BLOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: We have once again enrolled the Post and Ladies Auxiliary in the Blood Assistance Program. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the program, it's purpose is to make certain that members of our Post and Auxiliary and family members residing in their immediate household are able to obtain a reimbursement for blood costs that are not covered by any private insurance carrier.

WHEELCHAIR / GOLDEN AGE GAMES: We have made a Post contribution of $25.00 to the Wheelchair / Golden Age Games. When I have the specifics about when and where these games will be held, I will inform you.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE: We made a $25.00 contribution to the Department Political Action Committee. One of the main goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is to ensure that the Veterans receive the entitlements that are due to them. One of the ways we can accomplish this is to endorse those candidates based on their support for Veterans and VFW legislative goals. This committee lobbies exists to represent us in achieving these goals. It is definitely a worthwhile cause.

CIVIL DISASTER PROGRAM: I messed up and forgot to get your approval to enroll on the Civil Disaster Program. The deadline for enrollment is September 30th. For that reason, I will be personally making the $25.00 enrollment fee on behalf of the Post. I hope that you will entertain a reimbursement.

The purpose of the Civil Disaster Program is to make certain that members of our Post will still be able to obtain up to $500.00 emergency relief assistance in case property is lost due to fire, floor, earthquake, or other disaster.

BUDDY POPPY PROGRAM: We have ordered 1000 Buddy Poppies for our November Buddy Poppy drive. We have also ordered 25 Buddy Poppy coin canisters. Two businesses have agreed to let us put Buddy Poppies and coin canisters in their businesses. They are Walden Books at the Bayfair Mall and the Fairmont Cleaners, which is located on the North side of Fairmont Drive. Additional information will be forthcoming soon.

The VFW was the first veterans' organization to adopt the poppy and develop a national distribution campaign. For more than 75 years, the VFW's Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' welfare and the well being of their dependents. From the very beginning, Buddy Poppy has received the support of the Veterans Administration and the endorsement and cooperation of all presidents since Warren G. Harding.

Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals and domiciliaries across the country and are distributed by VFW Posts and their Ladies Auxiliaries. The minimal assessment (cost of Buddy Poppies) to VFW units provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's veterans.