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Post 2715
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VFW Auxiliary Officers 2017-2018                                      VFW Unit 2017-2018
President                 Tessa Butcher                                              President            Don Pennington
Sr. Vice President    Pam Hulsey                                                 Vice President    Gary Mullins
Jr. Vice President     Michelle Pfautz                                            Secretary            Matt Schwartz
Treasurer                 Jeanette Cox                                                Treasurer            Matt Schwartz
Chaplain                  Wilda Mattke                                                 Trustee               Ken Blankenship
Secretary                 Kim Butcher                                                  Trustee               Gregory Thompson
Conductgress          Rhea Gepner                                                Sepical Activities Don Abbott                          
Guard                      Beth Simmons
VFW  Auxiliary
Since 1914 the  Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has worked to ensure that America's veterans will not be forgotten and those who need assistance will get it. To help achieve those goals, each year donations are made to help make life better for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families, and America's communities. With nearly 600,000 members in the United States, Guam and Panama, the  Auxiliary VFW actively supports our troops as well as veterans and their families.

Since the War on Terror began, care packages have been sent to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and other locations around the world. Members also donate to Operation Uplink which supplies free long-distance calling cards to active-duty military and hospitalized veterans to help them stay in touch with their families. The members of the  Auxiliary VFW are committed to serving veterans and their families, promoting pride in America, teaching young people about the cost of freedom, and serving the community. To meet these goals the organization's 581,245 members throughout the United States, Germany, Guam and Panama conduct the following programs:

Americanism: The goals of the Americanism program are to promote patriotism, teach students about our American heritage, demonstrate the proper care of the U.S. Flag, and ensure that the public will never forget the sacrifices made by America's soldiers. Members are also passionate about helping bring attention to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action by holding ceremonies to both educate their communities and honor these special veterans. The full accounting of those missing in action is a high priority of the VFW and  Auxiliary VFW.

Cancer Aid & Research: The Cancer Research Fund was begun by National President Dorothy Mann in 1947 as an instrument to fund cancer research. However, it was first used to help rebuild the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, after it was destroyed by fire. The Ladies Auxiliary donated $60,000. In 1952 the program was expanded to include grants to Ladies Auxiliary members who were ill with cancer, and the program was renamed Cancer Aid & Research. In November 1955 Cancer Chairman Hazel Miller introduced the concept of giving memorial contributions to the fund in lieu of flowers. In 1972 the first postdoctoral cancer research fellowship was awarded in the amount of $10,000 to the Jackson Laboratory. One two-year $100,000 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship will be awarded to one scientist to further his or her cancer research. As of March 18, 2004, Junior Girls were included in the Cancer Aid & Research Program allowing one grant during her continuous membership in the Unit. Call the National Headquarters for a Junior Girls cancer grant application.

Community Service: Cooperating with other organizations to meet the needs in our communities.

Hospital & Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services: The goal of the Hospital & VAVS program is to meet the needs of hospitalized patients in VA Medical Centers and other hospitals throughout this country. With the influx of this generation's veterans and the rise in long-term rehabilitative services, there is a greater need for volunteers. However, the type of help needed is changing. Be sure to speak with your local VAVS Representative to find out how you can serve these special veterans.

Legislative: The goals of the Legislative program are to keep members up-to-date on all issues and pending bills relating to veterans, their dependents, active-duty military, and national security; to let legislators know our views regarding such legislation; and hold them accountable for honoring America's promises to veterans.

Veterans & Family Support: To assist veterans and their families outside the hospital, to ensure a suitable standard of living, whether it be through financial support, moral support, or by simple acts of kindness. Initiatives include: Buddy Poppy Campaigns, VFW's National Military Services, which includes Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs and the Military Assistance Program, and finally the VFW National Home for Children,

Youth Activities: To teach America's youth about their responsibilities as citizens. The organization not only provides several scholarship opportunities but also sponsors groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, and sports teams.

Membership:

     Auxiliary VFW Members are:
    • Wives
    • Widows
    • Mothers
    • Grandmothers
    • Daughters
    • Granddaughters
    • Foster and Stepdaughters (who attained that status prior to the age of sixteen and for whom the duties of parent were performed)
    • Sisters and Half-sisters Foster and Stepsisters (who attained that staus prior to the age of sixteen)
    • Foster and Stepmothers (who have performed the duties of a parent)

Of persons who were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Members must be citizens of the United States and at least 16 years old.

Women eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall be eligible for dual membership in the  Auxiliary.

If you have membership questions or need more information, please contact info@ladiesauxvfw.org.

VFW Unit
The purpose of the Unit is to assist the VFW Post with it's mission of providing assistance to Veterans and their families, and supporting the local community through volunteer programs. We accomplish this through fund-raising and volunteer work. The Auxiliary gives men, who would like to support this mission, the opportunity to get directly involved.

Eligibility:
The Unit is an extension of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Unites States membership. Over the years, many men who are related to Veterans have been denied the opportunity to assist the VFW directly since, they themselves, are not eligible. Recently, a decision has been made that allows each VFW Post to form a Unit to extend the opportunity to get involved to male family members of Veterans. Membership in the Men's Auxiliary shall include persons who were/are eligible for membership in the VFW (regardless of membership status). Members must be at least 16 yrs old, and not eligible for membership in the VFW themselves.

    They can be:
    • Husbands
    • Widowers
    • Fathers
    • Grandfathers
    • Sons
    • Grandsons
    • Brothers and half brothers
    • Foster and Step-dads (who have performed the duties of a parent)
    • Foster and Step-sons (who attained that status prior to the age of sixteen and for whom the duties of parent were performed)
How Do I Join?
To join the VFW Unit, you will need information about your sponsoring Veteran showing proof of eligibility. This could be a form called 'DD-214' that all Service Members have. These are sometimes hard to find, especially if the Service Member is deceased. Because of that, if you think you are eligible, we invite you to contact us and we will assist you in finding out. Any information you can provide will be helpful.



Veteran of Foreign Wars
Fred E. Ellis Post 2715
   120 S. Taft Street     McPherson, KS 67460-0295
Phone: 620-241-8388     Email: vfw2715@yahoo.com