How do you say thank you to someone who leaves their family and friends, not knowing if they will ever see them again, to put on a uniform and be transported to a country far away that they may have only read about? How do you say thank you to someone who is put through intense heat and wind, burning sand, to sleep, if they are lucky, in a tent or on a bedroll, to shower occasionally in a communal shower, all the while dodging bullets and or improvised explosive devices and to do it with a smile on their faces so that the people of that land understand America is there to help?

That is our mission in this “It’s Time for America’s Military Heroes” year — to thank them. Because of them and the veterans we serve who have gone before them, we have the privilege to live in a land that is free. We control our own destiny, and we have the freedom to change what we feel is not right, simply because of these brave men and women.

The mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is to care for those who have born the battle and for their widows and children. It is only fitting that this be our mission as well.

Our veterans-and-family-support program has been condensed to better follow the VFW National Military Services program. It is my fervent hope that this program will have contributed all that is humanly possible to our veterans, our military and their families.

In many places around the world today, America’s men and women are lighting to preserve our freedom and helping others who also want to live in a free country. The 550,000 members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW of the United States are proud to support our troops and have been fulfilling that role since the organization began in 1914. In the 5,000 auxiliaries throughout the United States, Germany, Guam, and Panama, members have been actively supporting our troops and their families in many ways. The organization wants to ensure that America’s veterans will not be forgotten and that those who need assistance will get it. To help achieve those goals, each year donations are made for the national organization to help make life better for a variety of people. This is why we need some of you younger mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of the veterans to join the VFW Auxiliary to carry on what has been started by the past women.

It is my prayer that a peaceful resolution shall come from all the turmoil in the world and that our troops will return home to a hero’s welcome, to never have to go to war again. But, until that time comes, it is our mission to care for them. That’s all I ask, for each of you to do the best of your ability, what you do best: care for them. May this year be a celebration of all we hold dear, and may we never forget those who have served and even now guard the gates of freedom half a world away.

Eunice Hatleli

president

Post 447 VFW Auxiliary

Albert Lea