February brings an important event to members of our VFW Post: a visit from the Wounded Warrior Project.
This year, they visited the Adaptive Sports venue at Windham Mountain, and I would like to express my gratitude to John Iannelli and the entire volunteer group for inviting us to attend the dinner at their facility.
It was a privilege to meet the warriors, who had come from all over the country to take on the slopes and share in this special experience.
During my time at the event, I had the chance to speak with a warrior from North Carolina. I found his perspective particularly interesting, as he reflected on how veterans from 60 years ago share a common bond of patriotism and camaraderie.
He is a life member of a post in North Carolina and has found a place where he can continue helping veteran causes alongside veterans from different conflicts. Through this, he’s come to realize that, despite the varying circumstances, many of the feelings we shared during our service are universal.
One thing he hadn't experienced, however, was returning home to a country that did not honor its veterans. He was curious about how that felt and why it happened.
As time passed, he noted, the country eventually recognized that [Vietnam veterans] served with honor, and that we were indeed the best our nation had to offer. We salute all the programs Adaptive Sports at Windham Mountain for their dedication and care—Hoo Ra!
On a different note, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jay Fink and Michael Ryan at WRIP radio or an interview this past week.
It was a fantastic experience and an exciting opportunity to sit down and share my perspective on the VFW and what we stand for. I hope many of you tuned in [this past] Wednesday to hear our discussion.
I certainly enjoyed the conversation and want to thank both men for their ongoing contributions to our community. Michael keeps us informed through print, while Jay magically brings important information to the airwaves.
Many of us still remember their efforts during Hurricane Irene, and how our community came together through their hard work.
With the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, I can’t help but mention that I’m a lifelong NY Giants fan, so I'll be watching and hoping for next year.
Unfortunately, the Buffalo Bills are once again falling short, and as a fellow New York team, I was really rooting for them to finally reach the top. But now, it’s another team looking ahead to next season.
Not being a betting man, I’m hoping the Eagles break the streak and take down the KC Chiefs this time around.
VFW 2025 Priority Goals: The 119th Congress is now in session. Fortunately, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was passed and signed into law in the final days of the previous Congress.
This bipartisan, bicameral legislative package was a significant and long overdue victory for transitioning service members, veterans, caretakers, and survivors.
However, there was much unfinished work on other important legislation. The VFW 2025 Priority Goals include many issues that still need to be addressed. We will continue to advocate diligently to ensure the newly seated Congress provides the resources and care our nation’s veterans and their families have earned and deserve.
I would like to explain why it is so important that I bring to you information regarding POW/MIA news. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s (DPAA) mission to bring the missing back to their families. Lauren Carter, DISA J-6 Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Enterprise Directorate states that every U.S. Warfighter who answers the nation’s call carries a solemn promise: they will never be forgotten. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency lives up to that promise by working to recover and identify Defense Department personnel still unaccounted for as prisoners of war or missing in action.
With teams spanning 46 countries, DPAA’s mission requires a blend of expertise, from excavation specialists and divers to forensic scientists and data analysts. The agency operates laboratories in Hawaii and Nebraska to identify missing service members and return them home. In 2024, DPAA identified the remains of 172 service members, providing closure to grieving families. Yet, there are an estimated 82,000 troops still unaccounted for from past conflicts.
In closing, I would like to let you know that I received a box in the mail the other day with sundry items (new toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs etc.) and I do not know who sent them. I was unable to identify the name on the return address although it was from Gilboa. So, I thank you and upon going to Stratton VA Hospital for an appointment, I gave the items to the volunteer group on the 9th floor to distribute to the veterans in need.
Let us keep our thoughts and prayers for those who are still serving and our veterans who have served so proudly for our Country. God Bless America.
To donate to VFW Post 1545, you can use this QR code. Please support our efforts and thank you for your support.
Marc Farmilette, Past Commander Post 1545
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