LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Humana and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) announced the results of the 2024 Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign and expanded the scope of the 2025 campaign during the 125th VFW National Convention today at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

The campaign exceeded its 2024 goal of 1 million meals to fight food insecurity among veterans. This brings the total to more than 5.6 million meals provided since the two organizations established the campaign in 2018. Humana employees teamed up with 158 VFW Posts and Auxiliaries in 41 states, gathering more than 102,000 pounds of food and nearly $183,000 for local food banks.

In addition to these results, Humana and the VFW have announced they will partner with Volunteers of America to focus on another prominent issue for the 2025 campaign – homelessness. After seven years solely focused on combatting food insecurity, local-level efforts will also focus on the additional needs of homeless veterans to help provide the stability they need to prioritize their health.

“Food insecurity and homelessness are both serious risks for suicide and other health issues. We continue our collaboration with the VFW on the Uniting to Combat Hunger Campaign to ensure our nation’s veterans have access to healthy foods and resources that can help decrease the risk of common health problems – both physical and mental,” said Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President of Humana’s MarketPoint organization and also this year’s keynote speaker at the VFW National Convention opening ceremony. “We have a longstanding commitment to veterans, service members and their families, and this is just one way we can help provide resources when and where they need them.”

According to a recent report by the Military Family Advisory Network, one in five military and veteran families who responded to their survey said they have experienced food insecurity. Nearly half of the respondents mentioned barriers to consistently eating balanced meals, citing the cost of healthy food items as the primary barrier.

“The VFW is honored to be part of this vital initiative that has raised more than 1 million meals for the fifth consecutive year,” said VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento. “And we remain committed to working alongside Humana to fight food insecurity among our military and veteran families.”

As part of the initiative to address food insecurity, volunteers came together during the Convention July 27 to pack 4,000 seed packets for distribution to VFW Posts and Auxiliaries as well as community gardens. This Seed Project partnership with the Society of Saint Andrew will yield approximately 72,000 pounds or nearly 2.9 million servings of fresh produce for local communities.

The Uniting to Combat Hunger Campaign and other important topics important to veteran health and well-being will be part of the discussion at the 125th VFW National Convention, which runs through Aug. 1. Humana and the VFW have a longstanding relationship spanning 12 years of support for veterans.

To learn more about the Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign, visit www.vfw.org/uniting-to-combat-hunger.

What started as an idea to hold a Mother’s Day event at VFW Post 5290 in Conyers, Ga., turned into an event Post members believe was the “best event the Post had ever hosted.”

Three Gold Star families in June attended a luncheon hosted at VFW Post 5290, which Senior Vice Commander Jim Closs said was difficult to put together. But he also said, “It was worth every second” spent on putting it together. Closs said that after contacting Army officials and going through a vetting process, three Gold Star families accepted invitations to the luncheon.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm with members of the Post for this event,” said Closs, a retired Air Force master sergeant. “Interest seemed to skyrocket for this lunch. Even I got more enthusiastic as we approached the date.”

Members of VFW Post 5290 met with the Gold Star families on June 22 for the luncheon Closs said was provided by a local restaurant and grocery store, which saved the Post $900.

“We were able to solicit more than $900 in community contributions, and everyone had such a great time,” Closs said. “One of the Gold Star wives remarried, and her husband is a gentleman who loved to entertain. And a Gold Star mother of another family had a niece who is a professional comedian. It was all impromptu, making it such a phenomenal event.”

Gold Star families are defined as a parent, spouse, sibling or child of a military member who became missing in action or died because of their service during a war period.

This article is featured in the 2024 July/August issue of VFW Checkpoint.

A VFW Post that is based across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, raised nearly $800 after participating in a Domino’s pizza fundraising initiative.

VFW Post 3480 Commander Valerie Young, a 10-year Army National Guard and Reserve veteran, said she was aware of the program after seeing an advertisement. She added that it was the first fundraiser of the Post’s fiscal year.

Young – an Iraq War veteran who served with the Illinois Army National Guard in 2006 and 2008 – said she is always searching for businesses interested in a “collaboration with veterans.”

“We are always looking for ways to gain financial stability for the Post” said Young, adding that the East St. Louis, Illinois, Post does not have its own building.

“It’s hard for people to know that there is a VFW [in East St. Louis], because we don’t have a building,” Young said. “It has been a long process [to raise funds], but we have to do this the right way to stay out of debt.”

The Domino’s Slice the Price program is a fundraising initiative where participants sell cards that offer a “buy one large pizza, get one free” deal for $20, with $10 from each sale going to the participants.

