VFW CA Post 1716 - Freedom

CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Posted at 08:57 PM on Monday, December 29, 2008 by DD

Chaplain Kleinsmith delivered a beautiful 10 foot flocked tree ($210.00 value) donated by his cousins Paul & Eddie Battaglia of Battaglia Christmas Tree Farms in San Martin. The Auxiliary ladies and friends helped decorate the tree with garland and lights. Our annual ChildrenÕs Christmas party held December 20th was a huge success. Hot dogs, chips, punch, and cup cakes were served. Santa arrived and distributed a gift and a bag of goodies to all from his bag next to our decorated tree. Clarence the clown entertained everyone with magic. Fifty-three children attended this family event. Many thanks to all who brought deserts and all our volunteers. Trella Bailey was in charge of purchasing and wrapping the gifts for all the children, and this was a big job. Food was prepared by Gloria and Janice, Our elves Diane Morgan and Jenny Walker did a great job assisting Santa (Dickie Cecil). The Post donated $200 toward the party. Johnny Walker was our photographer. Thanks and appreciation goes out to everyone who contributed to make this day extra special.

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS

Posted at 09:03 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2008 by DD

We helped make both Thanksgiving and Christmas a little merrier for 11 veteran families and 30 veterans. All received food boxes and three received complete dinners. Everyone showed much appreciation. We thank all members who donated so many food items and those who gave monetary donations for our AuxiliaryÕs annual project. The Auxiliary purchased perishable items to round out the baskets Ð hams, eggs, margarine, fresh fruit, etc. Many hours were spent purchasing, sorting and making up the food boxes to be delivered. And Thanks go out to Alice Carreiro for chairing this project.

Wreaths Across America Wrapup

Posted at 05:33 AM on Monday, December 15, 2008 by DD

BUDDY POPPIES: PANHANDLING? SAY IT AIN'T SO!

Posted at 05:45 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2008 by DD

(via Dept of Wisconsin)

CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Posted at 01:37 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2008 by DD

Santa Claus asks that you do not forget to register your children, grand and great-grand children before December 1st for our annual Childrens Christmas Party being held Saturday, Dec 20th. Santa will be posting an elves volunteer list for Extra Helpers in the Canteen. When you prepare Christmas Cards, remember to send some to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and send them early. This party is put on by our Ladies Auxiliary. Your Post donated $200 and members donated another $200.00 toward the event. A real 10 foot Christmas tree valued over $200 was donated by the Battaglia Christmas Tree Ranch located off Hwy 101 and San Martin exit.

2008-09 VFW Program Guide available on-line

Posted at 03:26 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2008 by DD

All elected and appointed officers including all committee chairmen, should review the 2008-09 VFW Program Guide. It answers a lot of questions and covers our core programs, Youth and Teacher Awards, Special Projects, and Suggested Activities. Our Commander has a hard copy version and an E-version (2 Parts) can be seen at: http://www.vfw9401.org/Program_Guide_Part_1.pdf http://www.vfw9401.org/Program_Guide_Part_2.pdf

Military Mail Must Include Name; Mail to 'Any Servicemember' Won't Be Processed

Posted at 11:23 AM on Thursday, November 13, 2008 by DD

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2008--Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

If you would like to send a letter to military personnel visit a VFW post in your area for assistance. Find a VFW post in your area

The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes also have a program supported by DoD to accept cards and distribute them to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Click here to learn more.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.

Veterans Day 2008

Posted at 07:21 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 by DD

This day will begin at 6:30 a.m. with our volunteers setting out our Ave of Flags along both sides of Freedom Blvd, weather permitting. We expect the sun the break through allowing Adjutant Walker and fellow comrades to ride the antique red fire engine in the Veterans Day March down Main Street to the Veterans Memorial Building for the Veterans Day Program. The Honor Guard will begin at 8:00 a.m. performing numerous flag ceremonies throughout the city with rifle volleys and bugle calls and will be present to participate in the Veterans Day program at the Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building that starts at 11:00 a.m. Our ladies will be preparing a delicious breakfast for our Ave of Flag volunteers and a hearty lunch of hot roast beef for all our guests and members returning from the parade and program at the Vets Memorial building. Our Veterans Day Celebration only happens with the coordination and support of our Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 121 and Auxiliary, Watsonville Police Department, City leaders, Parks and Recreation Dept, and lots of supporters and volunteers. For more information regarding the Avenue of Flag, Parade and Program, contact Commander Ambriz or Adjutant John Walker. * For the schedule of the Honor Guard, visit their blog. [Link on the left side].

