STATE HOUSE – Rep. Teresa Tanzi recently secured a $1,000 legislative grant for the Washington County VFW’s Auxiliary Post 916.The funding will be used to support the VFW Auxiliary’s effort to establish a network of community volunteers to educate children in South Kingstown schools about the United States’ veterans, fallen heroes and patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day. Members of the VFW Auxiliary have already met with the school superintendent and hope to meet with principals on an ongoing basis to design educational programs, plan celebrations of patriotic holidays and provide opportunities for students to participate in programs like collections for troops, writing letters to soldiers and marching in parades.
“I’m proud to help support the work of the Washington County VFW’s Auxiliary Post 916 and their efforts to ensure that the next generation understands and values the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans and their families to keep us all safe and free. Many people talk about respecting and honoring veterans, but the members of the VFW Auxiliary truly put those words into action, and I’m grateful for the work they are doing to make sure veterans are appreciated and supported now and in the future,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
The Washington County VFW’s Auxiliary Post 916 is now accepting male, as well as female, members. Memberships are due by Dec. 31. The group meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at 155 High St., Wakefield. Some of the other projects it is working on this year include Veterans Day and Memorial Day breakfasts, Valentines for Vets, collecting items for the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home and military troops, poppy sales, and Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essays with local schools.
IN PHOTO: From left, VFW Auxiliary members Joyce Campbell, Margaret Whaley, Ella Whaley, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, Caroline Cox and Jennifer Ford
