By Seraine Page
spage@soundpublishing.com
It was the “funny little green hats” that got Jennifer Viestenz interested in learning about the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Her grandfather — a World War I vet­ — was being treated in a veteran’s hospital when she noted the men in the hats who visited him when he was sick. It was the respect and loyalty from the VFW members that got her attention.
“It made me decide that’s what I wanted to do,” she said. “As citizens, we need to give back to our veterans.”
As a result of the kindness she witnessed in her early 20s, Viestenz decided to join the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. Viestenz is now actively involved as Washington State President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. As the granddaughter of a veteran, and a wife of a retired sailor, she was able to become a member of the auxiliary.
“We have so much to offer to our community, not just veterans,” she said.
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars was established back in 1914 with a simple goal in mind: “The members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 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,” states the Ladies Auxiliary website.
Across the state of Washington, all 76 Ladies Auxiliaries participate in the concepts of scholarship, Americanism, cancer aid and research, and extension. Worldwide there are 5,000 auxiliaries with members spanning the globe.
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars is open to any female who is tied to a service member. If a woman’s husband, father, grandfather or brother has served, she is eligible to become a part of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Those who are widowed or are foster or stepdaughters are also eligible.
Not everyone is aware of the benefits offered to women who join their local Ladies Auxiliary VFW, said the state president. The benefits include everything from a variety of health insurance plans to a Sears Commercial Club Rewards Program. Additional benefits include travel discounts, cancer grants and free prescription cards.
While the VFW often has a reputation for being a bar filled with old vets and nothing more, Viestenz and others will disagree. In Bremerton, the VFW Post No. 239 Ladies Auxiliary alone has 285 members who work toward disintegrating that reputation.
Once a month the group meets to discuss upcoming activities and needs of the local community. For VFW Post No. 239 Ladies, that often means donating school supplies, hosting holiday dinners or sending care packages overseas to deployed troops.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide support to veterans and the community through events and fundraisers. While membership has been declining, it is the hope of Viestenz and others that community youth — especially in military communities like Bremerton — sign up.
“We need the younger vets and their wives to give us ideas of what to do to help younger veterans,” she said.
One of the most difficult challenges of having an aging population as the foundation of membership is trying to recruit new and younger members, Viestenz said. Members must be at least 16 years old, but there are also even younger junior units that allow girls to stop in to any post to send off troop care packages.
Added bonuses for youth include scholarship opportunities and writing contests for monetary prizes. Additionally, Junior Girls ages 13-16 who are in good standing and serve their post can apply for scholarships to go toward a future college education.
The youth program was the fifth program adopted by the Ladies Auxiliary VFW in 1935.
And while all the programs are important to female members, providing veteran and family support is often a favorite due to members’ strong military connections.
“I think our most worthy thing is working with the veterans,”said 30-year member Marjorie Hammill, a VFW Post No. 239 Ladies Auxiliary member.
Hammill joined because her husband is a disabled Vietnam veteran.
“He’s belonged for a long time,” she said. “He belongs; I belong.”
Hammill said it is events like the children’s parties and visiting the Retsil Veterans Home that makes being a member worthwhile. Watching donations roll in from various members and the community is a reminder to her of why it is important to let people know what the Ladies Auxiliary is all about.
“It just seems like we have something all the time (to do),” said Hammill. “We do a lot for our children and a lot for our veterans all the time.”
Annual membership in Washington State costs between $15 to $30 per year. Life memberships are also available, and the cost depends on the applicant’s age as of Dec. 31 the year of the application.
For more information on the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, visit www.ladiesauxvfw.org; email info@ladiesauxvfw.org or call 816-561-8655.