Welcome to the VFW Auxiliary
Post 3466's site
We are the Capital city's post!
*Announcements*
The VFW post 3466 lost a wonderful member this week, Denver Lawson Freeman.
Click the picture to view his obituary.
Semper Fi, Lawson.
Military Retiree Appreciation Day is 2 May at Camp Dawson. There will be many services for retirees to learn about and access. Pre-registration is required, click the picture for registration.
*A big "CONGRATULATIONS" to the winner of the Patriot's Pen Essay, Gianna Desper! She wrote of what patriotism means to her. Ms. Desper said she was inspired by her uncle's military service. She says: "Patriotism isn't something we say but rather something to live every day...Patriotism isn't about waving a flag but showing respect, gratitude and pride in the United States."
Here's the link to learn more: We the People | VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay
Well, March certainly went out like a lion! Spring is around the corner, let's hope Mother Nature decides to behave herself for a while!
Here are some important events in April worth remembering:
*April is the month of the Military child. From the Dept of war: "There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service". Read more about it here.
*5 April is Gold Star Spouses Day. This day honors those who have lost a spouse in the line of duty. Per Veteran.com: "The tradition of the Gold Star dates back to World War 1".
*9 April is National Former POW Recognition Day. This day was created as a result of some former POW's seeking a day of recognition for the thousands of POWs. 9 April was chosen as that's when over 60,000 captives were taken by the Japanese army at Bataan in 1942.
*14 April is the Air Force Reserve's 78th birthday. Although they provided service prior to being formally recognized, the AFR was officially established in 1908 by President Harry Truman. Read more of their history here.
* 15 April is "Purple Up" Day. Wear purple to show your support for all of the military children.
*23 April is the 118th birthday of the Army Reserve. The Reserves were formally established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
What the VFW Auxiliary does
Overview of the VFW Auxiliary's Mission
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, established in 1914, is dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and their families. The organization unites individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: to serve those who have served in the military.
The VFW Auxiliary mission is to serve and support veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Established in 1914, the Auxiliary has been fulfilling its original objectives by supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving veterans, active-duty military and their families, and spreading patriotism nationwide. The Auxiliary is dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, service members, their families, and the communities they serve. Membership in the VFW Auxiliary is an excellent way to show your support of America’s veterans and to participate in community outreach and educational initiatives.
About VFW Auxiliary Post 3466
Our officers:
President: Carolyn Blankenship
Senior Vice President: Thomas Stevens
Junior Vice President: Nancy Shafer
Secretary: Lora Bibbee
Treasurer: Cynthia Eary
Chaplin: Jeannie Clark
Conductress: Diana Nicholas
Guard: Cecelia Young
Patriotic Instructor: Jeannie Clark
Trustee #1: Linda Freeman
Trustee #2: Diana Nicholas
Trustee #3: Nancy Shafer
VFW Auxiliary Post 3466 is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through community service and advocacy.
As a proud extension of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, we engage in activities that honor the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
Our organization fosters camaraderie, provides assistance to veterans in need, and promotes patriotic education within our local community.
Join us in our mission to enhance the quality of life for veterans and promote their welfare.
*Community Involvement*
On 2 April, VFW Auxiliary president Carolyn Blankenship and member Cheryl Jones presented goodie baskets to some staff at the Woody Williams VA hospital.
On 26 March, we honored the VFW post's Vietnam veterans. We served them cake and punch; they were also given a medal which honored their service. Welcome home!
For K-9 Veteran's Day, our Auxiliary presented Hercules and his owner, Andrew Sockett, a bag of dog food, a basket with toys and treats as well as a certificate honoring Hercules' service to Andrew. Hercules is Andrew's service dog, and per Andrew, he has significantly improved Andrew's quality of life.
A big "Thank You" to Andrew and Hercules!
On 25 February, we provided coffee and snacks for the patients at the South Charleston VA Clinic. As always, we had a great time with all of the veterans. Thanks to the staff for having us out!
