When COVID-19 hit, VFW Post 7824 in Vancouver, Washington, paused all programs. But not for long. Thanks to dedicated leadership and members, the Post was able to continue serving those in need during challenging times.
“Despite everything that has happened in the world in the last couple of years, Post Commander Jim McEnry had a vision for how our Post could provide vital support to the community and veterans,” said Post Service Officer and Adjutant Stewart Bauer.
Last year, Post members spent thousands of hours volunteering, including at the Vancouver VA hospital. And to help members working through legal issues, the Post partnered with the office of the Washington State Attorney General to provide pro bono legal services. During the holiday season, members donated $500 in support of Wreaths Across America.
In addition to these larger acts of service, the Post is intent on helping individuals solve personal issues. When a veteran recovering from addiction struggled to find a home for her family, Bauer connected her with an organization that could help secure a place to live.
And when an elderly, wheelchair-bound veteran could no longer enter or leave his home safely, Post members jumped into action. After one phone call from the veteran, a team was at his home building a ramp.
“I can’t say it enough; we’re here to help veterans,” said Bauer. “That’s all I’m trying to do.”
The Post was also hard at work planning new outreach initiatives for 2022. Focused on revitalizing its youth education and engagement efforts, members will work with children and adolescents of all ages – from kindergarten through high school – to provide guidance and help them understand our nation’s history and values as well as ways they can serve, too.
“This program is vital,” said Bauer. “It will teach children what it means to be an American and how our nation was founded through patriotism.”
Although the pandemic caused disruption, VFW Post 7824 responded in a variety of ways, doing what it could to support veterans. As the Post looks toward the future and connects with the community in new ways, the VFW is proud to honor the work of its members who are #StillServing.