Tag Archive: service officer

“No One Does More for Veterans”

by Mike Denton 

VFW No One Does More for VeteransFrom time to time, It is good to be reminded of our core purpose, as occurred recently to your commander.

One day in late March, I received a call from my wife Linda at her office at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds, to tell me of a veteran who had come to the Church seeking help. Having connected this Iraq War veteran to Catholic Community Services to do what they could, Linda thought to turn to me to seek more immediate help from VFW for this army veteran .

I learned that this was a family of four, including three young children, with no real income at the moment, who desperately needed food, money for utility bills and gas for their car.

In the course of two days, I had the opportunity to see what can be done for veterans in need. By teaming with our outstanding Service Officer, Don Whedon, all of this family’s immediate needs were met and the veteran introduced to the sources of help he needs to get on his feet.

My point? There is a place for all of us to serve in our Veterans Relief services. If you learn of a veteran in need, don’t hesitate to contact our Service Officers, Don Whedon and Paul Russo to find help. Likewise, your commander is available to coordinate efforts where needed. Let’s all remember why the VFW exists. No one does more for veterans.

Where Does Our Relief Funds Go?

We raise a lot of money handing out Buddy Poppies. How do we spend it? Not a single penny goes to the Post or to overhead. Here’s this year’s budget:

Service Officer – $2,500
Special Olympics – $ 500
Scholarships – $4,000
Fallen Heroes Project – $2,250
Youth Programs – $1,000
Fisher Houses – $2,000
Teacher of the Year – $ 500
Santa’s Castle– JBLM – $1,000
Student Essays – $ 750
Chaplains’ Offices – $1,500
Veterans Homes – $2,000
Semper Fi Fund – $ 500
National Home for Children – $1,000
Wounded Warriors – $ 500
National Military Services – $1,000
CRISTA Camps – $1,000
USO – $1000
NW Battle Buddies – $ 500
Rainier Therapeutic Riding – $ 500
Wreaths Across America – $ 500
Misc./Contingency – $1,200