A VFW Post in New Jersey will show why it is called the Garden State.

VFW Post 7925 Commander Brian Gallagher announced in July that the Post and community are coming together to build a “green space” for Fairfield residents to enjoy. The garden is named Schlaepfer Gardens in honor of Warren Schlapfer, a late World War II veteran and VFW member.

Schlapfer, an Army veteran who fought in the Philippine Islands, was a charter member of VFW Post 7925 in 1946. Schlapfer died on March 14, 2022, according to his obituary.

Community members are also working on the Freedom Rocks project. Anyone can participate and they will receive a rock to paint in honor of any veteran. The stone will be placed in the garden when it opens.

Gallagher said that the project could not happen without the support of the residents of Fairfield.

“We wanted to give back to the Fairfield community for their support over the years as well as honor one of our founding members,” Gallagher said during an interview with TAPinto West Essex.”Schlapfer Gardens will be a place where our residents can enjoy a place of tranquility to remember and reflect.”

Blain Bertrand enlisted in 1989 out of a desire to serve his country. He spent four years in the Army and was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany.

Three decades later, the Texas native is #StillServing as the commander of VFW Post 3885 in Erlangen, Germany. Even before becoming their official leader, Bertrand offered guidance to Post members.

“Before I was commander, I spent two years as a [VFW Accredited] Service Officer helping numerous veterans file claims,” he said.

Bertrand also takes an active role in outreach efforts. For instance, he built and manages his Post’s website and social media channels. He also provides support when the Post hosts benefit concerts and outdoor activities.

Recently, Bertrand started a chapter of the Veteran Golfers Association. Organizing golf tournaments for veterans and their families is one more way he’s bringing the veteran community in Germany together.

“Golf is huge in the United States, but no one has started something in Germany. As a PGA Professional and Army combat veteran, this is a perfect way to help veterans in Germany come together and grow the VFW community.”

The ways in which veterans across the country and abroad are #StillServing take many forms. Using their unique talents, Bertrand and others like him are finding creative ways – like managing their Post’s online presence and organizing special events – to continue supporting communities everywhere.

A section of Highway 115 (mile markers 15-27) in Colorado’s Fremont County is now known as Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Warriors Memorial Highway thanks to the efforts of VFW’s Department of Colorado and its VFW Warriors Motorcycle Organization.

According to VFW Warriors Terry Mullins, the work on the highway naming began in 2022 with a petition to the state of Colorado. On April 21, 2022, VFW representatives including Department of Colorado Commander Gerri Rimpley, gathered at the state capital to hear the reading of Colorado Senate Joint Resolution 22-012, which authorized the highway name.

Mullins said there was not one “nay,” as every senator agreed to accept the resolution.

“Because of that resolution, we now have a memorial highway that is dedicated to our fallen warriors,” said Mullins, adding that there are about 200 riders in the organization.

The Colorado VFW Warriors began in 2004 at VFW Post 101 in Colorado Springs. One of its members, Army Sgt. Bobby Clark was killed in a motorcycle accident on April 8, 2006, in Penrose, Colorado.

The following year, the riders held their first memorial ride from Colorado Springs to Penrose in remembrance of Clark. Mullins said since then, the annual ride has grown to be part of each of the Department’s eight Districts.

On April 22 during the 2023 memorial ride, the Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Warriors Memorial Highway signs were erected. The signs were paid for by VFW District 2 and District 5 Warrior members.

“This is just one of many projects that the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Colorado has done to promote and support all of our past, present and future veterans and their families,” Mullins said. “The VFW Warriors continue to strive to make our communities aware that our mission is not done. We will always be there for our veterans and families in need.”

Families in the Tar Heel State gathered on June 3 in the state’s High Country for an event aimed to entertain families of the area.

The inaugural Family Fun Day event, hosted by Boone, N.C.’s VFW Post 7031, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, featured live music, arts and crafts, and other children’s activities free of charge. While the event was opened to the public, Family Fun Day was held with veterans and their families in mind.

Past-VFW Post 4031 Commander Chuck Wright, who was the Post’s commander leading up to the event, said that he and other organizers believe Family Fun Day was a success. Wright added that 91 registered veterans attended with their families.

“It was an outstanding event, and we are appreciative of all the veterans who showed up with their families,” said Wright, a Marine of the Vietnam War. “We were even able to sign up several new members to the Post and Auxiliary.”

