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; 2^nd 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.