Sep 18, 2008

On Sept 29, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will celebrate 109 years of helping military veterans and their communities. Beginning with the Spanish-American War, the VFW has endeavored to secure benefits for America’s veterans through legislation. The VFW represents millions of veterans who served honorably overseas in the wars and conflicts in which the United States has been involved. Russell T. Scott Post 5993 is one of more than 8,400 VFW Posts worldwide which include, along with their Ladies Auxiliaries, over 2.3 million members. Missouri claims more than 230 VFW Posts, and the VFW National Headquarters is located in Kansas City. Along with assisting veterans and helping them get what is due them, the VFW is actively involved in other areas, always mindful of its mission to “honor the dead by helping the living.” Members of the VFW promote patriotism, support a strong national defense, and perform valuable community service. VFW service officers are available to assist all veterans, and their families, in obtaining benefits. For more than three-quarters of a century the VFW Buddy Poppy campaigns have generated millions of dollars to aid needy veterans and their families. Community service is important, and VFW members assist various national and local organizations. Their two scholastic competitions provide more than $3.6 million every year to students across the nation. To be eligible to join the VFW, an individual must be a U.S. citizen and have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces in a foreign war or an operation recognized by a campaign medal; served in Korea between June 30, 1949 to present; or received hostile-fire or imminent danger pay. If you want to learn more, call Post 5993 at 683-6741 or attend their open house on Tuesday, Sept 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 402 W. Washington Ave., which is across from the Ava Post Office.