Wright, who served with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam, said that the event went so well that there are plans to hold another Family Fun Day in the future.

“This event was the first of its kind here in northwestern North Carolina,” said Wright, who served three tours from 1965 to 1971. “Representatives from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation have said they would like to participate in a future event.”

Wright, who medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1972, said the event would not have happened without the work of VFW Post 7031 Auxiliary member Tammy Dyson, who is a fellow of the Tennessee Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Dyson, along with the Post 7031 Auxiliary, was a pivotal part of the event and its success, according to Wright.

“It is important for us to keep VFW’s mission at the forefront,” Wright said. “And we have to be able to show that to our community.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce SSG Jonathan Dozier Memorial Post 2894 in Chesapeake, Virginia, has been selected to receive the 2023 VFW Fred C. Hall Memorial Outstanding Post Special Project Award, a prestigious award that recognizes VFW Posts for notable and exceptional community service projects.

In early 2020, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Victoria Bullard and her husband, Christopher Edmonds, who was also on active-duty service in the Navy, purchased a home with the seller agreeing to make necessary repairs prior to the couple’s return from their respective overseas tours. Victoria was dismayed when she returned from deployment to discover the seller had not completed any of the work, leaving her family with a home nearly uninhabitable. With Christopher still deployed, Victoria faced the sole responsibility of moving into a home that needed major repairs, and she didn’t know where to turn.

When members of VFW Post 2894 heard Victoria’s story, they stepped in without hesitation. From repairing a large hole in the kitchen floor and replacing flooring throughout the home, to renovating the kitchen and repairing the backyard deck, together with the community and local groups like The Home Depot, I Sell 757 and Habitat for Humanity, Post members didn’t stop working until the Bullard’s house became a safe home.

VFW National Commander Tim Borland will present VFW Post 2894 Commander Jose Vasquez with the 2023 VFW Fred C. Hall Memorial Outstanding Post Special Project Award on Wednesday, July 26, during the 124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Watching his aging World War II veteran father neglect his cane because it made him appear “vulnerable” in public, VFW Life member Tom Ashmore set off on a journey that led him to Cane-Fu.

With an extensive martial arts background dating back to formal training in judo at 14 years old, Ashmore, 78, contacted Grand Master Mark Shuey, a U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee who created the American Cane System.

The system, developed for seniors and people older than 40 in all physical conditions, appealed to Ashmore. He believed that using a cane for exercise and self-defense could get his father to appreciate his own.

“I started training with Grand Master Shuey a decade ago and worked my way up, going through all the different belts,” said Ashmore, a Purple Heart recipient who deployed in 1966 with the 2nd Bn., 4th Marines to Vietnam. “Then as I got more involved in teaching my father, I figured I’d help others like me. It became a hobby of love more than anything else.”

A Life member of VFW Post 4639 in Williamsburg, Virginia, and a retired police officer, Ashmore and his wife created Cane Loyalty, a free program that has since taught Cane-Fu to more than 2,000 veterans in and around Virginia.

He describes Cane-Fu as an “innovative” way for veterans to stay active and practice self-defense tactics.

“Sadly, physical attacks on seniors and the disabled have increased about 70 percent in the last few years,” said Ashmore, whose martial arts background includes learning under several masters while deployed to Japan, as well as mastering Arnis, the national martial arts of the Philippines that uses stick, knife and open hand fighting.

“We went with Cane Loyalty because if you are loyal to your cane, it will be loyal to you,” Ashmore added. “It’s like taking care of your weapon in combat. When you need it, it is there.”

Ashmore’s Cane Loyalty program offers seminars with hands-on training, providing each veteran with a free hardwood cane manufactured by Cane Masters in Florida. While open to traveling for seminars, most of Ashmore’s classes are held at the War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center in his hometown of Powhatan, Virginia.

“I’ve been traveling around Virginia, but as I get older, I have traveled less,” Ashmore said. “I do classes at VFW Posts and Purple Heart chapters around the area now. No veteran has ever paid for a class, either.”

For his efforts in teaching Cane-Fu to veterans, Ashmore has received much recognition over the years. Last year, the Vietnam veteran was honored with a permanent mural and Quilt of Honor at the VA hospital in Richmond, Virginia, as well as an award from the Richmond chapter of The Military Order of the Purple Heart for his continuous work in teaching veterans that a cane is more than a crutch.

