Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7952 Cook Erickson

“Expenses veteran support/charity 24,141 canteen and club expense 8,374 total 32,515”

“We provide military funeral honors at veteran's funerals with our volunteer post honor guard. This includes: a gun salute, taps, flagpresentation, and a tribute ceremony at there services. We perform flag ceremonies on holidays such as memorial day and veterans day. We provide proper disposal of all u.s. Flags that are worn badly or soiled. We attend parades on patriotic holidays and welcome home ceremonies for all soldiers, sailors, marines, army, and airmen returning formcombat zones.we provide holiday meals for veterans and their families. We visit hospitalized veterans to provide them with comfort and support. We assist the members of the vfw, their widows, orphans, and other worthy veterans in obtaining rightful benefits from the federal and/or stategovernments.the only sources of funding: vfw programs, memberships dues, fund raisers, and donations from local residents and businesses. We provide financial assistance to veterans in need. We sponsor youth military activities.”

“Vfw auxiliary members conduct and oversee the activity of many programs. Each year, a program direction may shift slightly, but the programitself remains vastly the same from year to year. Each of the programs listed below would each be given an estimated 10 percent of memberstime in order for the vfw auxiliary to remain strong and healthy. The objects of this organization are fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable,and educational, to assist the posts and members thereof of the veterans of foreign wars of the united states, and its own members wheneverpossible, to maintain true allegiance to the government of the united states of america. This is achieved by the programs listed below. 1. Membership- every member of the vfw auxiliary is a unique piece of a larger puzzle that makes up the organization. We all knowmembership is the backbone of our organization. 2. Legislative- every benefit a veteran receives started with legislation. The vfw and vfw auxiliary have been involved in nearly every piece ofveterans' legislation passed in the 20th century, as well as bills enacted in the 21st century.3. Veterans & family support- studies show the veteran population is two times more likely to become chronically homeless than any otheramerican group. Contributing factors include long periods of unemployment, foreclosure, mental illness and poverty.4. Auxiliary community outreach- the vfw auxiliary community outreach program is when vfw auxiliary members volunteer with otherorganizations. It is a donation of time, not in-kind or monetary donation. It's about service with other organizations in the communities and offersanother way to help improve the community.5. Hospital- the hospital program is near and dear to the vfw auxiliary heart and brings love and support to veterans and their families incommunities we serve. It could be a hero, a loved one, or a close friend who has had a medical condition and spent time in a hospital or long-term care facility. The vfw auxiliary offers hope and encouragement with compassionate care.6. Historian - it's time to inspire vfw auxiliary members and communities by telling the vfw auxiliary story. There are more than 3,600 uniquevfw auxiliaries across america united by the cause to serve veterans and their families and promote patriotism in our communities. 7. Scholarships- the vfw auxiliary is proud to offer and assist the vfw with scholarship contests as well as our own. These contests providefinancial assistance to youth, members, and their immediate family who want to further their education.8. Youth activities- the vfw auxiliary offers today's youth many different opportunities to serve our veterans and their families. Whether as anindividual or as part of a youth group, the youth activities program provides tools needed. It also gives allows the vfw auxiliary organization,the opportunity to acknowledge outstanding youth and the work they do to support and lift up our veterans.9. Buddy poppy - the buddy poppy is a small but mighty memorial flower that has raised millions of dollars for the welfare of veterans and theirdependents. The buddy poppy program also provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and serviceprograms, and partially supports the vfw national home for children.10. Americanism- americanism is a program designed for promoting patriotic unity and teaching vfw auxiliary traditions. Our organization is agroup of passionate members who share a bond for veterans, their families and community.”