VETERANS & FAMILY SUPPORT
2009-2010 Year-end Report

To My Auxiliary Sisters:

What a wonderful year we've had! What a great "back-to-basics" year that truly benefited thousands of Wyoming veterans, active-duty troops, and their families. All 32 of Wyoming's Auxiliaries, with their Posts, reported an amazing level of aid! There's been 4,331.5 hours of volunteer work, more than 14,722 miles driven, and $23,235.90 spent on program donations and activities.

I loved your creativity in using Buddy poppies. There was almost as many different uses as there are Auxiliaries. And, of course, you know that when you purchase Buddy poppies you also support the VFW National Home for Children. The Department of Wyoming is almost 4 times over its quota for Health & Happiness Fund donations to the Home. This institution has become a haven for orphaned children, for single parents with children needing support and guidance, and for veterans needing a helping hand. Remember that Helpline number ++ (800)313-4200 ++ and give it to someone in need.

Thank you, too, for putting out the word on the LAVFW Continuing Education Scholarship. We never know when one of our own, or her spouse or child...may need financial assistance to attend college or a tech school. This is something we do for us.

As for those Special Projects, you came through on both. The Wyoming Veterans Retirement Home in Buffalo received more than the usual donations of clothing and miscellaneous items for the residents. There were more cards for Christmas and Valentine's Day; and, there were more visits. They thank you. The coupon project produced over 12,000 coupons valued at more than $16,800! These helped service families on Naval and Air bases and I mailed the last batch of about 8,000 manufacturers' coupons to an Army base. Thanks for participating.

Where you really shined was your work in the National Military Services programs. While I kept telling you to apply for MAP grants for farewell/welcome home events, none of you did! 90% of you just went ahead and did many events by having fundraisers and community support. Wow! Your support of the troops overseas and your work in Family Readiness is very laudable. This is what we're all about. "It's Time for America's Military Heroes" and in Wyoming, we answered the call. We honored our departed by helping the living.

Loyally in Service,
Barbara Emmert, Program Chairman

P.S. Thank you Madame President for appointing me the Department chairman for this program. I loved it and I learned a lot.