“The cane can become your personal gym so you can get stronger to live longer,” Ashmore said. “You can use your cane to enhance your balance, increase your flexibility and defend yourself and others if needed. Learning these movements also builds confidence, and it can alleviate depression by giving them something to focus on.”

Through Cane Loyalty, Ashmore has recently developed new training programs for veterans who are wheelchair bound, as well as programs dedicated to caregivers and those missing a hand or arm.

“Caregivers also benefit greatly from the strength building and flexibility training as well as the defense option,” Ashmore said. “The caregiver and the veteran can practice together for added camaraderie.”

This article is featured in the June/July 2023 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., senior writer for VFW magazine.

VFW has made great strides this year in membership. At press time, the organization was on track to hit 102 percent in membership.

VFW’s Membership Department offers congratulations to everyone helping to make this possible.

To keep this trend going, VFW Membership Associate Director of Post Development and Revitalization Corey Hunt urges Posts that may be struggling to work on revitalization efforts.

“A Post with good community ties will be a successful Post,” Hunt said. “Events held at the Post whether big or small is healthy for the membership of the Post.”

Hunt added that each Post revitalization story is unique. Perhaps it is a Post that made changes to its home to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act ordinances or a Post that offered up its
property to serve as a community garden.

It could be the act of gathering food trucks in the Post parking lot, thereby drawing the community to the Post.

“We do a lot of things at Posts throughout the year that count as revitalization,” Hunt said. “It doesn’t necessarily take a large, impactful effort, but small efforts combined.”

Hunt encouraged Posts with Auxiliaries to work closely with them for greater impact.

“Even small endeavors by Auxiliaries can make a difference in the revitalization of Posts,” Hunt said. “It is no secret that Posts with strong Auxiliaries do well. Most of those are All-American Posts.”

As an added incentive, Departments that charter a new Post or have a struggling Post that is revitalized will receive an award.

That award is a $250 VFW Store credit given to the Department to be used for new Post materials. Additionally, the Membership Department sends new Posts a New Post Charter Kit from the VFW Store. Hunt noted that this award is subject to change each program year.

“Ultimately, revitalization efforts are ongoing and keep Posts from defaulting,” Hunt said. “If it is not happening, the Posts would not be able to exist.”

This article is featured in the June/July 2023 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.

Members of VFW Post 10380 Green Township, Ohio, held their ninth annual “Cars and Courage” car show on April 29 to raise funds for their veterans’ programs.

The car show, a blend of more than 85 vintage and exotic cars lined across the parking lot of the Diamond Oaks Career Campus in Cincinnati, Ohio, helped the Post raise more than $1,200 towards their goal this year.

“It was also a great way to increase our presence in the community,” Post 10380 Vice Commander Edward Murphy said.

Hosting more than 500 car enthusiasts between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on a Saturday, members of Post 10338 charged car show participants $20, collecting the rest of profits from food and drinks. All spectators had free access to the show, as in years past.

The car show in April is among many slated fundraisers and community hosted by Post 10380 throughout the year. Some of these most popular events include a Fourth of July fireworks display, a Kids Fest in August, Veterans and Memorial Day parades, as well as an annual golf tournament.

On Aug. 27, the Post also will celebrate its 35th anniversary with the community.

It had been 15 years since Michael Polsley rode a motorcycle, feeling the rush of wind hiss as he traveled fast and steady down an open road.

A Vietnam War veteran, Polsley’s favorite pastime had been stripped from him by the utterance of a name given to symptoms he was beginning to experience in his later years, that of Parkinson’s Disease.

The thrill of one last ride prompted Polsley’s son-in-law, Iraq War veteran Jerry Robinson, to reach out to Virginia VFW Riders Chairman Rob Pedersen on Nov. 26 in hopes of borrowing a sidecar that could be mounted on a motorcycle.

“Jerry Robinson wanted to give his father-in-law a special gift by taking him on a motorcycle ride,” said James Cooper, the VFW Post 637 commander in Hopewell, Virginia. “He spoke to Rob about how his father-in-law rode motorcycles all his life before his condition kept him off a bike for 15 years.”

Empathizing with the inquiry, Pedersen contacted the president of the riders group at Post 637, Michael Losoya, who sought help from Cooper in finding a sidecar to accommodate Polsley.

After a few days, Losoya and Cooper landed help from VFW Post 637 Chaplain and fellow rider Sharon Sculthorpe, who has often volunteered to use her trike to give hospice patients in Hopewell rides around town.