This article is featured in the 2024 July/August issue of VFW Checkpoint.

VFW Post 6091 in Dillon County, South Carolina, welcomed more than 34 veterans to its inaugural Veterans Luncheon on June 26 at Union Baptist Church in Latta, South Carolina.

Created by the Post as an informative event to help support local veterans in myriad ways, the Veterans Luncheon hosted representatives from the VA and Humana Healthcare, as well as VFW service officers from the Department of South Carolina.

Aside from being provided a free meal, attendees received help processing or updating their medical claims with the VA, as well as obtain essential information on the SC Pathfinders Program, VA enrollment and eligibility, VA suicide prevention initiatives, VA death benefits, Medicaid supplemental health insurance and hospice care.

The luncheon, the first of three scheduled this year, received positive feedback, according to Post 6091 leadership, who extended their appreciation to the Union Baptist Church for lending their fellowship hall, as well as Humana for its contribution toward the meal.

The next luncheon of its kind is slated for Aug. 26 at Fresh Beginnings Christian Center in Dillon, South Carolina.

This article is featured in the 2024 July/August issue of VFW Checkpoint.

Members of VFW Post 3378 in Yuma, Colorado, hosted their third-annual dinner gettogether for as many local veterans as they could afford on June 28.

In a community of about 3,400 residents, Post 3378 members welcomed more than 75 veterans, which also included spouses or significant others, into their Post for grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, side dishes, chilled soft drinks and dessert.

Born out of a collective desire to create an open space, a safe haven, for fellow veterans to reunite or meet one another for the first time, Post 3378 Quartermaster Adam Beauprez said the event has grown considerably since it was first started in June 2022.

“Our population is only so large, but the popularity of the event has grown greatly,” Beauprez said. “The veterans really look forward to it each summer because it gives them a sense of solidarity and belonging with people who share a common thread as veterans.”

Beauprez added that for this year’s event, the Post purchased all their food from a local grocer and hired a local caterer to provide the side dishes and dessert. Post members also took turns grilling the meats, and some of the wives, Auxiliary members, manned the serving line.

“We had plenty to eat,” he said. “Ten or so of us also pitched in to clean up afterwards. A big thanks to all that lent a hand. It really does take a community.”

Though next year the Post leadership is considering moving the event from the last Friday of June to the last of July, according to Beauprez, he added that keeping this annual tradition going is an important part of what VFW aspires to do.

“Next year we might move it just to see if we capture a different group who have been unable to attend for whatever reason in June,” Beauprez said. “Part of the mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie, and that is what we set out to continue to do here.”

Nathan Metz spent a total of 11 years in the military with five years of active service in the Army, and another six years in the Ohio National Guard. After enlisting in 1991, he was immediately stationed in Germany for three years, followed by another two years at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. When asked why he joined the military, Metz said he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with life, but he knew he wanted an adventure.

After being discharged honorably as a sergeant in 1996, Metz spent a decade as a civilian before enlisting again in the Ohio National Guard in 2005. During this period, he was deployed to Kuwait in the Middle East from 2008-2009.

Metz is a Life member of VFW Post 2457 in New Haven, Indiana, where he now lives with his wife, Connie.

In 2019, Metz was approached by a county VFW Accredited Service Officer who needed help assisting veterans locally with their VA claims.

“I ended up working for their office for a while when I was notified the Ohio Department Service Officer was looking for a service officer to operate out of Cleaveland, Ohio,” Metz said. “I moved there to help other veterans apply for their benefits in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. One success led to another, and I transferred to Indiana to do the same work but live closer to my family.”

After his military career, Metz says he was always searching for something else to give his life purpose again.

“After being deployed, coming back home is difficult,” he said. “It’s hard to find a feeling of purpose again. This job gives me that purpose.”

Metz works diligently to help his fellow veterans get the benefits they deserve through the claims and appeals process. He spends his day answering emails and phone calls to gather the information he needs to assist with veterans’ claims.

“One story I remember is a veteran I represented at a board of veterans appeals hearing. He was eventually awarded his contention due to his testimony and the evidence we presented. He came out of the hearing with a 70% disability approval,” Metz said. “He was so grateful. He contacted me in tears saying this award will be life-changing for him. These are the ones that make this job worthwhile.”

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

Members of VFW Post 10417 Harrison, Arkansas, have been busy the past few months. On April 13, the Post’s annual celebration banquet was held to honor several individuals for their time and talents throughout the year.

Three middle-school students were recognized for winning top spots in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest.

Kayden Ann Loveday claimed first place with an essay that captures the essence of the American spirit, highlighting the diversity, freedoms and opportunities that define America.

