2008-2009 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM

Reaching out into our communities is vital to our organization, developing relationships with community leaders, media, school faculty and local civic groups can greatly assist each post in achieving the VFW mission. 

Each post is expected to engage in and report Community Service projects.  All projects will be reported using the Department activity report form, using the guidelines set forth by the Activities Evaluation Director. 

The Program reporting period is May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009. 

Three (3) awards will be given in each division for the most credited reports using the April 30, 2009 Department Activities Report.

These Post divisions are as follows:

                        I                                     10-150                                  

                        II                                 151-250                                              

                        III                                251-450                                  

                        IV                                451-OVER    

Additional Department Awards

Special Projects Award

The Department will recognize all Posts and Districts that engage in unique, extraordinary community service projects that go above and beyond what is expected.  These projects will then be submitted for consideration to the National VFW Special Projects Awards Program.  All projects must meet the basic requirements set forth in the National Program to be considered.  Projects should be nominated within 12 months of completion.  Deadline for submission is November 1, 2008.  Each Post that submits a qualified entry will receive one point towards All-State Honors. 

New Member Community Service Volunteer of the Year Award

The Department will recognize a “VFW New Member Community Service Volunteer of the Year”.  Each Post is asked to submit one (1) new VFW member (less than two (2) years) for the Department Award.  Post nominations will be submitted using the guidelines of the National Award Application.  Deadline for submission is April 1, 2009.  Each Post that submits a qualified entry will receive one (1) point towards All-State Honors. 

Outstanding Community Service Post Award

The Department will recognize three (3) “Outstanding Community Service” Posts.  Interested Posts will submit a “Community Service Record Book” for judging.  The book will consist of photos, news articles and summary of the post’s reportable activities.  Care should be taken to make the book neat and informative.  Deadline for submission is May 1, 2009.  Each Post that submits a qualified entry will receive one (1) point towards All-State Honors.

The Department Community Service Committee is dedicated to provide you with the support and encouragement your Post/District needs for a successful year. 

Please send ALL reports and nomination forms to Department Headquarters at 924 N. Washington, Lansing, MI  48906.

Robert Williams, Director                                               
1224 Ravina                                                

Benton Harbor, MI  49022                                                           

269-927-2133

Email: airbornbob@sbcglobal.net

Special Community Service Projects

Commanders’ Special Project

This years Commander’s Special Project is dedicated to the State Honor Guard.

Gold Star Mother Program

Gold Star Mothers is composed of American Mothers who lost a son or daughter during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Beirut, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, all Strategic Areas, or while in service to our country.  Gold Star Mothers serve an important roll in our VA healthcare system.

The Commander suggests supporting Gold Star Mothers through financial contributions.  Contributions can be made from the Post Relief Fund.  Contributions must be made through the Department of Michigan VFW and earmarked Gold Star Mothers to receive points toward All-State Honors.

VFW Operation Uplink

Help our servicemen/women call home.  This VFW program has helped over 2.2 million servicemen/women and hospitalized veteran’s call home.   Contributions must be made through the Department of Michigan VFW and earmarked Operation Uplink to receive points towards the All-State Honors. 

Great Lakes National Cemetery 

Help the Great Lakes National Cemetery complete the purchase of small flagpoles for state flags. There are additional expenses for the Honor Guards that are not in the VA budget. These miscellaneous items can only be purchased through donations.  Contributions must be made through the Department of Michigan VFW and earmarked Great Lakes National Cemetery.