VFW Checkpoint

May/June 2021

Your Checkpoint newsletter has arrived!

We invite you to take this opportunity to see what other Posts around the world are doing to better their communities. Be sure to share the valuable information you get here with your fellow VFW members. In this issue, check out the 16 winners from the 2021 National Publications Contest. Read how a Post in Traverse City, Mich., recognized Michigan National Guard troops with a home-cooked meal at the Post home. In Idaho Falls, Idaho, one VFW member started an annual hockey game 15 years to help vets with PTSD. It has proven to be beneficial. Read all this and more!

Be sure to let us know what you are doing in your community. We always are looking to promote the great efforts of VFW. Email jdyhouse@vfw.org your suggestion, and you just might see it in an upcoming issue of Checkpoint.

2021 Publications Contest Winners Announced

With 56 entries this year, 16 were named national winners. VFW congratulates all winners for their hard work and commitment to good writing and delivery of information to members.

A ‘Thank You’ To National Guard Troops

VFW Post 2780 and its Auxiliary in Traverse City, Mich., hosted about 50 National Guard Troops in March for a thank you dinner. The Guardsmen are working to administer the COVID-19 vaccine and therefore living out of a hotel.

Why Go to Church?

VFW’s 2020-2021 National Chaplain writes that “humans are naturally social beings and will not thrive if left to themselves.” To that end, he says why not give church a try?

Missouri Post Hosts Resource Fair

In Springfield, Mo., VFW Post 3404 sponsored an event to provide help to veterans in their daily lives. Between 40 and 50 veterans took advantage of the multitude of booths at the Veterans Resource Fair.

For Some, Hockey is a Remedy for PTSD

In Idaho Falls, Idaho, Bob Akins, a member of VFW Post 2146, started the Veterans Appreciation Hockey Game in 2006. The Vietnam vet said the game has proven to be beneficial for those with PTSD.

Ohio Post Honors One of its Own

A member of VFW Post 2836 in Conneaut, Ohio, Robbie Harkabus has volunteered more than 235 hours at Feed Our Vets Ashtabula food pantry since it opened its doors in 2019. His fellow Post members recognized his volunteer spirit in January with a special presentation.

Honor Fellow Vets with a Memorial Gift

One way to honor your brothers and sisters-in-arms is by supporting future generations of veterans with a memorial gift to the VFW in your will or trust. Learn more about estate planning by contacting the VFW Planned Giving Office at 816.968.1119, email plannedgiving@vfw.org or visit vfw.org/plannedgiving for our FREE Personal Estate Planning Kit!

Check Out This Senior Hospital Indemnity Plan

The average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000 ¹ Get help with the costs.