Christmastide and a New Year
Humility, Restraint, And Sacrifice
Members of VFW Post 6287,
Peace be with you and Merry Christmas! That’s right, the Christmas Season has only just begun! The
Christmas season (Christmastide) extends for 40 days, from December 25 to February 2nd, ending
with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. So keep those Christmas
Trees up!
On the first day of the new year, the liturgical calendar places before us a mystery both humble and
profound: the Circumcision of Our Lord. While the world celebrates new beginnings with noise and
resolution, the Church invites us to contemplate a quiet act of obedience performed by the Infant
King, an act that marks the first shedding of Christ’s Precious Blood for our salvation. Eight days
after His birth, Our Lord submits Himself to the Law of Moses. He does so not because He is bound
by it, but because He wills to be obedient. The Lawgiver places Himself beneath the Law. The King
of Heaven submits without protest, without resistance, and without necessity. In this single act, Christ
sanctifies obedience itself.
For veterans, this mystery speaks directly to lived experience. Those who have served understand
that obedience is not servility. It is discipline freely accepted for the sake of order, mission, and the
common good. True obedience requires humility, restraint, and sacrifice, virtues often misunderstood
by a culture that confuses freedom with the absence of authority. Christ’s obedience on this day is
costly. It involves pain. It involves blood. From the very beginning of His earthly life, Our Lord
teaches us that redemption is not abstract. It is concrete, embodied, and sacrificial. Long before the
Cross, He offers Himself. Long before Calvary, He sheds His Blood.
This is a truth veterans know well: sacrifice does not begin only at the moment of crisis. It begins
with daily submission to duty, lawful authority, and discipline often unseen, often unrecognized. The
Feast of the Circumcision reminds us that such obedience, when rightly ordered, participates in
something holy. The Child also receives His Name on this day: Jesus, meaning "God saves.” It is a
Name given in the context of obedience and sacrifice, teaching us that salvation does not come
through defiance, but through fidelity. Authority, when it is not the enemy of freedom, is its guardian.
As a new year begins, this feast calls us to pray especially for those who have served under authority
for men and women who followed lawful orders, bore responsibility, and carried burdens few
understand. It also calls us to pray for lawful order, justice, and peace in our nation and throughout
the world. Without order, there can be no peace; without justice, no lasting order. In a time when
authority is often questioned and obedience ridiculed, the Infant Christ silently instructs us otherwise.
He teaches that strength lies in submitting to what is right, and that true leadership begins with
obedience to God.
May the Precious Blood first shed on this day sanctify our service, heal our memories, and guide us
in the year ahead. And may Christ, who humbled Himself under the Law, grant our nation leaders
who govern with justice, and citizens who live in peace under God.
Merry Christmas! Happy New Year & God love you!!!
Yours in Christ,
Kyle F. Moore, Th.M
MSgt, USAF Ret.
Chaplain, VFW Post 6287 Deus Vult. Pro Deo et Patria
Happy New Year to each of you! As we welcome 2026 with hope and excitement, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for everything we accomplished together throughout 2025. Your dedication to our mission and your unwavering support of our veterans and their families continue to inspire me. I am truly thankful for each of you and for the heart you bring to serving those who have served our country.
December was a wonderfully busy month, filled with the joy and excitement of the holiday season. Our banquet room and Christmas trees were beautifully decorated by the children, and it was such a delight to see their enthusiasm and Christmas spirit. They did an amazing job! A special thank-you goes out to the Post members who helped decorate the lounge with festive lights and ornaments—it truly felt like Christmas throughout the building.
On December 6th, we held our Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and Teacher of the Year Awards Luncheon, which saw high attendance and enthusiastic involvement from the youth in our area schools. Congratulations to our First Place Post-level winners who will now be competing at the District 12 level:
• Voice of Democracy: Chlorie Leandre
• Patriot’s Pen: Connor Clay
• Teacher of the Year: David Deitz
The following day, December 7th, we gathered at Jen’s property for the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony. It was a touching tribute and an honor to remember the veterans and families connected to that historic day. Thank you, Jen, for another meaningful year of reflection, honor, and participation.
Our Children’s Christmas Party on the 20th reached record-breaking attendance. Santa delivered over 60 gifts, and the children enjoyed ornament painting, Pinning the Heart on the Grinch, and balloon creations from Teri. A huge thank-you to our Post’s Rider’s Group, who generously stepped in without hesitation to provide additional funds for the extra gifts needed—your support truly makes all the difference. Later that evening, we celebrated with our Adult Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, another highlight of the season. The sweaters were a hit, and the night was filled with laughter, games, dancing, and holiday cheer.
On Christmas Day, we joined the Post in cooking and serving over 100 meals for their Christmas Dinner. It was a
wonderful day to share food, visit with our veterans and their families, and celebrate together. Thank you to everyone who provided delicious sides and desserts—your contributions helped make the event a tremendous success.
Another proud achievement this year was reaching 100% +3 in membership before year-end, a record-breaking milestone for our Auxiliary. This accomplishment reflects your commitment, your hard work, and the welcoming environment you help create. New membership applications have continued at a strong pace since July 2025, and I credit this to your fresh ideas, our smoke-free environment, and the warm reception people feel when they walk through our doors.
Looking ahead to January, we have several exciting events to kick off the new year. On New Year’s Day, we’ll be serving Kielbasa and Sauerkraut—many thanks to Auxiliary member Alan Huff for providing this delicious meal. On January 17th, we’ll host our Chili Cook-Off, so bring your best recipe for a chance to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place—and earn bragging rights for the entire year. Then on January 31st, our Steak Dinner returns to the calendar.
As we step into 2026, I am excited for the rewarding year ahead for our Auxiliary. I am truly grateful for your
contributions, your heartfelt words of encouragement, and the way you help create an environment where every member feels welcomed and appreciated. We are absolutely moving in the right direction—continuing our mission for veterans and their families while reaching new milestones along the way. Your spirit, kindness, and dedication are what make this organization shine.
With gratitude and warmest wishes for a joyful New Year,
Lori Maynard
President, VFW Auxiliary
The government has programs to help.
July 17 2025 - United State Army Special Operations Command - Colonel Mark Katz' Duty to Warn Notification
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To help with Keeping our Veterans informed about VA Services during COVID-19
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