Posts continue good deeds in schools

VFW Magazine, August, 2003

With a new school year only days away, it's important for Post members to begin planning youth-related activities. There are many ways to get involved, ranging from recognizing Jr. ROTC cadets to helping send students to academic camps.

In Keene, N.H., Post 799 distributed "Liberty Day" books and pins to more than 200 eighth-grade students. The Post partnered with the Lions Club on this endeavor.

"We feel this project clearly exemplifies several facets of VFW," said George Parker, then-Post commander. "It covers citizenship and youth efforts."

Let us know about your Post's youth-oriented programs. As always, we're looking for good, clear, action-oriented photographs. Mail your submission to: VFW Magazine, Attn: VFW in Action, 406 West 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Roy Wederbrook of Post 4818 in Hereford, Texas, presents cadets Cpl. Elisa Nieto and Maj. Diego Barela with a donation. Nieto and Barela are enrolled in the Hereford High School Jr. ROTC program. According to principal Tony Calkins, also pictured, the contribution will be used for uniforms.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Jeremy Brandenburg of Upper Dublin High School receives a $200 grant from Thaddeus Smith, Jr., of Post 3398 in Willow Grove, Pa. Brandenburg used the grant to attend a Presidential Classroom Scholars Program in Washington, D.C., in June 2002. The week-long event provides high school students with an introduction to how the federal government works.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Then-Post Commander Walker Sumner of Post 5168 in Forsyth, Mo., presents a leadership medal to Edward Weigman, cadet with the Forsyth High School Marine Corps Jr. ROTC. Since it was implemented three years ago, this ROTC Program has enrolled 81 cadets.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Jerry Funk, custodian of Crestview High School, receives a U.S. flag from Dick Algeo, then-commander of Post 5692 in Ashland, Ohio. Adjutant Robert Johnson noticed in a classroom visit earlier in the school year that a teacher brought her own flag from home and would pass it from class to class for use. The Post saw to it that each of the 14 classrooms received a 2 ft.-by-3 ft. flag and the school received a 4 ft.-by-6 ft. flag to fly out front.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]