VFW National Commander John Stroud thanks the 113th U.S. Congress for their unanimous support in approving the change in our National Charter.
Our Charter was signed 78 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when our military was comprised almost entirely of men.
This July, VFW Resolution No. 301 was approved by delegates attending the 115th VFW National Convention in St. Louis.
The charter update consists of two wording changes: replacing the word “men” with “veterans” and widows with “suriviving spouses.” The bill will now head to the oval office for the President to sign.
Members of the House of Representatives also passed H.R. 4325, a version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2014, which rejects significant reductions to military compensation recommended by the Department of Defense.
However, the Senate version of the bill, S.2410, includes the Pentagon’s proposed cuts.
Reduced pay raises for the troops, increased TRICARE co-pay and reduced Basic Housing Allowance are unacceptable ways to balance the federal budget.
The VFW is urging our members and advocates to contact their Senators and ask them to do the right thing and protect our service members’ pay and benefits as they negotiate the final version of the NDAA.
VFW Post 516 of Farmingdale also held a vendor fair, last month, which turned out to be a huge success.
Our Ladies Auxiliary reported that new vendors are signing up for our April show.
I hope only the bird was stuffed and not our members on Thanksgiving Day. It’s great to meet with family and friends and enjoy their company.
The Post would also like to invite all U.S. veterans to its annual Christmas Party on Dec. 18, from 6 to 10 p.m., at our headquarters, 635 Main St. Admission is free provided a copy of your DD 214. If you’re an active duty member, just bring your I.D.
On behalf of the VFW Post 516 of Farmingdale, I would like to wish all of you a very holly, happy and Merry Christmas.
For more information about the hall or our Post call Bob Fullam at 516 694-5539 or vfwBob516@aol.com
