Salute to Our Veterans

Get Involved with the VFW Auxiliary and Support Veterans, Their Families, and Your Community

Every U.S. military veteran is an individual with a unique story of their service to our country. But they also have something in common; they have kept us safe so we can enjoy our freedoms. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, marks the cease-fire ending the hostilities of World War I. In 1938, Armistice Day became a legal holiday and in 1954, legislation changed the name to Veterans Day to include and honor all veterans.

Established in 1914, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform.

Today’s veterans served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Many have invisible scars. Some suffer from PTSD. Others have lost limbs and sustained life-changing injuries. Their families know what it is like to wait and pray for a safe return. Our Gold Star Families have made the ultimate sacrifice–the loss of their loved ones to war.

Treating and acknowledging the invisible scars veterans live with daily is imperative. The suicide rate among activeduty troops and veterans has outpaced its rate in the general population in recent years, but with so many risk factors inherent to military life, it’s difficult to pin down why.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary honors our Veterans by providing “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes®.” There are more than 3,500 individual Auxiliaries in the United States; in Florida there are currently 135 Auxiliaries.

There are five Auxiliaries in Volusia County:

• 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

Local Auxiliaries help support:

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

Jean Hamil, 2021-2022 VFW Auxiliary

National President, is the third National President from the state of Florida, in the 107 years since the organization was founded. Jean is a member of the East Seminole County VFW Auxiliary 10139 in Chuluota, Florida. She joined the Auxiliary under the eligibility of her father, George W. Nunnery, a Korean War veteran and has been a member since 1987. She has served the Auxiliary in numerous capacities including Auxiliary, District and Department (state) President in addition to several National offices and appointments.

Jeanne Laurine, Department of Florida's Auxiliary Historian/Media Chairman, recently received national recognition for Historian/Media for the state of Florida, Southern Conference division in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jeanne joined the VFW Auxiliary 8093 in DeBary, Florida, in 2008 under the eligibility of her father, World War II veteran Elwood “AL” Bauerle. Bauerle served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Indiana in the Asia-Pacific theater. She has served the Auxiliary in many positions throughout the years and encourages others to join. “Volunteering is the heartbeat of our Auxiliaries. Whether you help with a fundraiser, bake cookies, visit a veteran in the hospital or nursing home, pack troop boxes, send cards, call a veteran for a wellness check or become an officer. It’s a way to say thank you by being involved.”

MISSION

The objects of this organization shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational; to assist the Posts and members thereof of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and its own members whenever possible; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America fidelity to its Constitution and Laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom and equal rights and justice to all men and women, and to preserve and defend the United States of America from all her enemies whomsoever.

The Veterans Crisis Line provides free and confidential support and crisis intervention is available 24/7. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1 or Text 838255.

Jeanne F. Laurine National Ambassador 2021-2022 Historian & Media Relations javajeandebary@aol.com 386.956.1913 Those eligible are (members must be at least 16 years old): (Of persons who were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.)

Dale Simpkins, 2021-2022 Commander at VFW Post 8093, has been a member since 2008 originally from Marion, Ohio. Dale served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam he has also served in other officer positions in the VFW. Dale would like to encourage our younger Veterans in our community to come and join our VFW Post 8093.

Honor and Salute Our Military Veterans on Veterans Day

Honor All Branches of the Armed Forces U.S. Air Force ★ U.S. Army ★ U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Marine Corps ★ U.S. Navy ★ U.S. Space Force

The greatest gift we can give to our military veterans is a grateful thank you. Be a proud American; honor all who have served and sacrificed.

• Display a flag in your front yard. • Visit the gravesite of a veteran. • Attend a Veterans Day parade. • Attend a ceremony at your local VFW Post. • Thank an aging Veteran and ask about their service. • Post a thank you or acknowledgment on Facebook. • Send a thank you note to a veteran at the VA or State Veterans Homes. • Volunteer for a veteran organization. • Visit a local VA facility, nursing home, or State Veterans Homes. • Volunteer at a VA Medical Center, outpatient clinic, or community living center.

Include your children and grandchildren in your Veterans Day activities. Teach them the importance of being patriotic and honoring our military veterans to ensure that future generations appreciate the freedoms fought for and won by veterans.