VFW At Work

1. 'Deployments Can be Stressful'

   Members of VFW Post 2811in Gainesville, Florida, provided and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for an Army Reserve unit on June 14 at Cynthia Chestnut Park.

   Three Post members participated in a sendoff picnic for more than 50 soldiers and family members of the 257th Transportation Battalion, 399th Movement Control Team.

   The veterans provided refreshments and camaraderie to the unit that is on orders for deployment to the Middle East.

   "Deployments can be stressful," said VFW Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, a retired master sergeant with the 3rd Bn., 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard. "Local reserve units tend to be made from communities and often families that you know. This gives our VFW Post a chance to show its grassroots support for those who are sacrificing for our freedoms. Anything we can do to make things easier for the soldiers and families involved, we're happy to do."

   Owen, who manned the grill and transported the Post's tables, chairs and refreshments to the event, said that this is the type of function that the VFW promotes. He added that grant funds available through the VFW's Military Appreciation Program (MAP) can help offset his Post's costs.

   "The prime mission of the VFW is to honor veterans by directly helping them and their families," said Owen. "When our Post took the position of helping sponsor the 257th Transportation Battalion, it did so knowing we have the full backing of every VFW member in the organization."

   Specifically designed by the VFW to help Posts build relationships with their local military community, the MAP grant program can help VFW Posts cover expenses up to $5,000 annually, if funds are available for events such as the sendoff picnic. The money is specifically earmarked for basic food items and nonalcoholic beverages for service members and their family members.

   "The program is a great fit for active Posts like ours who want to spend more time helping and less time fundraising," said Owen. "That way, we can spend more time at the grill and less time worrying about the bill."

   Article written by Michael P. Maurer, a Life member of VFW Post 2811. Maurer is the recent recipient of the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

   This article is featured in the 2025 June issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

2. 'We Welcome Everyone'

   Earlier this month, VFW Post 837 came together to celebrate Victory in Europe Day - the day Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allied Powers, effectively bringing an end to WWII in Europe.

   Although the official date of V-E (Victory in Europe) Day is May 8, the Post held its ceremony on June 3. The Post holds a V-E Day ceremony each year.

   "We welcome everyone to our events," said VFW Post 837 Commander Johnny Vasquez when asked if the ceremony was open to the public.

   Olivia Rux, the senior vice commander, organized and planned the V-E Day ceremony. Rux also gave a speech concerning the details of V-E Day during the event.

   "[Olivia] always does a great job organizing events," said Vasquez.

   VFW Post 837 also recently held a Flag Day Ceremony, where they invited a little league baseball team to join in on the festivities. "Buddy"® Poppies were handed out to \attendees, and each received a complimentary refreshment.

   Along with holding events with the local community, the Post also visits nursing homes, helps homeless veterans, provides resources to veterans, holds yard sales and hosts tournaments for pool and bingo, all of which are open to the community.

   This article is featured in the 2025 June issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

3. 'A Community-Driven Movement'

   VFW Post 3219 in Hampton, Virginia, will hold its fourth annual blood drive for its 2025 VFW National Day of Service event. By participating in and leading the blood drive, veterans continue their service far beyond the military, demonstrating commitment to their community.

   Post Commander Joe Perkins said, "Veterans don't stop serving when they take off the uniform. Instead, they channel their dedication into impactful initiatives like lifesaving blood donations, showing that their mission has evolved - but never ended."

   Perkins adds that the event also gives veterans the opportunity to lead by example, "making it clear that this isn't just a Post-driven effort - it's a community-driven movement, guided by veterans who continue to answer the call to help others."

   He said that hosting a blood drive is not only a group effort. It's also a meaningful way for each participant to feel good about contributing to a worthy cause.

   "A blood drive is far more than a singular event - it serves as a lifeline, fostering unity and reinforcing the principle that every individual has the power to make a lasting difference."

   Each year, the blood drive has been a collaboration between the Post and community members working together for the good of everyone. It's a rewarding activity that helps form strong connections for all involved, and Perkins has some tips for other Posts planning Day of Service events.

   "Organizing a Day of Service is effortless when you are fully engaged with the community. Your family, friends and neighbors have all been part of your military journey, and now, they remain integral to the mission of giving back," Perkins said. "Make it clear that this isn't just an event, it's an extension of veterans' lifelong commitment to service."

