Chelsea has been selected as the VFW Connecticut District 4 winner and then on Jan. 20, 2008 was awarded the State of Connecticut first-place winner.

The theme that the competitors were given to write about was, “My Role in Honoring American Veterans”. Chelsea wrote in honor of her grandfather, whom she calls, “Pepere,” A veteran of World War II, who resides in the Fitchburg, Mass., area.

Chelsea wants to be a nurse, helping veterans.

Chelsea's essay can be heard online at www.ledyard.net/LHS/index.html.

Chelsea has maintained honor roll status since entering Ledyard High School, achieved advanced level in all five sections of the Connecticut Academic Performance Test and raised $5,000 as treasurer of the Class of 2009, and she volunteers with area organizations and programs. She also participates in class plays at Ledyard High, is a member of various vocal groups, choirs and choruses in southeastern Connecticut, studies piano and plays other instruments.

The Ledyard Town Council and the Ledyard VFW Post 4608 gave Bateman an outstanding citizen/scholar designation at a recent council meeting. “Under this charter you shall hold and enjoy a place of high esteem in the minds and hearts of the people of the Town of Ledyard,” the citation reads.

The other Voice of Democracy Program winners in the Ledyard VFW Post 4608 competition were Kenneth M. Dunn, Second Place; Emily J. Nylander, Third Place; and Austin A. Samson, Honorable Mention. The Ledyard VFW Post is proud of Ms. Bateman and all of these fine young people.

September 8, 2008 Meeting Time Change

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:01:06 GMT

Post 4608’s upcoming meeting will be at 6:30 PM rather than the normal 1:00 PM. Please note that this is a change from our normal schedule so we are trying to publicize the change as much as possible.

Background: VFW Post 4608 meets the 2^nd Monday of each month at 1:00 PM in the Parish Hall at Saint David’s Church at the corner of Routes 12 and 214 in Gales Ferry. Many of our membership are WW II and Korean War Veterans and have difficulty or prefer not to drive at night. It is for this reason that we routinely meet in the afternoon.

The September 8 meeting will be held from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.

The Post tries to hold at least one meeting a quarter at night to accommodate those who are unable to attend an afternoon meeting. As a result, the evening meeting is not routine and maximum notification of the change is needed to be successful and to make the membership aware of the evening meeting.

Event Particulars:Who: Ledyard VFW Post 4608What: Monthly MeetingWhen: September 8, 2008; 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Saint David’s Church Hall, Routes 12 and 214, Gales Ferry

We encourage all Post members and interested VFW members to attend the September 8 meeting and look forward to seeing a great turn out. See you there.

Local Boy Scout Receives VFW Certificate and Award

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:03:05 GMT

On August 10, 2008 M. L. (Bud) Evered, Post Commander of A. R. Evans Jr. & C. A. Lutz Sr. VFW Post 4608, Ledyard Connecticut, attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor (COH) at the Ledyard Senior Center.

The COH was to honor Seth C. Adams. Mr. Adams is a member of Boy Scout Troop 16, Ledyard Connecticut. As part of the ceremony and celebration, in recognition of Mr. Adams’ attainment of Eagle Rank, Post Commander Evered presented the new Eagle Scout with the VFW Eagle Scout Certificate and the VFW Citizenship Medal. These awards are the highest awards presented by the VFW for achieving the Eagle Rank.

For his Eagle Project, Seth chose to lead the clearing and improvement of the trail between the Ledyard Senior Center and the Ledyard Elderly Housing Development. The trial was cleared, widened and completely surfaced with mulch to provide an even, soft walking surface. Two level areas along the trail were created for the placement of benches providing areas to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Seth is the son of Sharon and Christopher Adams. Seth graduated from Ledyard High School in June 2008 as an Honor Student. He will be attending Dickinson College in Carlisle Pennsylvania this fall. In addition to his course of study he will swim on the Dickinson Red Devil Swim Team.

The VFW established the first scholarship award of $300 for Eagle Scouts in 1929. The award recognizes scouts who demonstrate outstanding citizenship, patriotism and scholastic achievement in their private life and in the community.

Scouts who have earned their Eagle Scout Award, Venturing youths who earn the Venture Silver Award and Sea Scouts who have earned the Sea Scout Quartermaster Award are eligible to compete for this prestigious award. The VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship program now provides a $5,000 award to an outstanding scout who, in 2008, is the recipient of a Boy Scout Eagle Award, a Venture Scouting Silver Award or a Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. As an Eagle Scout, Seth is eligible to compete with Scouts throughout the nation for the VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship. The Post 4608 membership congratulate Eagle Scout Adams and wish him continued success in the future.