In her essay, Loveday articulated how the courage and perseverance of America’s founders continue to inspire her. Loveday emphasized the importance of hard work and determination in achieving personal goals, which mirrors the dedication shown by those who shaped the nation’s history.

“America inspires me to dream big, to work hard to achieve my goals like my ancestors who worked hard to make this country what it is today,” Loveday wrote. “I believe the land of the free and the home of the brave and that we are given all the opportunities to achieve our goals, and to become who and what we want to be America inspires me because of the welcoming diversity in our country, no matter your color, race or religion.”

Also at the VFW Post 10417 ceremony, Isaak Farmer received 3rd place and Phoebe Ann Shine, who was not present, received 2nd place.

Several students were recognized with awards for their creative masterpieces in the Auxiliary’s Creative Patriotic Art Contest, which included the 3-D category.

A few days after the banquet, members attended the grand opening of Boston Mountain Rural Health Center. The Post had previously contributed financially to ensure the center’s opening.

In May, the Post held its annual Buddy Poppy drive outside the Harrison Walmart. On May 17-18 volunteers set up shop to distribute Buddy Poppies and tell the VFW story.

VFW Post 10417 is one of thousands across the country working to make communities better and spread the good work of the VFW.

This article is featured in the 2024 June issue of Checkpoint.

VFW members around the world delved into VFW’s third annual Day of Service this year, an initiative to engage veterans, service members and local advocates in a widespread attempt to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

This year’s Day of Service built on the success of the previous two years, as VFW Posts in all 50 states, as well as those in Europe, Cuba, the Philippines, Japan and Thailand, participated.

The results of this year’s Day of Service stemmed from a decision by VFW to continue to expand and conduct outreach campaigns months in advance. VFW National Headquarters alerted members with information in VFW magazine and through a robust social media campaign.

With the Day of Service hashtag used more than 3 million times across social and traditional media, the gospel of what VFW does in and around their communities spread universally, as more than 500 Posts around the world participated this year.

“You can’t walk in anyone else’s shoes because you don’t know where they’re at in their life,” said VFW Post 5408 Commander Dwayne Kilbourne, whose Post in Acworth, Georgia, hosted a drive-through food drive. “Hopefully, we brought a smile to someone’s face today – and who knows what that will do for them tomorrow.”

Like Kilbourne, Garrett Collins of VFW Post 2260 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, shared similar sentiments on the impact a Day of Service can have on their communities.

Post 2260 hosted a “Fill the Humvee” food drive, an event Garrett explained was a special way for veterans to continue doing something they enjoy.

“I like to serve,” Garrett added. “Even though we don’t wear our uniforms anymore, we still serve the community. It feels good to give.”

Other notable VFW Posts were 8273 in Frisco, Texas, which hosted the “Wall that Heals,” a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and VFW Post 3396 in Sparks, Nevada, whose members partnered with other groups to beautify their local high school.

This month, VFW magazine continues its “Destination Post Series.” The series will feature 125 VFW Posts located in sought-after tourist destinations. Featured VFW Posts are those that make a real difference in the communities in which the Posts are located. This month’s article takes VFW magazine readers to the Memphis, Tennessee, area.

Overlooking the “Mighty Mississippi River,” Memphis is known as the home of the blues and the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll. Names such as Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King and of course, Elvis Presley, are synonymous with Memphis. The “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, was born just steps from the famous Stax Recording Studio.

Whether it is a night on Beale Street listening to live music or a trip to the Peabody Hotel to see the Peabody Mallards march from the elevator every morning at 11 a.m. for a daily swim in the fountain, or catching a Redbirds baseball game downtown, there is plenty to see in Memphis, making it a prime destination for tourists.

Just a short drive to the north of Memphis on U.S. Highway 51 is Millington, Tennessee, home of VFW Post 7175. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South also is in Millington. It serves as the Navy’s Human Resources Center of Excellence. Headquartered there are Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, the Navy Manpower Analysis Center, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Finance Center.

Post 7175 is a popular place among those serving at NSA Mid-South. Several of the Post’s members once served at the Navy base and returned to Millington following retirement and made the VFW part of their lives.

While the Post’s members are active in their community, they know how to have a good time while raising funds to benefit the Post’s relief efforts. January’s Macaroni and Cheese Throwdown and the Post’s annual chili competition are two of the events drawing big crowds to support the Post. Members also host a carwash in exchange for donations benefiting the Post.

