Sandra Whittenberg

Sun Lakes VFW Auxiliary, Post 8053, thanks the following area businesses for once again helping us make our recent Buddy Poppy Day a success: Ace Hardware, Sun Lakes; Wal-Mart, Arizona Avenue, Chandler; Fry’s Food Stores, Chandler and Sun Lakes; Sun Lakes Country Club Pro Shop.

VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA hospitals, state veterans homes and domiciles across the country, and purchased by local VFW posts. The majority of proceeds derived from each campaign conducted by VFW posts and their auxiliaries are retained locally to provide for veteran services and welfare. Buddy Poppy proceeds represent no profit to any VFW unit. All money contributed by the public for Buddy Poppies is used in the cause of veterans’ welfare, or for the well being of their needy dependants and the orphans of veterans.

Did you know that every VFW post and its auxiliary raise funds each year to support the VFW National Home for Children/Military and Veterans’ Families?

The VFW National Home’s mission is to provide children and families of active-duty military, war veterans and descendants of the VFW and its auxiliary opportunities for growth and development in a nurturing community and, by doing so, serves as a living memorial to all veterans.

It was founded in 1925 as a place where the families left behind by war — mothers and children, brothers and sisters — could remain together, keeping the family circle intact, even when their serviceman didn’t come home. Today’s families face different challenges — reintegration, post-traumatic stress, high unemployment and rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, among others — and the National Home has evolved over their decades-long history to meet those changing needs.

From a humble beginning in a dilapidated old farmhouse on 472 donated acres outside Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to today’s sprawling campus with playgrounds, park areas and multiple buildings, including single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, child care facility, guest lodge, chapel and administrative offices and 42 individual homes across the 50 states, the National Home continues its mission. Over the years, the National Home has evolved to meet the changing needs of America’s military and veterans’ families. Through it all, one thing has remained constant; the National Home’s commitment to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families.

If you are interested in helping U.S. Veterans all over this country, pursue membership in the VFW or VFW Auxiliary. Contact Carlos Lozano, VFW Membership Chairman, 480-993-6347; or the VFW Auxiliary, Janice Cournoyer, Membership Chairman, [email protected].