Pictures from the flag folding ceremony at Celebration Villa on 13 November with Carolyn Blankenship, William White, Cheryl Jones and Sean Adkins-from the WV 82nd Airborne Association. A big THANK YOU to the staff for having us out, we enjoyed and appreciated it!
We participated in the Ripley Veteran's Day parade with the VFW. It was so cold, but we had a great time and were honored to pay tribute to all veterans with our own veterans!
10 November-Flag Ceremony at Harmony at Southridge with Sean Adkins from the WV Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association, VFW Post 3466 Commander William White, Post members Gary Knighton, Ricky Shafer and Auxiliary member Cheryl Jones.
A big "THANK YOU" to Harmony at Southridge for inviting us out to honor our veterans and to learn about the meaning behind the folding of a flag!
On 1 November, VFW Post 3466 had a poppy drive at Rural King to raise money to assist veterans. We would like to extend a big "THANK YOU" to Rural King for supporting our veterans and
allowing us to do this!
Some pics from the poppy drive at Rural King
**Interested in supporting our veterans of foreign wars? We organize "Buddy" Poppy drives to raise awareness and funds for veteran assistance. If you're hosting an event, let us know—we'd love to participate and help you show your support for our veterans of foreign wars! **
Resources for Veterans
(Click on the picture to visit the website)
Need something else?
Send us an email and we'll see what we can do for you vfwaux3466@gmail.com
Veteran's Crisis Line
Do you need immediate assistance? Please call 988 or visit the website.
VA Benefits
Just starting or need assistance with your VA benefits?
VA Hospital Locations
Are you looking for a local VA hospital? Go to the website, enter your location and the type of care needed.
Tired of solo missions? Find your new squad with VFW Combat Tested Gaming!
VFW Combat Tested Gaming
The VFW, America's largest combat veteran organization, founded CTG in 2023 alongside Crew Social Club to bring service members and veterans the ultimate gaming experience.
Ready to deploy into a community that gets you? Registration is 100% FREE! Join Combat Tested Gaming today and connect with thousands of military veteran gamers.
Housing, Food, etc.
The Kanawha Valley Collective is a housing and community resource agency for Kanawha, Putnam, Boone and Clay counties. They can also provide information for other areas in WV. You will be referred to agencies who work specifically with veterans.
Department of Health & Human Resources
Do you need assistance with community resources? Click on the picture for a link to all DHHR offices in WV. The counties are listed in alphabetical order.
Service Dogs
Have you ever considered checking into getting a service dog? Click on the picture and it will take you the VA page with an explanation and links.
Here is the link to one agency who has served veterans in WV:
Service Dogs for Veterans Charity in NY - America's VetDogs
Tagline
Sign up for the VFW Action Corps Newsletter
Keep up with the latest legislation events and how the VFW continues to advocate for our veterans
Are you interested?
Are you are a VFW Auxiliary eligible member looking for an Auxiliary post to join? Check out this link to find a post near you.
"Buddy" Poppies
How the buddy poppy came to be used by the VFW Auxiliary?
The Buddy Poppy program was established by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary to honor the sacrifices of American service members. The program was inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae and the need to provide relief for the people of war devastated France. The VFW Auxiliary began distributing Buddy Poppies in 1922, using poppies made in France and later incorporating artificial flowers due to delays in obtaining the original poppies. The VFW patented the name "Buddy Poppy" in 1924 and began using it to assemble poppies by disabled and needy veterans, who were paid for their work. The proceeds from the sale of Buddy Poppies are used to support the welfare of veterans and their dependents. The program has become an integral part of the VFW community, symbolizing the blood shed by American service members and the VFW's commitment to honoring their sacrifices.
VFW Auxiliary Meeting Protocol
Want to learn and understand how our meetings work?
Click on the link below and see how it's done!
Have any questions? Send us an email or come visit us, we'd love to see you!
We meet every 2nd Sunday at 2:00 and the last Thursday of the month at 6:00.
Genesis Fellowship Church
4032 MacCorkle Ave SW
South Charleston, WV 25309
