Veterans and Family Support Meeting October 1st, 2007
Articles and pictures by Alan Edwards

The Veterans and Family Support (VFS) planning committee held their October meeting at VFW Post-10188 in Tucson. The VFS committee is composed of District-5 VFW and Auxiliary members, and representatives from Military Family Readiness Groups (FRG). The committee liaises with other veteran groups in the Tucson area to organize activities designed to support our troops and their families. Representatives from the American Legion joined the VFS committee at the October meeting. Plans are finalized for a “Patriotic Pumpkin Party” in October, and committee members are now focusing on future events.

            Highlight of the October meeting was presentations of ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ awarded to VFW and Auxiliary members by 1/285 Rear Detachment Officer (RDO) Captain Steve Sellaro, for their support of the “Silverbell Sendoff’ ceremony in January. Certificates were presented to: FAC Carmen Whirley; Auxiliary 549, accepted by Auxiliary Department VAVS Representative Lucille Lombardo; VFW-10188, accepted by Commander, and VFW Department VAVS Representative Mike O’Daniels; and Department Paparazzi Alan Edwards. A plaque was presented to Past District-5 President Kim Sloan. Captain Sellaro also awarded a special certificate and U.S. Flag dedicated to the VFW District-5 Ladies Auxiliary.
Events currently being planed by the VFS committee are summarized:
            On October 27 there will be a Patriotic Pumpkin Party at Jacobs Park, Tucson, from 1100-1500. This event will have a wide variety of activities designed to keep the kids busy. Be sure to bring a patriotically decorated pumpkin (see attached flyer and map).
            Red Cross “Operation Message”. Families of deployed soldiers are invited to make a video to send to their soldier.
            Red Cross “Holiday Cards”. Starting November 24 and running thru December 15, Red Cross donors, volunteers and employees will be able to write a note on holiday cards. The cards will be given to VFW-10188 Auxiliary to include in Christmas Stockings being sent to soldiers overseas.
            FRG families will have a float in the Veteran’s Day Parade in conjunction with VFW 10188.
            FRG’s will have a Holiday Party on November 18. Stockings will be stuffed, kids can make cards and pot luck meal will be shared. 
            FRG’s will have a float in the Tucson Christmas Light Parade on December 8 .
More particulars about VFS activities and planned events can be provided by VFS Chair Kim Sloan.

Slideshow of event
 

Pictured are members of the VFS committee at their October meeting, held at VFW Post-10188.

On behalf of the Department of the Army, ARNG 1/285 RDO Captain Steve Sellaro presents a plaque to VFS Chair Kim Sloan. The inscription reads: “Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Mrs. Kim Sloan for your support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the soldiers and families of the Arizona National Guard Heliport Silverbell sendoff ceremony January 2, 2007”