Live music from local groups such as the Whiskey Saints and Sneaky Pete draw Millington residents who fill the Post’s large parking lot. Friday steak nights, Taco Tuesdays and the Post’s annual crawfish boil also are popular with the community.

The Children’s Christmas Party at the Post is a favorite, as Santa delivers gifts to boys and girls up through 12 years old.

Millington Sea Cadets often partner with the Post, providing the Honor Guard for commemorative events such as remembering those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The Post’s large, picturesque lot includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is the perfect location for community-wide cookouts.

Post 7175 Commander Steven Rossi said that the Millington Post is the only one in the county open seven days a week, and he believes that is a great benefit to the community.

“My favorite thing about this Post is that we are veterans helping veterans,” said Rossi, who served in the Army and Air Force for a combined total of 39 years. “The way we help veterans is the best.”

Post Quartermaster Earl Sheehan agrees that while people are drawn to the Post for a fun time, it is the community involvement he likes best.

“I really like it when we actually get out and help the veterans,” Sheehan said. “That is what we are here to do.”

Incoming Post Commander Tuck Williams served at NSA Mid-South three different times in his more than 30 years in the Navy – including serving on eight ships over nearly 14 years. He joined the VFW, he said, because he wanted to continue to serve.

“Countless times, vets call about someone needing help, and we answer that call,” said Williams. “We have an amazing community here.”

Williams noted one time a young man stopped in the Post and was on his way to see his dying father. He was out of money. The Post provided him with a place to stay and passed the hat so that he had enough money to travel to his father and see him before he died.

“The generosity of the people here is really something,” Williams said.

Like Williams’ reason for joining, new VFW member Qunita Triplett, a retired Navy master chief, joined to continue her service.

“I wanted to give back, so I joined,” said Triplett, who served more than 22 years in the Navy. “I just felt the need to continue serving in some way.”

Be sure to follow VFW Post 7175 on Facebook at Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post 7175. If you happen to be in the Memphis area, stop in at the Post at 4681 Cuba Millington Rd.

This article is featured in the 2024 June/July issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.

On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, three members of the VFW Department of Montana participated in bringing home the remains of an unidentified Marine killed in action at the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands more than 2,000 miles southwest of Pearl Harbor.

VFW Post 10010 member Tim Sowa of East Helena joined Post 276 members Mike Pryor and Fred Hamilton from Whitefish in traveling to Kiribati’s capital via a History Flight mission last November to retrieve the remains of a Marine killed during the Battle of Tarawa.

For Sowa, who joined the Marines in 1971 and did a three-year tour as a generator mechanic in places such as Okinawa and Thailand, the opportunity to return a fellow Marine to his family helped him ease some of his own wounds.

“It was an unbelievable experience to be able to help bring closure to a family,” said Sowa, who also served 10 years in the Marine Corps Reserve and 27 years with the Montana Army National Guard before his retirement in 2011. “But I needed this for my healing, too, for my survivor’s guilt. I can look at it and know I did something for someone else.”

The once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kiribati by Sowa, Pryor and Hamilton stemmed from years of planning and coordinating between VFW Department of Montana Adjutant Tim Peters and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

Through Peters, who began conversations with the DPAA in 2019 and coordinated the History Flight, according to Sowa, the three VFW members were granted a nearly all-expenses-paid trip to Kiribati that the VFW Department of Montana mostly funded.

“I am really grateful to the VFW Department of Montana and everyone that was involved in making this happen,” Sowa said. “It showed their warmth and their devotion to bringing people home, and that is what matters to us, taking care of our veterans and bringing them home.”

As part of the History Flight and the timeliness of their trip during the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, the VFW trio also participated in a commemoration ceremony alongside members of the Marine Corps, U.S. Ambassador Marie C. Damourand and Kiribati President Taneti Maamau.

They toured the battleground and learned what transpired when on Nov. 20, 1943, 35,000 troops from the 2nd Marine Division and the Army’s 27th Infantry Division invaded and took the island from the Japanese in 76 hours.

Despite the overwhelming victory by the Allied forces, the aftermath reports noted 1,020 American soldiers went missing or were killed during the battle, as well as the death of 4,836 Japanese troops, with only 17 survivors.

The VFW members also participated in honoring the remains of the Marine, which were flown to Hawaii, where they will undergo testing for proper identification.

“You’re humbled to know that that person gave his life for you,” Sowa said. “And when we sent him on the plane, you are humbled again. And then when we walked the beaches, you are really humbled to know what they went through. You are walking there, but you do not have bullets or shells or explosions around you.”

This article is featured in the 2024 June/July issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez, Jr., senior writer for VFW magazine.