July 2024:

June has come and gone. This month our incredible Post accomplished allot, we started our Burger and Steak Night to rave reviews! We were honored by the Fairbanks Host Lions to host another Quilt of Valor Ceremony where we honored our fellow Veterans Mr. Jim Wintz, Mr. Ken Krause, Mrs. Carol Kacal and Mr. David Kacal. It’s always a pleasure to see other Veterans receive their Quilt of Valor. If you know of a Active Duty or Veteran whom is deserving of this honor please submit a nomination online at https://www.qovf.org/nominate_qov_tbw_certify/ .

 

We had our Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony where WVJROTC presented the initial flag for retirement. If you would like you can go to our Facebook page and view the ceremony. This month members of the "Golden Heart Post” honored a fallen veteran at Birch Hill Cemetery by placing a grave marker on his grave. It was noticed during the May Birch Hill Cemetery Clean Up by Auxiliary Member Lt. Colonel Laura Fowle that only had a rock as a marker. This is a testament to our Family taking care of our Veterans. Mrs. Fowle (had knowledge of this veteran from her time on Active Duty and knew there was no family).

 

We spent time this month in the community by attending Military Appreciation Day at Growden field for the Gold Panners where we had membership and information table for Youth Scholarships available. Which ended in a downpour and game cancellation. Thanks for all that showed up!!! A shout out to our JROTC programs (Lathrop and West Valley) they did a great job given the conditions during the posting of colors.

 

A huge shout out to our Auxiliary for the incredible meal provided for Father’s Day, it was appreciative and enjoyed by all in attendance.

 

Many of our membership suffers from PTSD, June 27th was National PTSD Day; however, I remind everyone everyday should be PTSD awareness day. Many Veterans suffer from this, it is one of the leading causes of Suicide amongst Veterans. If you notice a fellow Veteran in need offer your time to listen or help, encourage them you seek professional help. Suggest they reach out to Department Surgeon Slick or Post Surgeon George. But most of all let them know we are here for them.

 

Special Thanks to the crew that came out on the 30th and help get the back door replaced, tent up and removal of deck, can’t forget the wonderful job Laura did getting the ladies latrine to the Rosie the Riveter going.

 

Commanders CHALLENGE for the POST and AUXILIARY to hold a special event this summer for our children, lets educated them in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America, what a Veteran means and encourage them to submit essays and artistic work for our Youth Scholarship Programs, while at the same time having a little fun and laughter.

I wish everyone a wonderful, fulfilling start to Summer, be safe!!!!!

"Golden Heart Post” VFW 3629

Commander