- Fort Ord Veterans Cemetery UPDATES -

Posted at 07:03 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 by DD

Post 1716 Honor Guard Cpt Joe Kleinsmith represents our Post in attending Monterey County Veteran Cemetery Citizens Advisory Committee and other meetings regarding the establishment of our Central Coast Veterans Cemetery at Fort Ord. For Update information "Click" on the Honor Guards link located on the left or go to: http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/

VFW Dept of California BLOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Posted at 01:59 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

The Dept CA VFW will reimburse the cost for up to ten (10) units of blood per year if the cost had to be paid by the member after all insurance coverage has been exhausted for all our members in good standing and their immediate family residing with them. CAVFW FORM-1b form must be completed in its entirety and have the invoice or receipt attached. This is another benefit for being a member of the VFW.

VFW Emblem & Supply Catalog - 10% Life Member Discount.

Posted at 01:55 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

Are you planning to make some purchases like a New Podium Edition, VFW Cap or clothing? To receive this discount, you must either call your order in using our toll free number, 1-800-821-2606, or you can fax the order at 1-816-968-1196. You may also mail it to them. Please include your Life Member number and date.

RECOGNITION OF EAGLE SCOUTS

Posted at 01:53 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

Our Post and Honor Guard would like to recognize every youths accomplishment who receives Eagle Scout rank with an Eagle Scout Certificate that is embossed with the Eagle Merit Badge and the boys name and troop number in gold with a blue velour folder. Troops an Santa Cruz County and members living outside the county with relatives attaining Eagle are asked to contact Honor Guard Cpt Joe Kleinsmith @ 831-588-5525 jkleinsmith@yahoo.com at least six weeks before the boys Court of Honor.

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS !

Posted at 01:50 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

It is time to clean out your kitchen and pantry cabinets. Again this year we will be distributing Thanksgiving and Christmas Boxes and Baskets to any member or veterans family who is in need. Last November we helped 8 veterans and 14 veterans and their families celebrate a Happy Thanksgiving. We need more help and would appreciate any canned goods (no dented or rusted cans please), non-perishable items, etc., that you would care to give. Please leave your donations with Trella or in the decorated barrel at the entry hall. Bring them every Friday when you come to dinner. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated and will be used for turkey, hams and other food purchases. All donations are tax deductible. If you are unable to bring a donation in, call the club to coordinate a pick-up. We appreciate your support in helping members, veterans and veterans families in need. God Bless. Alice and Jenny, Chairmen (831) 722-5228.

Auxiliary Membership

Posted at 01:49 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

We are proud of our auxiliary. There are a total of ten Ladies Auxiliaries in our district. Besides being the oldest in District 12, we are the only VFW Ladies Auxiliary in all of Santa Cruz County. We have 77 Life and 39 annual members. We ask our Annual members to be Early Birds and renew their memberships promptly, and that our life members pay their $5 Cancer Insurance dues.

Post Membership

Posted at 01:47 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

The VFW is doing everything possible to safeguard the veteran benefits and entitlements you earned!. It is very easy - and inexpensive- to take care of your VFW membership renewal for the coming year. We have 29 members who still need to renew their annual memberships. So I urge you to do it right now while your think of it. Be an Early Bird. We know times are tough. If your in financial distress and unable to renew your dues at this time, contact Cmdr Dave or Asst Quartermaster Walker today! They will help and it is kept confidential. Those who fail to renew their membership will have their VFW benefits, Magazine, Scuttlebutt, Insurance, and VFW privileges interrupted or stopped. A new VFW year has begun and we must continue to grow in size. Last year our membership was 246. We have 211 life members. Sadly we lost four members already this year; therefore we must do our best to invite and recruit new members. Lets welcome our newest members; Juan Majan, Armondo Rodriguez, James Snader, Marvin Rubin, Daniel Tryon, Richard Galloway and Ken Cakebread. Many are transfers from 7th Ave VFW Post 7263. Our VFW Post is not an old mans club or a bar, it is an organization of all ages. Recruit a new member. Remember, Freedom VFW Post believes in veterans helping veterans and their families.