Submarine Service satisfies eligibility requirements for membership in the VFW

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:07:03 GMT

SSBN Nuclear Deterrent Patrol Breast Insignia (FBM Pin) now qualifies for membership in the VFW. Some other submarine operations also qualify. Ledyard VFW Post 4608 is actively recruiting new members. We encourage and welcome all veterans to join us. The A. R. Evans, Jr. and C. A. Lutz, Sr., VFW Post 4608, located in Ledyard is very active in the community. The Post promotes and sponsors the Junior High and Middle school essay programs known as Patriot’s Pen, and the High School scholarship program, the Voice of Democracy. The Post supports local youth activities such as the Boy Scouts of America. Annually the Post places flags on veteran’s gravesites in all town cemeteries, conducts the “Buddy Poppy” program and participates in town parades. The Post also maintains a fallen comrade memorial bench in Ledyard Center and is the caretaker of the William Williams Cemetery on Town Farm Road. Ledyard VFW Post 4608 meets on the second Monday of each month. For more information about joining Ledyard VFW Post 4608, for an application or for general information about the VFW, please email juma7@comcast.net or call Post Commander Merlin (Bud) Evered at 860-464-6540 The VFWOriginally founded in 1899 as the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the VFW continues to be a voice for veterans, currently deployed members of our Armed Forces, and their families. The 2.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries are located in 8,500 VFW Posts around the world. We are at heart an organization dedicated to providing a place for all of those who have sacrificed in our nation’s conflicts abroad. While we are a national organization, we express this dedication through our local posts and programs to support veterans, service members, and their families. The VFW welcomes everyone who meets VFW eligibility requirements, regardless of age, race, religion, or gender. The VFW Mission
The VFW’s mission is to support those who sacrifice so much for this country—veterans, those currently serving in our US Armed Forces, and their families. This is accomplished through direct veteran support as well as working with Legislators to insure the needs and wants of the veteran is known and addressed in appropriate laws and regulations.

Since 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has held its annual Poppy drive to raise money for needy and disabled veterans and their families. A portion of the proceeds benefits the privately funded VFW National Home for Children.

Since 1925, the VFW National Home for Children, located in Eaton Rapids Michigan, has been providing Help, Hope and Honor to our nation's heroes and their families.

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 holds 2008-2009 Officer Installation

Ledyard VFW Post 4608 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:04:37 GMT

Ledyard. At the May meeting, Ledyard Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4608 held an officer installation ceremony for the officers elected for the 2008-2009 year. Officers installed were Merlin L. Evered, Post Commander; William F. Gallagher, Sr. Vice Commander; George A. Patenaude, Quartermaster; James A. Knowles, Surgeon; James G. McKibben III, Chaplain; and Henry D. Graves, Jr., William F. Gallagher, and William E. Clarke, Trustees. Connecticut State VFW Surgeon Cortland Glennon officiated at the installation ceremony.

The VFW purpose is fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational. The VFW seeks to perpetuate the memory and history of those fellow Americans killed in war, to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; and to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom.

The VFW works on behalf of both veteran and active duty service men and women seeking improvements in benefits, such as improved veterans medical care and disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment, GI Bills for education, VA home loans and other veteran programs. For more than 75 years, the VFW's Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' welfare and the well-being of their dependents. The VFW National Home for Children provides a safe and loving environment for children in need. The National Home provide children, youth and families of members of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary opportunities for growth and development in a nurturing community, and by doing so, serves as a living memorial to all veterans. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives. In addition, the VFW honors an outstanding scout through the VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship program.

Locally Ledyard Post 4608, working closely with the Ledyard School System conducts the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay programs. The Post participates in placement of flags on veteran’s gravesites in Ledyard cemeteries and wreath laying ceremonies on Memorial Day.

VFW Post 4608 meets at 1:00 PM on the second Monday of each month in the St. David’s Parish Hall at the corner of Routes 12 and 214. Periodically an evening meeting is held to accommodate those unable to attend the afternoon meetings. Any veteran interested in joining Ledyard Post 4608 or seeking information in general about the VFW should contact Post Commander Merlin “Bud” Evered at 860-464-6540