Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 7890 in Kentucky
On February 11, 2025, members of VFW Auxiliary 7890 in Cadiz, Kentucky donated more than 30 various sized boxes of diapers (about 1,500 total diapers) and 80 packs of wipes to Ft. Campbell YMCA to assist military families as part of National President Brenda Bryant’s special project Operation Bottom Cover. Writes Auxiliary Treasurer Leena Johnson, who sent in pictures, “I hope this will give an idea to other Auxiliaries located near military installations how to help with President Brenda Bryant’s special project.”
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 2485 in the Philippines
Auxiliary 2485 members in the Philippines, along with their VFW Post Commander, extended their helping hands to the elderly brothers and sisters in the Bahay Pag-ibig, Home for the Aged in San Fernando Pampanga on January 15, 2025. As they shared to Facebook, “Aside from bringing their basic foods and needs, the team performed a short program singing Christmas songs and dancing in front of their rooms, conveying the spirit of Christmas in January.” They added, “Thank you to all who participated, donated and as always, showing unwavering support to the community.”
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 3835 in Panama
In October, 2024 our featured Auxiliary in Action was Auxiliary 3835 in Panama! In addition to a recent cancer drive during which they collected items and put together 100 bags “full of love and care” for those undergoing cancer treatment they also took their meeting “on the road,” holding it at the home of a member who has not been able to travel to their meetings.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 837 in Texas
On Valentine’s Day, 2025, Texas Auxiliary 837 members were joined by fellow members from District 20 for a visit to the Frank M Tejeda Veterans Home to spend the day with veterans. As they shared to Facebook, “We took blankets (and) sweet pastries, and, to honor Nurses Month, we made goody bags for the nurses as well. We played Bingo, handed out prizes and enjoyed visiting with them.” Members also crowned a Valentine’s Day King and Queen.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 1481 in Utah
Members of Auxiliary in 1481 in Utah participated in an Outreach project at the Weber County Animal Shelter in January, 2025. As they shared to Facebook, “Dishes and laundry always need our help!” While bettering their community and helping to keep the shelter pets healthy, they wore Auxiliary badges or shirts, which is key to the success of the Outreach Program. The shelter was “FURtunate” to have them on hand providing “PURRfect” community service.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary to Post 9876 in Thailand
On the second Saturday of January, VFW Auxiliary to Post 9876 in Thailand organized “Children’s Day” activities with a bounce house and games, giving away 500 5kg. bags of rice, gifting special toys and bikes, awarding prizes to participating children and providing food and snacks, including kway chap, khanom krok, sticky rice, doughnuts, ice cream, steamed buns, fish maw soup and more. As they shared to Facebook, “Thank you to everyone who came to support and bring joy to the children.”
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 4174 in Missouri
Members of VFW and Auxiliary 3174 in Sikeston, Missouri participated in an Adopt a Veteran Project just ahead of Christmas 2024, which involved delivering gifts to nursing home residents. “Thank you to the elves!” Life Member Tina Johnson posted to Facebook, along with photos. “We truly are Team Sikeston. It takes all of us to get things done. From starting to finish… working with our veterans is what we are supposed to be doing. It should be everyone’s why.” Auxiliary members helped to adopt, shop, wrap and deliver gifts.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 6640 in Louisiana
VFW and VFW Auxiliary 6640 members in Metairie, Louisiana attended the January, 2025 Blinded Veterans Association Louisiana/Mississippi Dedication Ceremony, donating an inside and an outside Tactile Braille American Flag with the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. January is Braille Literacy Month in honor of Louis Braille, who created the tactile system, vastly improving on previous versions, and the Auxiliary was happy to go above and beyond to ensure greater accessibility for those in need.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliaries in Connecticut
VFW Auxiliary members across the state of Connecticut participated in a number of “Stand Down” events in the fall of 2024, including Past Department President Eddye Swilling Wade and Auxiliary 399 member Cora Swilling, who distributed goody bags to over 300 veterans at the University of Bridgeport. District One Auxiliaries contributed to the bags; Swilling Wade is currently District One President. “Stand Down” is a nationwide, community-based regular event focused on giving to those veterans and service members who are struggling with homelessness, typically coordinated by veterans service organizations and other charities in cooperation with the VA.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary to Post 7116 in Georgia
VFW Auxiliary to Post 7116 in the Department of Georgia asked fellow members on September 11, 2024, “What did you do today to show you will NEVER FORGET?” Members visited a local school to read books like The Man Who Walked Between the Towers to children in pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, third grade, and fifth grade at Screven County Elementary School and shared with young students a 9/11 coloring project, helping them to learn about that tragic day in an age-appropriate way.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 7511 in Washington
