VFW Auxiliary

CHAMPION FOR VETERANS

Debbie Gates, the newly elected VFW Auxiliary District 19 President is photographed with her husband, Chris Gates, now District 19 Commander. Together, they have set a vision of success in caring for the veterans, their families, as well as our community. Debbie and Chris have both served in the United States Navy. They work together, during their time in active duty, and in civilian life.

She has been President of the Family Readiness group for the Aircraft Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as the liaison between the enlisted and officer spouses to the commanding officer. In 2013, Debbie implemented the Ombudsman program. During this time, she was the leader in handling family issues with both enlisted and officers.

Becoming a life member of the VFW Auxiliary in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2013, Debbie served by assisting grieving spouses with memorial services, visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. In 2017, Debbie and her family relocated to Port Orange, where she continued her services in the Auxiliary. Debbie has been elected to her positions as President at VFW Post 3282, and District 19 President for the year June 2022-2023. Debbie has been appointed to the Department of Florida as Patriotic Instructor and Americanism Chairman.

A few important goals as Patriotic Instructor are teaching the community about our American flag, flag etiquette, honoring the POW/MIA, and Star Families.

Today, our local Auxiliaries help support:

VFW Veterans Village in Fort McCoy, FL, Emory L. Bennett State Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, VFW National Home for Children in Michigan.

The Department of Florida Auxiliary Presidents’ moto for 2022-2023 is “Champion for Veterans.” Debbie Gates is just that.

There are five Auxiliaries in Volusia:

• DeBary Post 8093

• DeLand Post 2380

• New Smyrna Beach Post 4250

• Daytona Beach Post 1590

• Port Orange Post 3282

• Additionally, in Flagler County, Palm Coast Post 8696

For more information about VFW Auxiliary visit out National website at https://vfwauxiliary.org/.

Karen Heikkila is the Historian Media Relations for District 19 in Daytona Beach. She is also Jr. Vice President, and Legislative Chairman. Karen's passion is to serve Veterans and their families, and our community.