Dear VFW Post 6287, 

As we enter the holy season of Lent, the Church calls us once again into forty days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. For us as veterans, Lent carries a particular resonance. We understand discipline. We understand sacrifice. We under-stand what it means to endure hardship for a greater good. Lent speaks directly to that warrior’s heart, but calls us to fight a different battle: the battle for the soul. 

Lent is rooted in Sacred Scripture. The number forty appears repeatedly as a time of trial and purification: The flood lasted forty days and forty nights (cf. Genesis 7:12). Moses fasted forty days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law (cf. Exodus 34:28). The prophet Elijah journeyed forty days to Horeb (cf. 1 Kings 19:8). Most importantly, Our Lord fasted forty days in the desert before beginning His public ministry (cf. Matthew 4:1–11). During Lent, the Church unites herself to Christ’s desert fast. In a sense, Lent is boot camp for the soul, which allows, as St. Paul reminds us, to "Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). For those who have worn the uniform of our nation, the imagery of armor, vigilance, and endurance is not abstract. It is a lived experience. 

Throughout American military history, our servicemen and women have marched through literal and spiritual deserts. The military teaches the discipline of the body and the will. Lent calls for discipline of the soul. Christ says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Veterans understand the weight of carrying it. We understand training through discomfort. Fasting sharpens the will. Prayer steadies the mind. Almsgiving strengthens fraternity. In many ways, Lent resembles a spiritual field exercise: We examine weaknesses. We reinforce defenses. We recommit to the mission. Our mission now is holiness. At the VFW, we speak of camaraderie and never leaving a comrade behind. The Church speaks of the Communion of Saints, a brother-hood that transcends death. When we pray during Lent, we pray not alone, but with: The Apostles, the martyrs, the countless servicemen and women who have gone before us. Their sacrifice reflects Christ’s ultimate victory over death at Easter. 

As your Chaplain, I encourage our Post to observe Lent intentionally in accordance with your faith tradition. Examples include: attending church faithfully, going to Confession, offering prayers for our fallen, performing acts of chari-ty for fellow veterans in need, and praying the Stations of the Cross, remembering Christ’s suffering alongside the suf-fering endured by so many in war. Lent prepares us for Easter, but also prepares us for eternity. St. Paul, writing from imprisonment, declared: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). May the same be said of us, not only as veterans of earthly battle, but as faithful soldiers of Christ. Let us enter the desert with discipline. Let us walk toward the Cross with courage. Let us await the Resurrection with hope. 

May you have a happy and holy season of Lent. 

God love you!!! 

Yours in Christ, 

Kyle F. Moore, Th.M 

MSgt, USAF Ret. 

Chaplain, VFW Post 6287

Deus Vult. Pro Deo et Patria 

Dear Members, 

March is a month filled with celebration, tradition, and the kind of teamwork that makes our Post feel like home. As we step into this busy and meaningful month, I want to share how proud I am of every-thing we continue to accomplish together in service to our veterans and their families. 

Celebrating 80 Years of Service – March 8 at 1 PM 

This month, we honor a tremendous milestone: the 80th Birthday of the Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287. The Auxiliary is deeply proud to stand beside our Post members as we celebrate eight decades of dedication, sacrifice, and community. This Post has a rich history of service, and it is our privilege to support and uplift the veterans who built it. I look forward to celebrating this special day with all of you. 

St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage – March 17, 12–7 PM 

Our kitchen will be serving their delicious Corned Beef & Cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. This meal is always a favorite, and we invite everyone to come out, enjoy great food, and share in the festive spirit. 

Children’s Easter Party – March 22 

Our annual Children’s Easter Party is right around the corner, and excitement is already building! The kids will enjoy a wonderful breakfast, fun activities, and of course—the Easter Bunny is scheduled to appear. It’s always a joy to see the smiles and laughter this event brings to our youngest visitors. 

Annual Pig Roast – March 28 at 4 PM 

We close out the month with one of our biggest events: the Annual Pig Roast. Expect great food, great raffle baskets, and great fun as we come together to support an important cause. All proceeds will benefit the Veterans Village at Ft. McCoy, helping us continue our mission of supporting veterans in meaningful ways. 

I want every member—new and seasoned—to know how proud I am to serve alongside you. We are seeing new faces step up to volunteer, and our long-time members continue to give their time, heart, and experience. This blend of fresh energy and steady dedication is exactly what keeps our Auxiliary strong. 

It is inspiring to watch everyone come together to make our Post a warm, welcoming, and inviting home for veterans, families, and our community. Your kindness, teamwork, and commitment shine through in every event, every meal served, and every act of service. 

Thank you for all you do. Together, we continue to honor our mission and strengthen the legacy of Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287. 

With gratitude, 

Lori Maynard 

President, Ruskin Memorial VFW Auxiliary