   "When planning a Day of Service event, keep an open mind and approach the effort in a way that supports everyone, whether they've worn the uniform or not," he said. "After all, service isn't about where you come from, it's about where you're willing to go to help others."

4. 'Helping Veterans Is My Purpose'

   Veteran Sandy Sonju, 59, lives in Kalispell, Montana, with her husband, Martin. Sonju has two sons, Jarod and Justin, and three stepchildren, Marty, Stephen and Angel.

   She enlisted in the U.S. Army 20 years ago and served in Karlsruhe, Germany, as a military police officer.

   "Like many others at the time, I joined to afford college and mature," she said.

   In 2023, Sonju became a VFW Accredited Service Officer, working for the Veterans Affairs Division of the Montana Department of Military Affairs.

   "All my life, I had jobs like teaching, foster parent training and in family support that allowed me to serve others," Sonju said. "Each role taught me how to assist people and give them access to the information they need."

   As a VFW Accredited Service Officer, Sonju does the same for veterans seeking help filing claims, including those living in rural communities throughout the state.

   "I appreciate the Montana Division's outreach efforts so people in remote areas can receive claim support," Sonju said. "In the 1970s, my father, who is a veteran, drove over four hours to Fort Harrison in the winter for his doctor's appointment."

   Sonju does not want to see other veterans struggle in the same way, which is why she meets with up to 27 veterans on a typical day. However, in October 2024, she smashed that number by assisting 87 veterans in a 24-hour span.

   Sonju encourages her peers to attend as much training as possible to best serve their clients. She credits her team with helping her do that herself.

   "Because of my supervisors and the instruction I've received, I can ensure each case is given complete attention and has the best possible outcome," she said.

   Sonju remembers watching her father struggle with VA paperwork to receive benefits after he was injured in the Korean War. Those memories drive her today.

   "Each generation of my family has had an easier time working through the VA claims process thanks to improvements," she said. "Helping veterans is my purpose. I'm proud to be a resource for them, and I'm proud to represent the VFW and the Montana Veterans Affairs Division."

   Learn more about the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

5. 'Start By Including Others'

   To establish their 2025 VFW Day of Service event, leadership from Post 9644 in Sheridan, Colorado, worked with the mayor and other officials to find out how they could make a positive difference in their city. They identified Bear Creek Trail, a high-traffic area that needed attention, as their objective for a trail cleanup.

   Frequently used by pedestrians, runners and bicyclists, Bear Creek Trail is an asset to the city. Post 9644 plans to spend a day cleaning up the trash and debris to make it an even more desirable location for locals to enjoy.

   "By working together with the city, we ensured that our event wasn't just symbolic - it met a real need and reinforced our Post's deep commitment to Sheridan and its residents," said Rachel Rodgers, treasurer, Post 9644.

   Post Commander Todd Van Sant has a strong, genuine bond with the City of Sheridan Mayor and other community leaders. This helps ensure Post 9644 is involved in the conversations that shape the community, and their efforts are aligned with real needs.

   "That mutual respect and cooperation turn one-day events into ongoing partnerships that strengthen both the Post and the city," Rodgers said.

   Post 9644 found that connecting with community members is an important aspect of planning a successful Day of Service. The Post shared its suggestions to help other Posts.

   "Start by including others. We have long-standing relationships with our Scouts BSA troop, Venturing Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the Young Marines - all of whom bring a powerful presence to the day. Their involvement not only helps get the work done but also builds intergenerational connections and fosters leadership."

   In addition to youth groups, the Post is also grateful to their VFW Auxiliary for helping with the Day of Service. "Equally important is the support of our VFW Auxiliary, whose efforts in planning, logistics, hospitality and outreach help turn a simple service event into a full community celebration."

   Post 9644 values the lasting benefits of what might seem like a simple trail cleanup event.

   "When you bring everyone to the table - veterans, youth, city leaders, families - you're not just giving back. You're building something bigger than a day. You're building community."

   "It also helps reshape the narrative around veterans," Rodgers added. "It highlights us not only as individuals who may need support, but as leaders, mentors, and contributors who are invested in the success and well-being of our communities."