Last May, VFW Post 3619 in Deridder, Louisiana, joined others around the country for the first-ever VFW National Day of Service. But Post members were stepping up for their community long before that.
For National Day of Service, the Post hosted a Youth Summer Safety Fair where kids received ID kits and personal first aid kits. Young attendees also enjoyed crafts, story time and snacks. The event was a bright spot for a community that continues to rebuild following the pandemic and Hurricane Laura.
Since the onset of COVID-19, members have provided essential supplies to senior and disabled veterans. The Post also welcomed school-aged children into its hall to use its internet for distance learning, which is critical in its rural area.
When Hurricane Laura hit in late 2020, the Post sustained major water, wind and structural damage. Yet, its focus was on helping others. For several weeks, members worked to clear power lines and debris to allow access for emergency personnel. But that was only the beginning.
Since the hurricane, the Post has been supporting the community however it can, explained Post Quartermaster Shane Fowler. Members have removed trees and tarped roofs, fixed generators, made fuel runs for those in need, organized and distributed essentials and handed out thousands of pounds of food.
The Post fed more than 2,000 people in the first week following the hurricane and collected and distributed more than 200,000 tons of supplies to families in need around the state of Louisiana.
For its truly remarkable efforts, VFW Post 3619 received the 2021 VFW Fred C. Hall Memorial Outstanding Post Special Project Award — an honor well deserved.
In addition to its ongoing hurricane-relief efforts, the Post carries on with fun programs and beloved traditions like Blankets for Warm Vets and a Memorial Day Flag Posting.
The VFW has named VFW Post 3619 as it's 2022 September #StillServing Post of the Month, and is proud to recognize the tireless and selfless work of the members of VFW Post 3619 who are #StillServing in so many important ways.