VFW, Auxiliary explains mission

On behalf of our organization VFW Post 8971 and Auxiliary, I would like the public to understand what we do for our community and veterans. First and foremost, we give back to our community. We are here to help their way through the VA system, or just moral support. The VFW Post 8971 also hold bingo sessions at the Jennings VA home, we want them to know that they are not forgotten by their fellow veterans and to provide them with a lit bit of pleasure.
We also give to our elderly of the community by holding bingo sessions at the local nursing homes at no cost to the homes or the residents. We provide a break in their daily routine and receive much joy seeing their smile when they win or simply thanking us for our time. At Christmas time we also buy gifts for the residents and deliver them.
We also try to encourage the youths of our community by sponsoring educational programs.
Each year we sponsor the Americanism, Patriot Pen, and Voice of Democracy programs in our schools, to encourage students to find out what our country is all about. The winning students are given a monetary prize and a banquet each year to reward them for their efforts. We also sponsor safety programs in conjunction with our local law enforcement and fire departments. Each year a $1,000 scholarship it given to a graduating senior at each of our local high schools. Every graduating senior is eligible to apply, not just a veteran’s family member.
We also donate to various charitable organizations such as St. Jude’s Children’s hospital, the Ronald McDonald house, and Louisiana Special Olympics just to name a few. Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies are for everyone in our community, not just for veterans, to come together to honor our country and its veterans. We feel that no veteran should ever be forgotten.
We would like for our community to know that we are helping and giving back to our country, that we are not just a bunch of old guys that get together once a month to eat and tell war stories. We would like everyone to remember United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
We want to welcome and encourage all eligible war time veterans to join the VFW. Our meeting are held the third Monday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. at the Post home at 3809 Hwy. 190.
Thank You.
VFW Post 8971 and Auxiliary.