Category: Commanders Area
Commanders Posts and Updates
Commander’s Article
Hello folks and welcome to our 2023 newsletter. Yes, we still have a newsletter. I know we have not been very good at getting this out to you, and I do apologize for that. The good news is that with the use of Constant Contact, we have been keeping in touch with all of you throughout the year when we need to, especially the important bits and pieces. With Constant Contact my goal has been to limit the material coming out of the Post Home to the most important and time-sensitive information, for instance, dates that the VA has been dealing with this year in regard to the Pact Act. I really did not want to fill up your email with weekly blasts. With all that said, I am letting you know that we’ve updated (and are still working on it) the post website.
Basically, we redesigned it and turned it into more of a news and information site with relevant links. This will give the individuals who write the news articles access to the site to post information and announcements whenever they wish. This will also allow me and the Auxiliary President the ability to get information out sooner rather than later.
When we created the website, we wanted to make it as clear as possible with the domain name. We also wanted to be sure folks could find us, so we own a few website names, which keeps scammers from using our name. All of the addresses listed here are pointed to one site: springfieldvfw.org, post7327.org and vfwpost7327.org. The site is also protected from scammers with the “https.” The new design offers us the ability to update information quickly, especially Veterans Administration changes/ policies. We will also be posting updates for ongoing fundraiser events like the Army-Navy game tailgate, as well as the projects we’ve done in the past and want to start back up, like distributing Buddy Poppy’s at the Ft. Belvoir Exchange and the local Giant(s), organizing the Highway Cleanup program, and assisting the Honor Flight blankets program with the South County Middle School students.
Another advantage to the redesigned site is that the Auxiliary will be updating their information going forward. We will also have members only page/information where we will be posting meeting minutes as well as any Quartermasters reports. I am working on fixing the protection plan to keep the members only information secure. When this is completed, I will send out a blast email with directions on how to access the documents. My goal is to have all relevant information out there for members to see. Since we are a 501C (19), our financials are public records, but meeting notes are not. As a side note, our Facebook (FB) site is currently having difficulties in that FB does not like what we are posting. It seems that promoting Veteran causes is considered a violation of FB’s community standards. So, posting updates there is a bit difficult
right now. I am working on getting out of FB “jail.” The link on the top of the website will take you to our FB page when it is active again. The American Legion was in “jail” with us for a few weeks, and I will touch base with them to see how to fix it.
We’ve also made it easier to share information on the different VFW national programs, like Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy with QR codes that can be used via cell phone. For example, you can use your phone to access the site and share the code/link with anyone. The link takes you to a fillable form directly on the vfw.org site. The benefit is you can send this to anyone who is looking to take part in either program. The post awards 3 prizes in each of the programs. 1st place gets $275; 2nd place gets $175; and 3rd place gets $75. The winners are forwarded to District 10 for judging and are eligible for its awards and, if they win the District they will be advanced to the Department of Virginia for consideration for the National Grand prize. VOD is $35,000 and PP is $5,000. The deadline for applications is Monday October 31st. I’ll make it a point to be at the post that day to collect applications.
That’s all for housekeeping. Let me point out the programs that we cosponsored with the Springfield American Legion Post 176 over the past year and a few programs that will be coming up. On May 7th the Commander of the American Legion and I invited local Vietnam Veterans to an appreciation event at the American Legion. The following expresses the spirit of the event:
The 550 Vietnam Veteran members of Post 176, along with countless others, including those who did not return home, were celebrated on Sunday, May 7th. A large banner, signed by members and guests prior to the event, was hung at the entrance to the Post. American Legion Commander Kevin Gaddis spoke of the 550 Vietnam
veterans, the 65 Korean War veterans, and the 16 World War II veterans who still consider Post 176 their home Post. He also recognized the Gold Star wives in attendance.
MOPH Commander Angelo Wilder said that he does not regret serving in the military, “What I regret is the homecoming.”
VFW Post 7327 Commander Joseph Byrnes, told the audience, “The best way to honor them today is the fact that you are here.”
Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran, whose family fled Vietnam when she was only seven months old, shared that the memories of the Vietnam war are still close to the hearts of everyone.
Pat Herrity, Springfield District Supervisor since 2007, said, “It is absolutely critical…that we make up for that lack of a hero’s welcome” of which those who fought in Vietnam were deprived.
Roger Schultz, Lieutenant General (retired), spoke of his career. “I’m a soldier…when we take that oath, it changes us.” He went on to thank the Gold Star wives and asked the crowd to remember the POW/MIA.
American Legion First Vice Commander Dennis Madtes provided the
POW/MIA remembrance, with an explanation of each item on the display. “They are commonly known as POW/MIA, but we call them 
brothers and sisters.” Tim Park from Post 177 played TAPS on the bugle to end the ceremony.
On a personal note, this Welcome Home celebration was well overdue.
We’ve participated in several other joint programs, and I will be adding their story to the website when I receive the images of the events. Please stay tuned; however, I would like to acknowledge two of the most important events: Memorial Day services and Patriots Day (September 11th remembrance). Both were very touching. I had a chance to speak with folks at each event. Based on the conversations I had, I feel these functions are a great benefit to the veterans community and help bring more attention to our causes.
In closing, the redesigned website will help to keep you informed as long as you are accessing it! I will continue to send out email blasts as events warrant. Don’t be surprised when you click on a notice, and it takes you to the website.
Be safe and remember that if someone asks you if we are open, let them know the Springfield VFW Post 7327 is open for business, and our business is helping all veterans.
The Property is curently listed see links and information below.
