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Some of the VFW's objectives are:
- Provide assistance to the VFW Post and its members whenever possible
- Provide assistance to the any Veteran and Veteran rganizations whenever possible
- Foster true Patriotism and an appreciation for those that serve
- Maintain and extend the Institutions of American Freedom, Equal Rights and Justice to all men and women
- Preserve and Defend the United States of America from all her enemies
To accomplish these objectives, the VFW has established several programs as listed below:
AMERICANISM
Members of the VFW are proud of our history of dedication to
promoting Americanism. Through Patriotic Education, Citizenship
Education and Flag Etiquette demonstrations we hope to foster the love
of country within our communities.
PATRIOTISM
Through dedicated programs of loyalty and patriotism the VFW
shows our gratitude for the dedicated service the veterans gave on our
behalf and for our freedom. Although the weapons of war have changed
over the years, the challenge to stand up for what we believe has not.
We salute the veterans and active military who have answered their
eountry's call to arms. The National Flag represents the living country
and is considered to be a living thing, emblematic of the respect and
pride we have for our Nation. Our Flag should be displayed proudly in a
place of honor.
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
The "Voice of Democracy" audio essay competition offers an opportunity
to instill the proud legacy of patriotism in the young people. Students
are encouraged to appreciate values and ideals for which the veterans
sacrificed so much. Each year the National VFW picks a theme for the contest and the Post awards the winners a cash prize and they go on to compete at the district level, and potentially the state and National levels.
PATRIOTS PEN
The "Patriots Pen" written essay competition offers an opportunity
to instill the proud legacy of patriotism in the young people. Students
are encouraged to appreciate values and ideals for which the veterans
sacrificed so much. Each year the National VFW picks a theme for the contest and the Post awards the winners a cash prize and they go on to compete at the district level, and potentially the state and National levels.
AVON HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
The VFW sponsors a scholarship for seniors of Avon High School that display the values and contributions that align with
the work of Avon VFW Post 3272.
BUDDY POPPIES
We are distributing Buddy Poppies to the public. This hand-made symbol
of the Memorial provides an outstanding way for us to honor those who
died by helping their comrades who are now in need. Handicapped
veterans make the Buddy Poppies for the VFW. We purchase them,
providing a small income for that veteran. Then, we offer them to the
public as we solicit donations for our needy comrades and veteran organizations that help all veterans. We also use donations to contribute
to local charities in the Farmington Valley. All funds raised in this manner are reserved for this cause,
exclusively, we donate in excess of $12,000 anually to local and veteran charities. All through this process our veterans are helped. This is
a general outreach program for all veterans, not just VFW members.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
The VFW organizes and sponsors activities for the
neighborhoods where they live. We organize the Avon Memorial Day Parade, hold Veterans Day activities, put an American Flag on every veterans grave and much more.
These projects benefit the Avon, Canton, the Farmington Valley and your neighborhood, other organizations, institutions, or individuals.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
We have the responsibility to instruct the youth of our nation. Our
school age children must be educated in the history of our country, how
to honor and respect the Flag and the debt owed to our veterans. We are very active in the local schools and sponsor a variety of programs.
Today's children will be tomorrow's leaders. If our democratic way of life is to endure, our children must
know the struggles incurred to establish our government. If the
freedoms we enjoy are to continue for future generations, the children
must be taught to appreciate how precious these freedoms are. The youth
of our nation are our most precious commodity and our most valuable
natural resource. Children are not born with a love for their country,
honor for the Flag or respect for our veterans. They must be taught! We
must teach them!
VETERAN REHABILITATION AND SERVICE WORK
Rehabilitation is service to the veterans and their families after they
leave the hospital. We must never forget the sacrifices our veterans
have made to keep our country free. Our veterans and spouses who are
senior citizens are a cherished part of our community. We assist them
in many ways. By a telephone call, by a card or flowers we try to make
a bright spot in their day. Often, it is difficult for senior citizens
to get out. We offer them a ride to church or to the doctor or an
hour's outing. We are increasing our emphasis on service to homeless
veterans. We work with shelters, missions, food banks and thrift shops
who provide for the needs of homeless veterans.
NATIONAL HOME SUPPORT
The VFW National Home is a living, breathing memorial. Through Service
to our Veterans, the VFW has made a vow to provide love,
care and education to the children and grandchildren of our deceased or
disabled veterans. We must never falter in our efforts to provide a
nurturing and secure environment for tbe children of our National Home.
The home, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, is on 630 acres of farm
land and has 70 buildings that include brick homes, library, community
center, chapel, guest lodge, nursery school, teen center, fire
department, administration buildings and its own water treatment and
sewage plant. The Health and Happiness Christmas Cheer Fund assures
that eaeh child receives a Christmas gift and a gift for members of his
or her family.
Historical
Achivements of the VFW:
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Fought for military pensions and compensation/training for disabled
veterans after WWI.
•
Promoted and gained the WWI Bonus.
•
Planned establishment of the Veterans Administration in 1930.
•
Supported creation of the GI Bill of Rights after WWII.
•
Led development of the national cemetery system.
•
Lobbied for creation of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in 1970.
•
Fought for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange.
•
Encouraged elevation of the Veterans Administration to the President's
cabinet.
•
Protected and enhanced the VA budget.
•
Preserved exclusivity of the VA hospital system for veterans.
•
Gained presumptive health care for Gulf War Syndrome victims.
•
Provided nearly $900,000 in national disaster relief since 1964.
•
Donated $42 million for cancer research and treatment over the past 43
years.
•
Raised $500,000 to provide 300,000 care packages to Desert Storm troops.
•
Contributed $607,000 to the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
•
Contributed over $200,000 to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
•
Contributed more than $100,000 to the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project.
The key to a well functioning VFW is to work closely
with the community to reach out to our Veterans, their families, our youth, and to each other to do the very best we can to
promote patriotism, community service, and support for the future of
our children. We strive to be a well respected and integral part of our
community, often joining forces with other organizations in striving to
meet the high standards and traditions of our national Veterans of
Foreign Wars organization.
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