At the meeting on Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30, we will be asking for help. We still need a Sr. Vice President. It would be very sad to see our auxiliary fold after being in existence since 1939. Please come to the meeting and see the work we are doing for our veterans, active military and their families. We only meet once a month and we would love to see you there.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Aug. 4th - U.S. Coast Guard 236th Birthday - celebrating Aug 7th Steak, Cake, Gifts and Karaoke Aug. 7th - Purple Heart Day - Honoring Purple Heart recipients. Steak, Cake, Gifts and Karaoke Aug. 9th - District 3 meeting @ Post 969 Lunch at noon, joint meeting at 1:00 & meeting at 1:30 Aug. 22nd - School of Instruction - Virtual on Teams, Auxiliary in Yakima. More info soon Aug. 29th - Tacoma Police Department kids health and safety event @Tacoma Dome- We have our own table to hand out flyers for VOD, Patriots Pen & Youth Essay 9am - 3pm Sept. 7th - Labor Day Weekend Sept. 10th - World Suicide Prevention Day - Sept is Suicide Awareness month Sept. 11th - Patriots Day. Deliver baskets to Police and Fire Dept. Need donations of snacks, drinks. Will put together baskets on the 10th. Sept. 18th - U.S. Air Force Birthday and POW/MIA Recognition Day. Friday morning in Olympia for POW/MIA recognition. Air Force Birthday that evening at the club with cake and gifts. Sept. 25th - Gold Star Family Dinner Sept. 27th - Fall Leaf Festival in Leavenworth, VFW leads parade

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: Hey Comrades, As we reflect on June and July, I want to thank our Auxiliary members, Post members, volunteers, families, and community supporters for their continued service and dedication. Families Behind the Uniform on July 4 was a wonderful example of the fellowship and community spirit that make Post 969 so special. Families gathered at the Rec Park for food, children's games, patriotic activities, and plenty of laughter. The United States map made from 250 red, white, and blue cupcakes was an unforgettable centerpiece. Thank you to the Hicks family and everyone who contributed food, supplies, time, and hard work to make the celebration possible. I would also like to welcome Shirley Hauser as our new Auxiliary Chaplain. Shirley was sworn in during May and has already expressed her commitment to offering prayer, encouragement, a listening ear, and a caring presence to our members and their families. We are grateful to have her serving alongside us. As we move forward, I encourage everyone to attend our meetings, participate in upcoming events, and share your ideas. Every member has something valuable to contribute. Working together, we can continue honoring our veterans, supporting military families, and strengthening the fellowship of VFW Post 969 and its Auxiliary. Thank you for your service and continued support. With appreciation, Your President Robert Bartell

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