Dear Comrades,

 

I sincerely hope that this Independence Day you all took a moment to reflect on the distinctly unique freedoms that are still alive in the United States of America.  It is important to recognize, and not take for granted our freedom of religion, freedom of press, our right to free speech, and our extremely important right to bear arms among others.  There truly is no greater Nation than our own and there is no greater honor than to be counted among the ranks of the American Service men and women who have come before and exist in present day.

 

Please read below for updates and Post information.

 

Very respectfully,

 

Andrea Pace, Commander VFW Post 969

 

 

Dear Post and Auxiliary Members,

I would like to remind our membership that we are putting on a Kids Back Pack BBQ  Saturday August 20th.  We would love to affect children of or to relation of our veteran/ active duty community.  This event is first come first serve.  We have 120  backpacks to give out and other fun family events planned.  More information to follow in the August issue.  

As for future community events, the Auxiliary has teamed up with the Post to go over significantly important military related holidays.  We will be posting on our website calendar these dates, and celebrating them at the Post.  We look forward to your participation and attendance. They sure will be fun!

Sincerely,

 

Eloise Sharp, President Auxiliary

 

 

Happy 4th of July

 

A Soldier's Prayer

 

Lord, wrap your arms around me.  In this hostile, brutal place; Let me draw peace and comfort from your restful, sweet embrace. Help me do my duty to uphold what is right; give me strength and courage each day and every night.  Lord hear this soldiers prayer.  To you in heaven above; protect me with your power, and sustain me with your love.  

 

Amen,

 

Dolores Lopez, Chaplain Auxiliary Post 969

 

 

Honoring Your Loved Ones When You Pass-On

 

No one likes to really think about passing on or what will happen to you after you pass on, but I would like to talk about burials and helping your loved ones out when that day happens. One of the ways you can do this is by doing a bit of the work upfront and in this article, I list a few items you may want to consider. While not all encompassing and written for the Veteran, a good portion of this article applies to everyone.

 

1.      Consider your funeral arrangements. Preparing your funeral arrangements upfront eases the pressure on your loved ones and at the same time, it will ensure that your funeral will accurately reflect on your personality, relationships, and beliefs.

 

In planning for your funeral arrangements, if you are a Veteran with anything other than a dishonorable discharge, you are most likely eligible for burial at a National Cemetery. Your surviving spouse may also qualify for burial at a National Cemetery. One of the ways to determine if you and/or your surviving spouse is eligible for burial at a national cemetery is to complete a pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery. For more details, you can follow this link or contact your VFW VSO. https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/ 

 

There will be additional cost associated with your death (burial, funeral, and transportation) and the VA may provide a burial allowance that varies in the amount depending on your unique circumstances. Your pre-need eligibility will cover some of the upfront paperwork but there will be additional paperwork the mortuary may assist your loved ones with, or they can contact a VFW VSO to assist with the paperwork following your death. Make sure they know where to go to contact the VFW.

 

2.      Prepare an Advance Directive. This is your living will and is a written document that details your wishes regarding medical treatment and how it should be carried out if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make medical decisions for yourself.

 

3.      Prepare a will. Even if you do not think you have any assets or anything of importance, this will help the person managing your personal effects and/or estate. Unfortunately, the State does not make the process easy, and death seems to bring out the worst in some people. A will can clearly state who gets what to remove a potential disagreement down the road and remove the huge emotional impact for those left behind to deal with your remaining effects.

 

4.      Sort out your finances. Make a list of the different bank and retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and any large debt items that the person managing your estate may have to deal with.

 

5.      Prepare a folder. Prepare a folder or binder with the forementioned items. Also include a copy of your DD-214 in this folder.

If currently rated for a service-connected disability, either print out your disability award letter that states your service-connected disabilities or make a list of your service-connected disabilities. If you have any open claims, please make sure to list them too. This could be important for a survivor of a Veteran and their ability to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and/or other benefits.

 

At the end of the day, plan your legacy. Your legacy can come in many different forms; financial, emotional, spiritual, and even the practical things that will help your friends and family remember you in a positive light. No matter what you think, you are important and loved and they will want to honor you and fulfill your wishes. Make them known and then do not forget to go back and review this stuff at least annually to update anything that might have changed.

 

 

If you have questions or need help submitting your VA claim, contact Mel West at 253-376-8216 or vso@vfw969.org.

 

 

If you would like to rent the VFW hall for a party or event please contact the Auxiliary treasurer, Sue Helman @ (253) 448-6891

 

Please be advised that only the following memberships are recognized at POST 969.

 

1. Post Members (Our very own veterans of foreign wars) with membership card

2. Active Duty members with proof of CAC

3. Auxiliary members with membership card

 

 Sign in roster will be signed by all patrons and guests will only be allowed in a maximum of 10 visits before having to purchase membership.  

 

This is a veteran organization and will remain as such. Please respect our rules and community.  

 

 

The Canteen has new hours:

 

1600-2000hrs  (last call at 1930hrs) 

  

   

FOR PUBLISHING PURPOSES, PLEASE SUBMIT NEWSLETTER COMMENTS AND FLIERS TO POST ADJUTANT LEYLA OXFORD AT ADJ@VFW969.ORG NO LATER THAN 7 CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE 1ST OF EACH MONTH