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VFW Post plans 2008 trip
(by Kathryn A. Burger - February 27, 2008)
Members of VFW Post #8946 have begun planning for another series of trips to visit wounded military personnel being cared for at Walter Reed Army Medial Center in Washington, D.C. and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
“Members of all branches of the service who require major surgery and rehabilitation make use of these hospitals,” said William Huston, quartermaster of the post, “especially those who have sustained horrific wounds while serving in and .”
Last year, post members made four, one-day, round-trip visits, spending time with the patients and their families and distributing much needed “wish list” items requested by service personnel. Through the generous support of the community, they were able to provide many of the items requested, including electric shavers, Army, Navy and Marine sweatshirts, as well as jackets, T-shirts and caps donated by Snap-On Tools.
“The people of the Pascack Valley have been very generous,” Huston said, adding that the post plans to continue the “Wounded Warrior” program, “because the wounded are still coming.” He said the casualty lists are getting shorter, “but the war hasn’t ended.”
The post has planned a trip for this spring, and along with other requested items, hopes to supply the patients with garments made from “wick” fabric. This type of material removes moisture from the skin and brings it to the outside surface of the fabric where it dries quickly. The goal is to bring a supply of shirts and shorts made of this material. “They will help to comfort the patients that remain confined to their beds,” Huston said.
The post is actively seeking monetary donations to purchase as many of these garments as possible. “We again need the public’s help in order to provide an ample supply for our wounded men and women,” Huston said.
Donations in any amount are welcome. Checks, payable to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8946, can be mailed to the post at P.O. Box 8523, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.
For further information, call 201-391-9601.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
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