Commander's Corner

Here we are with another year almost behind us. We made All American and are well on the path to achieve this for 2021-2022 year. We had an extremely successful Pig Roast in March with raising $6,600 to go to Heroes on the Water. We were able to successfully bring back our Ruskin Veterans Day parade. We did have a 11th hour hiccup that threatened if we could have the parade. But it worked out in the end.

December is packed with events. The Children's Christmas Party will be on 12/04 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy has been moved to December 11 at noon until 2:00 pm with the Army vs Navy at starting at 3:00 pm. December 12 is Donna Wheeler's celebration of life at 2:00 pm. December 18 is the Adult Christmas party starting at 7:00 pm. On Christmas, we have our Christmas potluck starting at noon until 3:00 pm. And lastly, New Year's party starting 12/31 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are currently on sale for $25.00. (Pre-paid sales only.) Appetizers, Dinner, and champagne toast are included in this price.

Commissary privileges are still available to military active and retirees, Purple Heart recipients, and veterans with service-connected disabilities. You will need a scannable ID to access the base and at the commissary checkout. Each base might be different in benefits that are available. It is best to stop by or call the base pass building for information.

God Bless America,

Thank you,

Patrick (Pat) Barr

Commander

VFW Post 6287

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings Comrades.  The holidays are here!  The turkey has been eaten, and time doesn't stand still. Soon, everywhere we turn, we will see wonder, merriment, joy, peace, love, trees, tinsel, bell ringers, menorahs, dreidels, and a plethora of other iconic gestures that mark this time of year. However, as we know, the holidays can be especially tough for some. As veterans, our community loses 22 every day to suicide. That number increases during the holiday season. It can be for several reasons.  For many it is the broken relationships within their own families. For others, it can be the PTSD and the scars they still carry with them from their time of service. Nothing I have just written is anything you haven't heard before. What I would like to convey is what we can do with that knowledge. It can be said the difference between knowledge and wisdom is akin to knowing that a tomato is a fruit, while wisdom is knowing not to add it to fruit salad.  Here are just a few ways to apply that wisdom. Don't walk by. If you see something, say something.  It doesn't have to be much.  Just a kind word, just asking if they are okay is sometimes enough to let them know they are seen and they matter. If someone you are used to seeing suddenly withdraws, reach out. Pick up the phone. Again, letting someone know they aren't invisible can go a very long way. Extend grace more freely. You can not tell the burden someone is carrying by looking at them. You have no idea what it is like inside their head or heart. They could be carrying the weight of the world. A little kindness and some extra grace can make all the difference. Be generous with your time, talents, and treasures. Don't hesitate to reach out.  If you are struggling or are just lonely, you can reach out to me at any time. As a Chaplain and as a Pastor, everything said between us is strictly confidential.  I assure you what is said here stays here.  You can reach me at 941-952-8191. I am well aware that we have members of all faiths and of no faith.  I promise not to push my beliefs on you. I just want to ensure you that you are not alone, and I care. I'm looking forward to closing out our year strong, Comrades!     

God Bless,

Tom Campbell

Chaplain

VFW Post 6287

Auxiliary President

HELLO EVERYONE, 

What a FANTASTIC Veterans Day Parade!  Many thanks to everyone involved in the months of planning! Special thanks to Commander Pat for guiding and leading us "rookies" through all the many steps! 

December will be another jam-packed month. There will be a Children's Christmas Party, an Adult Christmas Party, a Memorial Service for our departed sister Donna Wheeler, Christmas Day, and, of course, New Year's Eve. 

The New Year's Eve theme this year will be Roaring 20's, so get your flapper dresses ready to ring in 2022. 

Watch for posters throughout the Post for details on all these events. 

Also please remember to "lend a hand" to help fill the food pantry containers. 

Please remember Christmas is not always a happy time for those suffering from depression, PTSD, etc. Let's watch out for one another. 

Pearl Harbor Day is December 7th. Let's honor and remember the "Day of Infamy". 

I wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year. 

God Bless the U.S.A. and 

God bless Post 6287, 

Becky Kieffer 

Auxiliary President