“I had heard they were having trouble finding a sidecar, so I told them I had a trike and if they could get him onto my bike then I could take him on this ride,” Sculthorpe said. “I had been giving rides to people at hospices in order to grant them wishes of one last ride.”

Without knowing what had been set in motion by his son-in-law, Polsley, thinking he was going to see a motorcycle show at Post 637 on Dec. 11, was surprised when he arrived at noon to a motorcade of more than 25 riders waiting to join him on a memorable ride.

“He was so excited and humbled by the surprise his family had set up,” Sculthorpe said. “We strapped him in with padded pool noodles and he seemed very ready to go despite it being as cold as it was.”

Setting out from Post 637 on a motorcycle for the first time in more than 15 years, Polsley held onto Sculthorpe as the pair rode about 40 miles in temperatures grazing the low 20s.

They strolled down backroads and highways around Prince George County, Virginia, passing through the scenic countryside and busy intersections alike.

“We stopped one time along the way to give him a break because he gets tired easily with his disease, but he kept saying, ‘Let’s go, I want to keep riding,'” Sculthorpe said. “He was really enjoying all the bikes around him, too. We had riders from the VFW, American Legion and Patriot Guard. They all wanted to show their gratitude for his service, which goes to show you that nobody has bigger hearts than bikers.”

Following the 40-mile trek that ended back at the Post, Polsley was presented a Vietnam War veteran’s pin and certificate by Post 637 Quartermaster Lee Dixon during a small ceremony.

With his family and grandkids present, Polsley accepted the honor and thanked all those who helped make his wish a reality.

For the Post 637 members and VFW Riders in attendance, the joy in a fellow veteran’s eyes despite his circumstances was a reassurance of an ethos Sculthorpe added they all follow.

“For us veterans, we live with the ‘others before self ‘ motto, and if we could do something like this to make someone else’s wish come true, we’re going to do it,” Sculthorpe said. “It was an honor and a privilege to do this for him.”

This article is featured in the June/July 2023 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., senior writer for VFW magazine.

Irene Hosking was 24 years old when she joined the Army Nurse Corps more than 80 years ago. Her brother – two years her junior – survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. That pivotal moment provided the impetus for Hosking’s enlistment on May 15, 1942.

She met her husband, Louis W.A. Hosking, while based at Fort Custer, Michigan (now Fort McCoy). They would eventually have one son, Howard.

Growing up in Hurley, Wisconsin, Hosking attended Milwaukee Wisconsin School of Nursing, where she graduated as a registered nurse on Feb. 8, 1940.

As an Army nurse in 1942, Hosking found herself in Australia caring for the wounded. She clearly remembers tending to those with severe amputations. One was a baseball player who lost his pitching arm. Another GI had 17 wounds.

“[I can recall] how they were able to endure the pain of getting their dressings done,” Hosking said. “Those are the things I remember the most. I am very, very happy that I was a registered nurse. I was able to help them.”

After returning home, Hosking tried to join a VFW Post, but at that time, women were not allowed membership in the organization. In 1984, she joined VFW Post 4005 in Corunna, Michigan, and became Post commander in 1995.

Hosking also was the first female commander of Michigan’s Shiawassee VFW County Council. She has held a multitude of other positions within VFW since then. In 1996, Hosking became a member of the Post Auxiliary.

At 105, Hosking regularly attends Post meetings as a Life member as well as VFW County Council meetings. Her daughter-in-law, Cathy, said Hosking tries to also attend state meetings when those are held close to home.

To celebrate Hosking and her 105th birthday, VFW Post 4005 was to host an open house in her honor on April 22, just two days after her birthday.

Post Commander Fred Blair said Hosking was the Post chaplain for 25 years, stepping down just last year. In April, she conducted the installation of the new Post officers.

Blair said Hosking keeps him in line and lets him know if he makes any mistakes.

“I joke she is nothing but a thorn in my butt … because she is my rose,” Blair said. “I recently gave her half a dozen roses – one for every year she has had to put up with me as Post commander.”

For her big celebration, Hosking requested no gifts, but instead asked for contributions to the Post, the VFW National Home for Children, or other causes.

Hosking shared her secret to longevity: no smoking, no drinking and everything else in moderation.

With 105 years of living under her belt, Hosking has simple, but sage advice when it comes to living the best life: “I always try to be nice to everyone. I treat everyone I meet like I have known them a long time.”

This article is featured in the June/July 2023 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.