SCUTTLEBUTT EDITORS COMMUNIQUE

Posted at 01:40 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

We want you to be kept up to date by receiving your Post/Aux Newsletter. Failing to letting us know of changes in your mailing addresses hurts; it hurts our post financially in paying returned postage and it hurts you because you miss delivery, you miss out in what is going on, and will be dropped off the mailing list at Post and maybe National as well. So when you move, besides submitting a change of delivery with the post office, we need you to please contact the post or editor and we will keep you up to date. If you would like an advance E-copy of the Scuttlebutt, just contact the editor, Dave Ambriz at. davebreeze1238@aol.com or tel: (831) 761-8805

VFW SCOUT OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP Program

Posted at 01:38 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

Deadlines: Submit entry to our VFW Post: March 1, 2009 Our Post will submit winner to VFW Department: April 1, 2009 Department nominees to VFW National: May 1, 2009 The VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship program provides a $5,000 award to an outstanding scout who is the recipient of a Boy Scout Eagle Award, a Venture Scouting Silver Award or a Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship; Has received the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Silver Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award; Has demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community; Has reached his/her 15th birthday and is enrolled in high school at the time of selection; and Has submitted his/her completed entry by March 1, 2009, to VFW Post 1716. Note: All applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified. A scout only can enter through ONE VFW Post. To enter complete the VFW Scouting Scholarship form found at: http://www.vfw.org/resources/pdf/scoutscholarshipentryform.pdf and submit to VFW Post 1716 by March 1st. For more information on the scouting award visit: http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=4371

VFW YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP CONTESTS UNDERWAY

Posted at 01:34 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

The deadline for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen contests is approaching. Entries for both programs are due at the Post by November 1, 2008. Program details, including eligibility, rules, and entry forms can be obtained at: www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=150 -and- www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=151 Both cassette and CD are acceptable for Voice of Democracy entries. Additional questions can be directed to Chairmen Bob Howell and Barbara Espe. Video of last years winners can be seen on our weblog below, June 1, 2008.

STATE FORT ORD VETERANS CEMETERY - UPDATE

Posted at 01:20 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

Honor Guard Cpt Kleinsmith represented our Post and attended the Monterey County Veteran Cemetery Citizens Advisory Committee in Marina on Thursday September 11th. If a foundation can raise $3.3 million by July 1, construction of our Central Coast Veterans Cemetery at Fort Ord, could begin the following October. For the entire story, visit the Honor Guards Blog at: http://vfwwebcom.org/ca/Post1716HonorGuard/

CALIFORNIA VETERAN Department Newspaper Available in Hard Copy

Posted at 01:15 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

For those who miss receiving the Cal-Vet and do not have access to a computer or do not attend Post or District meetings, Please send a written request to Dean Lee at 1510 J Street, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95814 and ask that you be added to the Hard Copy mailing list. There is NO CHARGE for this. Everyone is able to view the VFW California Veteran Newspaper along with State Newsletter UPDATES and other VFW communications on-line at: http://www.vfwca.org/newspublications.html The Ladies Auxiliarys ECHO Publication can be seen on line at: http://www.lavfwca.org/Echo.htm

WHATS COOKIN on Friday Nites for Dinner

Posted at 01:01 PM on Monday, September 29, 2008 by DD

OCTOBER 3 Chicken Fried Steak * OCTOBER 10 Hot Roast Beef * OCTOBER 17 Beef & Noodle * OCTOBER 24 Chicken * OCTOBER 31 Pasta & Meatballs * NOVEMBER 7 Chicken Fried Steak * NOVEMBER 14 Turkey & Dressing * NOVEMBER 21 Turkey ala-King * NOVEMBER 28 Tamale Pie * Dinners are served 5:30 p.m. Ð 6:30 P.m. for Just $6.00 Includes Coffee & Dessert. Our Dinners are Open to the Public So.... Bring your neighbors. Menu subject to change. For their Birthday, Post & Auxiliary members of 1716 will receive a FREE Dinner upon showing their current VFW Membership Card and proof of birth date (i.e., drivers license) on the nearest Friday of their birthday. (Does NOT apply to take-out dinners).

