Dear Comrades,
I
apologize I have failed to mention or put out this information ahead of
time. We are in our 80th Anniversary year this year at Ernest Simmons
VFW 6722 and we are trying to draw as much publicity and attention to
the post as possible along with bringing back the Veterans Day parade to
Lillington this year on November 8th. We have
been honored this year for the first time in our 8 decade history to be
named an All American Post along with North Carolina Honor Post. All
American is a prestigious award that recognizes a very select few VFW
posts who go above and beyond in community service and commitment to the
goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The mission and goal of the VFW
is to support and advocate for veterans of overseas conflicts, their
families, and their communities. This includes providing assistance with
benefits, healthcare, education, and employment, as well as promoting
patriotism and community involvement.
Along with a very dedicated 7th grade
teacher at Harnett Central Middle School (who is also our Auxiliary
President), we have established a VFW Auxiliary Youth Group who are very
excited, motivated, and ready to engage in projects, community
outreach, and community service. The youth group assisted in the
planning and execution of the 4th of July celebration including parking
and food. We could not be more proud of them. One of the many goals for
the VFW 6722 Youth Group is to hold fundraisers and events that will
help them reach their ultimate goal of taking a bus trip next year to
visit our nation's capital to see the Vietnam Memorial, WWII memorial,
and Arlington National Cemetery. I have promised as the Commander of VFW
6722 to do everything I can possibly do to make their dreams become
reality and along with my senior leaders, we are poised to do great
things for our community and veterans.
To
further promote our community service initiatives, we have partnered
with and assisted the local Scouts of America by assisting Xander with
the approval process and construction of the ramp now adorned to the
front entrance to the Post. This project not only makes the Post more
accessible to our veterans in wheelchairs and walkers, it assists Xander
in the acquisition of the prestigious title of Eagle Scout. We are
extremely proud of Xander, and are appreciative that he chose our Post
for his Project.
VFW
6722 is no longer going to remain "the old brick building by the
tracks" of yesteryear... we are in the process of revitalizing and
renewing our commitment to community service and family events. Stay
tuned because we have an amazing year coming up and we would love to
have everyone's insight and recommendations moving into the future. We
are 100% engaged and ready to serve our veteran community from which we
all hail and our Lillington and Harnett County Community in which we all
live, work, and raise our families. If anyone comes across any projects
or community service, veteran events or veterans in need or in crisis
that we can assist with, please feel free to reach out to me anytime!
Stephen M. Gardner
Commander
Ernest Simmons VFW Post 6722