VFW Auxiliary 7511 in Monroe, Washington, recently enrolled in their local ADOPT-A-ROAD program, assuming responsibility for a section of Bunk Foss Road. On Saturday, March 9, they conducted their inaugural trash cleanup. As they shared to Facebook, they were “fortunate to encounter only a light misting of rain.” Alongside VFW Post member Michael Bowling, who provided truck and safety support, five Auxiliary members participated in the event. Following a brief orientation and distribution of safety gear, they commenced their cleanup efforts. They successfully collected two bags of trash, a large sign and miscellaneous debris from the surrounding brush. “We eagerly anticipate our next cleanup event,” they wrote. They are also considering adopting a second road.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 8189 in Florida
Auxiliary 8189 in Homosassa, Florida was busy in February, 2025! Members delivered handmade Valentine’s Day cards to veterans and residents at local senior centers and also donated books to schools as part of the VFW Auxiliary’s Patriotism through Literacy Youth Activities initiative – titles included Towers Falling, The Poppy Lady and Baseball Saved Us, among others.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary members from Massachusetts
During the March, 2025 VFW Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., members of the Department of Massachusetts VFW and Auxiliary celebrated their state’s Voice of Democracy Winner, as Betty Mae Tenney presented a congratulations card and gift from their delegation; Department President Kelly Durkee Irwin called this her “favorite picture so far” during the conference.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 10041 in Alaska
VFW Auxiliary 10041 in Alaska made sure the residents at Bethel Youth Facility “got Christmas” in 2025. The facility’s website described it as a Detention Unit (with capacity of 12) and a Treatment Unit (with a capacity of 11) through the Department of Family and Community Services – “The vast majority of youth admitted… are Alaska Natives… representing Barrow, Nome, Kotzebue, Fairbanks, Bethel and the 56 villages of the Yukon-Kuskoskim Delta,” many of whom are disabled, mentally ill, and/or suffering the long-term effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It cannot be easy being away from home as a teenager at Christmastime, but the Auxiliary tried to help make the holidays brighter for these young people.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary members from Vermont
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont posted this picture with VFW and Auxiliary members to his Facebook page in March, 2015, during the VFW Legislative Conference in DC with the following caption: Great to meet with VFW members from Vermont. These are the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our country. We are proud of them and what they’ve done. No cuts to the VA. No privatization.” Auxiliary members from across the country joined their VFW delegations in visiting their state representatives while at the United States Capitol.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 1114 in Indiana
In October 2024, Indiana Auxiliary 1114 participated in the Franklin Street Trick or Treat event, passing out candy while dressed fabulously as Winifred Sanderson and Billy Butcher from the movie Hocus Pocus. As they shared to Facebook, “Such a fun beautiful day. Happy Halloween to all!”
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary members from Minnesota
On March 30, 2025, Minnesota District 6 Auxiliary members got together to tie quilts, which were then to be distributed to veterans at their local VA homes and hospital. Auxiliary 7050 in Melrose, Minnesota shared a picture to Facebook featuring proud members showing off some of their new, beautiful quilts.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 1433 in Arizona
Arizona Auxiliary 1433 participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Glendale, Arizona Veterans Village on February 1, 2025. Life Member Gabe Forsberg posted photos to Facebook, which the Department of Arizona shared with the caption, “Way to go VFW Auxiliary 1433. One step closer to getting homeless veterans off the streets.” The building of the Glendale Veterans Village has been spearheaded by the Veterans Community Project with support from the Sandy Coor VFW Post 1433 and their Auxiliary. Thanks to their combined efforts and support from the community, local leaders, nonprofit volunteers, and funding from the city, county, state and locals, 50 tiny homes will be available for veterans, including disabled veterans, and their families who are at risk of homelessness; VFW Past Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland says he believes the homes and services provided will also help to reduce veteran suicides.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary 3081 in West Virginia
The “Buddy”® Poppy and candy display of VFW Auxiliary 3081 in West Virginia was the perfect blend of “scary” and “sweet” for all of those who dared wander by on Halloween day, 2024. Treats included spider rings, Kit-Kats, Almond Joy bars, DOTS, mini Krackles, and, of course “Buddy”® Poppies! About half a dozen members manned the tables just two days after the Auxiliary held an event to collect and delivery shoes, coats and school supplies to students at Flemington Elementary School.
Auxiliary in Action: VFW Auxiliary members in Pennsylvania
In November, 2024, VFW Auxiliary Department of Pennsylvania President Andrea Meintel visited the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center with fellow members. While there, they were honored to meet Charlie, a World War II veteran and survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. As the Department posted to Facebook, “He is 104 years young!” The day also included a tour of the Lackawanna County Veterans Memorial and a District meeting hosted by VFW Post and Auxiliary 7069.