VFW WebCOM Department Toolbar Tour

Posted at 07:36 AM on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 by DD

What is the VFW WebCOM Department Toolbar?  What does it do?  Click the video below for a tour or click here for a larger version.

About this Site and Network

Posted at 09:46 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 by DD

Welcome to Departments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars' VFW WebCOM Network. This Network is comprised of close to 10,000 pre-built, established sites for each of the 54 state and international Departments, their Districts and all 8,500 VFW Posts. 

In support of the Network, we have added Department toolbars, a video-sharing platform, instant WebCHAT, a Membership Forum and pre-built 31,000 VFW Department-specific Officer e-mail accounts which are transferable to the next person filling the position. E-commerce storefronts for each post, online calendars, online forms and much more are in the works.

Each Department, District and Post now has an integrated internal and external communications system at their disposal for consideration of universal deployment in support of existing and planned communication protocols.

All identified product and services are provided at zero cost to the organization with the understanding that costs are to be covered through a revenue sharing agreements through the Departments. The organization retains 100% control of all branding, 100% editorial control of your message on all levels of the Network and final approval authority on all sonsorship and e-commerce opportunities. If the Network should fail to generate enough revenue to cover our service and product-provider partners' cost of doing business, there is no cost liability to organization.

The Network has not been formally recognized by the National level of the organization at this time but is being aggressively rolled out through the eight VFW Departments of North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, New Hampshire, Alabama, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Several other Departments are in various stages of consideration and implementation.

The network provides the organization the ability to push a button and broadcast, or syndicate, the same piece of information, whether it’s text, pictures, video or audio, across every site.  Departments also have the ability to push a button and accomplish the same thing across just the District and Post sites within their Department. Most importantly it enables a VFW Post or District to directly manage and publish information to the Internet for their local community and their organization as a whole.

Over 5 years in the making and built with the oversight and to the specifications of VFW Department and Post leadership and membership, its objectives are to foster:

• More efficient organizational communication to your members and potential members.
• More efficient organizational communication to your communities.
• More efficient organizational communication to your legislators.
• Generate revenue and resources for the organization.
  

While you are here take a moment to take a closer look at how you can support these efforts.

1) Do you have a website or a weblog that you could add a link to a local VFW or State site?  Do you have a few minutes to write about us and let people know what we are doing?

You can find a list of the 54 VFW Departments here:
 http://vfwwebcom.org/departments

You can find a local VFW Post close to you here:
http://vfwwebcom.org/postdirectory

2) If you are a VFW Member or Supporter, you can download your Department toolbar. The toolbar has lots of neat features; all the RSS (syndication) feeds for every site in the Network run through them, keeping you instantly connected to all the information moving through the Network.

You can go here to download your toolbar:
http://vfwwebcom.org/toolbars/

3) If you are a VFW Member or Supporter, you can join the conversations in the VFW Membership Forum and instant WebCHAT. There’s lots of good information and opportunities to meet new friends there.

You can go to the Forum here:
http://www.vfwwebcom.org/forum

4) If you are a VFW Member or Supporter, you can view and start sharing videos at VFW WebCOM Video Network.

You can check out the videos here:
http://video.vfwwebcom.org/

5) If you are a VFW Member or Supporter, do you know of a business that may be interested in supporting your local VFW Posts or Department by sponsoring their site?  Prices start at $2.00 a day for one site and scale from there with opportunities to Sponsor all sites in a Department.  (At this time advertising and e-commerce opportunities are only available for the eight aforementioned Departments.)

You can go here to browse sponsorship opportunities:
http://www.admemex.com/vfwwebcom/

The invitation is open for all Posts and Districts to claim their VFW WebCOM Network site. If your Post or District already has a web presence this would be a great way to expand it. If your Post or District does not have a web presence this is a no cost way for you to establish one and start sharing with the world what your Post does in the community and Organization and if your Post is in a Departmental Partner Network you could even generate revenue with it...up to and even beyond $3,000.00 per year.

