FIRESTONE VFW POST 3383

VFW Programs

Overseas Troop Support

VFW and Ladies Auxiliary projects range from Operation Uplink, which provides prepaid long-distance telephone cards to deployed military personnel and hospitalized veterans, to sponsoring morale-boosting programs, such as Adopt-a-Unit in which troops are sent food and other reminders of home.

Volunteering in VAMC

and Other Medical Facilities

Members volunteer more than 2.3 million hours each year in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and other hospitals throughout the country. VFW Service Officers assist veterans and current military personnel with problems, such as guaranteeing disability compensation of acquiring well-deserved military awards.

Charitable Donations/Research

For each year the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to persons needing help and to organizations such as the Diabetes Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Alzheimer's Association. Since 1987, the Ladies Auxiliary has raised more than $3,000,000 each year to help can­cer-stricken members and Invest in research. Postdoctoral fellowships and research grants are awarded annually throughout the country.

 

Legislative Action

Recently ranked among the most influential lobbies and the top veterans' lobby on Capitol

Hill, the VFW maintains an office in Washington, DC to monitor legislative issues of interest and keep members informed about the VA budget, future health care, POW/MIA accountability, and other legislation regarding national security and veterans' entitlements.  VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members telephone, send letters, and e-mail elected officials, encouraging sup­port of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary positions on important legislation.

Community Service

Conducting fund raisers for persons in need of transplants, helping fire and flood victims, volunteering to help with programs sponsored by other organizations, such as Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Ronald McDonald houses, Salvation Army and Make-A-Wish Foundation are just a sampling of the volunteer efforts provided by our members. In addition, together, the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary assist homeless veterans and oilier non-hospitalized veterans and current military personnel, along with their families, who need food, cloth­ing, transportation, or other assistance.

Youth Programs

Led by the Young American Creative Patriotic Art, Outstanding Young Volunteer of the Year, and Voice of Democracy contests, the organi­zations provide numerous awards and scholar­ships on the local, district, state, and national levels for students. Sponsorship and support of scout troops, athletics, and parties for children in need are other examples. In addition, the Sons of the VFW and Junior Girls Units offer opportunities for children and grandchil­dren of persons eligible for membership. We also have the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.