Friday, April 17, the VFW Post 8053 will host the 41st Annual Golf Tournament, starting with an 8 a.m. shotgun at Sun Lakes Country Club with four-person teams, 18-hole scramble. Cash prize for the top four teams: Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Line Prize; Men’s and Women’s closest to the Pin Prize; plus, door prizes. Space is limited, so please sign up quickly. The cost is $10 entry fee, $12 green fee (if you are not already a member of Sun Lakes Golf Assoc.). The sign-up sheet is at Sun Lakes Pro Shop. For more information, call Terry Cox at 605-431-8508. Lunch will be served after golf at Mulligans. Any vets and spouses are welcome.
VFW Auxiliary 8053 continues to benefit the community at our adopted 2nd grade class at Mesa Academy of the Arts. Christa Marshall and other Auxiliary volunteers have served a 2nd grade class three to four times a year for six years. They provide instruction in flag etiquette, flag folding, provide red shirts emblazoned with “Remember Everyone Deployed,” and various other programs. At each visit, they provide supplies and treats. The reward to these volunteers is the happy welcome from students saying, “Here come the VFW ladies!” Carol McIntyre, represents VFW Scholarships. She distributed applications to grades 9 through 12 in March for the national Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.
The Auxiliary supports Arizona veterans by monitoring bills proposed in this Congressional legislative session: Senate bills SB 2950 Veterans Burn Pits relates to veteran exposure to burn pits overseas and the consequences of airborne hazards and toxins; SB 3029 Veterans Support and Outreach would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with states or to award grants to states to promote health, wellness, suicide prevention, and to improve outreach to veterans; SB 2966 Rural Veteran Travel would amend title 38 to make the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for transport of individuals to and from VA facilities for rehabilitation, counseling, exams, treatment, and care as well as other purposes permanent.
April is The Month of the Military Child. This is “an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices, and continued resilience.”
Other dates of interest this month: April 5 is Gold Star Spouses Day, April 14 is Air Force Reserve Birthday, April 23 is Army Reserve Birthday, April 30 is National Military Brats Day. Please celebrate all who have served, are serving, and our youth who may serve.
For more information about how to join the Sun Lakes Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, please contact Stephanie Reynolds at [email protected] or 503-701-1294.