Go here to test drive how easy it is to manage. It's our Demo site, it works the same way yours would:
http://vfwwebcom.org/Demo/

As you can see, there's plenty to see and do on the VFW WebCOM Network with more still to come.  We thank you for stopping by and invite you back regularly to support and stay connected with your Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dear Community Members and Supporters of VFW Post 1716

Posted at 08:46 PM on Friday, July 18, 2008 by DD

As an organization that is accustomed to serving and helping others, we now find ourselves seeking assistance in our time of need. The Post home located at 1960 Freedom Boulevard recently incurred major damage to the sewer line. Although we sought out and received the best bid we could secure, the cost of the repairs is quite formidable - $17,500. Under normal circumstances this expense would be burdensome, but it is especially difficult at this time, as our funds are greatly depleted. One of our largest sources of revenue is our annual Fourth of July Fireworks sales. Because of the devastating fires in California, our fireworks sales were prohibited this year. While we are concerned for the safety of our community, this means we have lost our major source of funding that we have been fortunate enough to depend upon in the past. In light of the situation, we face some difficult time ahead and fear that some of the programs that we have proudly promoted and supported may be curtailed. We face the possibility, that for one of the first times, we might not be able to participate in our Youth Activities Programs, including Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Scholarships, Little and Pony Leagues, as well as the Childrens Christmas Party. Other threatened programs include the Firefighter/Police Recognition Programs and Holiday Food Baskets distribution. We certainly hope that this will not be the case, but we need your help. So we appeal to our community members, businesses, leaders and supporters to lend a hand. With your generosity we can continue to serve and participate in these vitally important community programs and make necessary repairs to the Post home. Please accept our invitation to be part of that effort. Tax-deductible donations [ Tax I.D. No. 94-6091991 ] can be forwarded to: VFW Post 1716, P.O. Box 716, Freedom CA 95019, Attn: John Walker/Quartermaster.

Post Membership

Posted at 09:27 PM on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 by DD

Lets welcome and salute our newest Post member, Harvey Thorpe. Salutes all our 218 Life Members. You can see their names on the Life Membership Board at our Post entry. Soon all our 28 Annual VFW members will be receiving their annual renewal membership notices from National for the coming VFW year. Our Post competes with other Posts in our State in membership. Lets be the first Post with 100% membership before December 1st. Annual members, Please renew your membership NOW ! You can renew your annual membership of $30 or purchase a Life Membership by check or Credit Card, and forget about annual renewal notices forever! Your membership is important as YOU are a part of the Voice of the VFW heard in Washington D.C. As you know, our Congress is cutting back on everything you earned and were promised during your service to the United States. The VFW is doing everything possible to safeguard those benefits and entitlements. Renew your membership today !!! Members wishing more information regarding life memberships or making their annual dues payment at our Post may contact Membership Chairman John Walker at; (home) 724-4896, e-mail: jaywalk1940@home.com If you should purchase your life membership directly through National, please notify John Walker so he can have your name plate made and mounted on the Life Membership Plaque at the Posts entryway. If times are difficult and renewal is not possible, please accept our assistance. Your VFW Post helps its members in distress. Call Commander Ambriz or Asst Quartermaster Walker, its confidential. We believe in Veterans helping Veterans.

Donation to Fort Ord-Monterey VA Clinic

Posted at 09:51 PM on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 by DD

Our Post spent $75 and donated 14 pounds of Maxwell House coffee, 5 boxes (100 ea) of tea bags, 5 canisters (37 servings ea) of NestleÕs instant hot chocolate, and a box (500 servings) of Equal sweetner to the Clinic. Chaplain Kleinsmith, Ret Army, shopped at the Commissary and made delivery. We are veterans helping veterans. Our VA Doctors and nutrition advocates want diabetics and other veterans to have a healthy alternative to glazed donuts and caffeine. The clinic appreciates donations of fresh fruit as an alternative healthy snack food for our veterans visiting the Donut Room. So if you have fruit trees at home and an appointment at the clinic, take a bag or box of fruit with you. www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5199

Freedom Post 1716 is a great place to go

Posted at 06:15 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 by DD

Freedom Post 1716 Is a great place to go, Its where the members meet, With a nicer group of people, You would ever hope to greet. These are people who offered their lives, In all the conflicts since World War One, These are people who never gave ground, And this is the reason, America is still around!

Medical and Hospital Equipment

Posted at 01:56 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 by DD

Post 1716 Provides some equipment to those with a need. The Prosthetics Dept at the VA Hospital helps our veterans but not family members and non-veterans. Our current inventory includes assorted canes, walkers, crutches, wheel chairs, and power chairs. The pre-owned equipment we have is provided at no cost and we ask that borrowed items be returned when no longer needed. If you have items you wish to donate please contact us. Donations to our VFW are tax free.