PROPERTY FACTS
| Price | $1,650,000 | Property Type | Land |
| Sale Type | Investment or Owner User | Property Subtype | Residential |
| Sale Conditions | Redevelopment Project | Total Lot Size | 2.57 AC |
| No. Lots | 1 |
1 LOT AVAILABLE
Lot 44-49
| Price | $1,650,000 | Lot Size | 2.57 AC |
| Price Per AC | $642,023 |
Commanders Comments from 2022
Greeting all,
Hello and welcome to the end of 2022. A funny thing just happened to me. I have a habit of looking up old articles. This keeps me from repeating myself and reminds me of what was going on in the past. I did a search on my new computer in the Commander’s office and found that not all the files had been completely transferred from my old one. The only article to come up was the first piece I wrote for 2022. It’s interesting to look back and see all the changes that have happened over the past 12 months. Though we’ve lost some folks, we’ve gained some new friends as well. But we’re still here and still doing what we can to help veterans and their families.
The year that was. When it comes to the VFW, we run on a fiscal year from July to June so techni- cally we are halfway through the 2022-23 VFW program year. But in the real world, we are finishing that long trip around the sun. I know, we are all getting ready to focus on the holidays (to make it through in one piece), so I just want to give you a few updates and let you know some of the milestones that we have achieved this year.
The Post received awards for All State (department) and All-American (national). We also achieved 100% in membership. This happened mainly because of the efforts of Comrades Alton Robinson, Quarter- master, and Patrick Mills, Adjutant. They assisted with all aspects of the Post and stepped up more than I could have dreamed. The key to these awards focuses on getting 100% membership. This year between members passing away or transferring out of state, we are looking at a shortfall in members. Therefore, I would like to encourage each of you to seek out one combat veteran and recruit him or her to join the Post. I’ve noticed over the last 8 years as Commander that the main reason posts have been closing is due to the sunsetting of membership. This occurs when the membership is aging out, and no one is left to keep the lights on, so to speak. With our sale of the land closing soon, the Post will be financially stable for the fore- seeable future. We just need to ensure that we have enough members to keep it going.
The Bingo Program–as you may be aware, we suspended our program earlier this year with the pos- sibility of restarting it at some time in the future. After speaking with the Virginia Gaming Commission, we decided to completely end our Bingo operations effective December 2022. What does this mean going forward? We are currently looking at starting up Bingo again in 2023. We just need to find a new location and, of course, a group of volunteers to manage and work it. As many of you know, if it weren’t for Bingo, we wouldn’t have our Post Home or the funds to help as many folks in the community as we have. As we consider different options, we will keep you updated. I did want to add a thank you to all the folks who, over the last 30 years, have volunteered for the Bingo Program. You are and you have been the lifeblood of this Post.
I am happy to say that we have sent two Voice of Democracy, one Patriot’s Pen, and a Teacher-of- the-Year entries to District 10 for their consideration, with the hope that they will be advanced to the de- partment and then to national for consideration. The VOD entries were received from West Springfield High School students. If you have the time to swing by the Post and have a look at the entries, you will un- derstand why we wanted to submit them for the national awards. I encourage you to look at this program for next year. There are cash awards from the Post level all the way up to national (and that one is for $35,00). This is something to consider for kids and grandkids.
The joint Veterans Service Office (VSO) office has aided over 100 veterans in the first six months alone, and it is our hope to double that moving forward. The VSO officers that use the space are required to follow the guidelines set forth by each of their individual organi- zations. We are in talks to see if we can get an accredited service person to set up permanent space in our VSO room. This would be someone from the Commonwealth as we move forward; I will let you know. Our goal is to help eve- ryone who needs help no matter what organization they are or are not associated with. We help any Veteran in need when we can.
The sale of the property is moving along as ex- pected. The buyer is submitting their plans to the county for review and approval. Please join us for the monthly meetings for more specific updates on this topic. We meet the 4th Tuesday of each month, both in person at the Post Home, 5417-E Backlick Road, Springfield VA 2215, and via Zoom.
This year, we’ve been able to partner with Spring- field’s American Legion Post 176 a little more than we had in the past to increase our impact and achieve our individu- al goals. By teaming up we will far surpass what we can do on our own. The two posts held joint Veterans Day, Memo- rial Day, and Patriots Day celebrations. We also took part in the Veteran’s Business Awareness Program with Spring- field and Mt. Vernon Chambers of Commerce. It is our goal that these functions will become annual events going forward.
I would also like to congratulate the American Legion Post 176 for their Thanksgiving Dinner service; this was the first year that our Post was able to assist in this annual event. It’s my understanding that the Legion served well over 200 dinners that day.
As many of you know the American Legion holds fundraising tailgate parties for the Washington Football team throughout the year. We asked them if we could hold a fundraising event of our own, and they agreed. We will behosting an all-you-can-eat Taco tailgate 
for the Army-Navy game on December 10th; the game starts at 1500. I will leave the “go” and “beat” comments for that day. I hope you can join us for the event. The proceeds will be going to the Post’s Relief Fund.
One last event to let you know about. In the past our post held a holiday party at the Springfield Fire House for needy families in the area. But because of restrictions beyond our control, we had to stop the program. The good news is that we are going to be working with the American Legion and host “Breakfast with Santa” on December 11. The plan is to serve breakfast
for about 70 to 100 kids, and they will be able to visit with Santa and receive a small gift and treats. I will send out a notice of the time for this event later this week.
That is my update and brings our calendar year to a close but not our VFW year. There are many more events to come and many more programs waiting for us to take part in. I look forward to 2023 and from my family to yours I wish everyone Happy Holidays in however way you celebrate.
Please be safe if you plan to travel, and try to be kind to all the relatives you only see once a year. Keep in mind every dollar used for bail is one less gift.
