Marion VFW wants you
Ecker-Fulkerson-Slifer Veterans of Foreign War Post 6958 are looking for quite a few good men and women.
Marvin Rediker, post commander, said younger veterans are needed to participate in post activities and take leadership roles.
"Veterans from World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 per day," Rediker said. "When we're gone, who's going to take care of the veterans?"
Rediker explained the post serves as more than a social outlet for veterans and the community.
"Washington law makers are not going to continue providing veterans' benefits if they aren't utilized," Rediker said. Post-Korean War veterans and younger are not utilizing veterans' hospitals and services.
Participation on a local, state, and national level is needed for services to continue, Rediker said.
Rediker has been told by officials if services are not better utilized, they will be discontinued.
The cost to belong to the Marion VFW is minimal. A veteran's membership costs $23 per year or a life membership can be purchased, based on the veteran's age.
Members of the local post provide many services including a color guard and firing squad for burials and parades.
Donna Kreutziger, president of the Marion VFW ladies auxiliary, said community support also is needed.
Maintenance costs and property taxes for the post are eating away at the marginal profits from fund-raisers, said Kreutziger.
The auxiliary provides scholarships, sponsors projects within the community including providing flags for community buildings, and equipment to veterans and anyone in need.
"Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc. are available," Kreutziger said.
The auxiliary provides support to active military by donating long distance phone cards.
Bibs and lap robes are made by the auxiliary and provided to St. Luke Hospital and nursing homes.
The theme for the VFW is "Honoring the dead by helping the living."
The local post follows the national guidelines for providing community service programs. Activities are designed to encourage community service and increase civic pride which enhances education, improves the environment, and ensures the availability of health services for veterans.
Together with the ladies auxiliary, the VFW promotes an annual patriotic youth essay contest for seventh and eighth graders.
A Memorial Day dinner will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Marion post. A pork dinner will be served at a cost of $7 per plate. Funds will be used to continue the operation of the post and auxiliary projects.
Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact post commander Rediker, 620-732-2481; quartermaster Kenny Schwendiman, 620-382-3740; Warren Kreutziger, 620-382-2931; or John Britain, 620-382-2156.