Political Action

Posted at 01:51 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 by DD

We sponsor a number of political activities. We provide Voter Registration forms for those who wish to register or change their registration address. In addition, we also allow for the use of our post home as a polling station for voting during elections. We also welcome our elected officials and candidates a chance to speak to the public at organized events.

Military Coffee Requests - Here's a Challenge

Posted at 01:44 PM on Thursday, June 5, 2008 by DD

Alright everyone...here is a challenge I just learned about. Dunkin Doughnuts draws 50 names a month and sends coffee to our deployed soldiers. The link below will take you to the form. They do the drawing on a random basis, so everyone has a chance. Enter every name you can think of and forward this to as many as you can. I think it is a great idea!! https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/contact/Feedback.aspx?type=4 Let's send them a cup of joe on us!!

= CANCELLED = VFW FIREWORKs BOOTH NEEDs YOUR SUPPORT

Posted at 03:53 PM on Sunday, June 1, 2008 by DD

FUND RAISER CANCELLED - Sales begin June 28th thru July 4th. Comrades and Ladies, We have three additional selling days this year. We were short handed help last year. Even if you can volunteer for just only 1 hour, please signup. Call Trella at 722-5228. This is our BIGGEST FUND RAISER for the entire year. Be sure to tell youÕre your family and friends where OUR POST & BOOTH IS LOCATED! The competition is very fierce. Hey guys and gals, ÒitÕs a jungle out there!Ó Make sure your friends and family buy only from OUR VFW booth! Spread the word and remember that presentation of your VFW 1716 membership card entitles you to a 10% discount at the time of your purchase. Just another benefit of being a member of VFW Freedom Post 1716 and Auxiliary.

Video: National Patriots Pen Winner

Posted at 01:17 PM on Sunday, June 1, 2008 by DD

Video: National Voice of Democracy Winner

Posted at 01:09 PM on Sunday, June 1, 2008 by DD

VFW Youth Scholarship Programs - VOD & Patriots Pen

Posted at 11:17 AM on Sunday, June 1, 2008 by DD

The Voice of Democracy Programs 3-5 minute audio essay competition is now open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. The theme for the 2008-2009 year is: Service and Sacrifice by America's Veterans Benefit Todays Youth by. . . . * The Patriots Pen 300-400 word Essay Contest is open to students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The theme for the 2008-09 year is: Why America's Veterans Should be Honored * Entry deadline for both the VOD and Patriots Pen Program is 1 November. * Post Judging for each will be in November. The winners are eligible for District competition and then to State and National. In the past we have had winners at District, State and National levels. So if you have or know of a student in grades 6 thru 12, encourage them to apply and participate. * For applications and additional info visit: www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc&cid=1836
www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=151
www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=150

* You will find and can view videos of last years National winners on this Post weblog. For more information contact the Post for Scholarship Chairpersons Bob Howell and Barbara Espe.

VFW Teacher of the Year Award

Posted at 01:03 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2008 by DD

The VFW's National Citizenship Education Teachers Award recognizes our nation's top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America's history and traditions. Do you have a teacher in mind? There are three outstanding teacher categories; Grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Last year our Post did not have any nominees. Fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals (not relatives of nominees) can submit nominations to the Post. = How are teachers nominated? Fill out the nomination form included in the VFW Brochure. In 350 words or less, describe why you feel the nominee should be selected. Describe the teachers innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his/her dedication to education. The completed Teacher Award Nomination Form and signed essay must be received by the Post for judging by Nov 1. = How does the Contest work? Based on the nominees submitted, the Post will recognize one teacher in each of the 3 categories. The winners will then compete at District level and those winners will go on to compete at Department (State) Level and those winners will go on to compete at National level. = Awards to the winners from VFW National include: * $1,000 cash award for professional development to each of the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 teachers; * $1,000 award for each winning teacher's school; * plaques for both the winning teacher and school; * an all-expense-paid trip to attend the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary National Community Service Conference in Washington, D.C. Teachers who win first place in each category will be invited to conduct a workshop at the conference. For more information and Application Brochure visit: www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=1832

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