3. PATRIOT'S PEN PROGRAM: The national Patriot's Pen Program is an essay contest conducted by VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. This contest gives students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades the opportunity to express their opinion on an announced theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes. Any student attending public, private or parochial schools with the exception of Exchange Students are eligible to participate in the Patriot's Pen Program. Students will compete for a $10,000 Savings Bond and an all-expense paid trip to the National VFW Convention.

This year's there is: "What Service to Our Country Means to Me".

Post 7636 is looking for a nominee, but we need that nominee, including applicable completed forms, by our next meeting on October 8th. If you have a nominee or questions, please contact me at (510) 352-6399.

4. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: The national Voice of Democracy Program is an essay contest conducted by VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. This contest gives students in the 9th through 12th grades the opportunity to express their opinion on an announced theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes. Any student attending public, private or parochial schools with the exception of Exchange Students are eligible to participate in the Patriot's Pen Program. Students will compete for a $2,000 cash award at Department and an all-expense paid trip to the National VFW Convention. If they win the National VFW competition, they will be awarded a $25,000 college scholarship

This year's there is: "Celebrating our Veteran's Service".

Post 7636 is looking for a nominee, but we need that nominee, including applicable completed forms, by our next meeting on October 8th. If you have a nominee or questions, please contact me at (510) 352-6399.

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Post 913, Richmond, CA will be conducting a Chili Cook-Off on October 16th. Department Commander Everett Martin and his wife Stephanie will be special guests at this function. There is a $5.00 donation requested and a no-host bar from 4-5 p.m.

2. The Post approved a motion to have bottled water available during our meetings. I think that we should also have coffee and tea available during the cooler months. We will discuss that during our next meeting.

3. Our next meeting will be at 7 P.M. on October 8, 2004. Come and lend your support.