Operation Homefront, Paying Homage to our Military Families
Two members of the VFW Post 8573 Auxiliary, Ladies & Men’s, delivered 129 backpacks to Operation Homefront in San Antonio on July 28th. These backpacks and many other donations of school supplies were distributed to approximately 550 military children in the San Antonio area on August 14th at Retama Park. A similar operation/distribution took place at five other military bases in Texas the same week. Children coming from families who are the lowest paid service members were served first. Then the other children who qualify were served accordingly per their registration time slot. We were amazed at the organization of this event, to include many community volunteers from all walks of life. The community-at-large was very generous with their donations!
Our post also donated a total of 50 “watch caps” within this past year to the same organization. A cap is placed in each care package that is sent to our soldiers on the front line. These care packages mainly consist of donated items such as hygiene products. (A special thank you to Arlyn’s Alterations in Canyon Lake for crocheting these caps).
Information regarding Operation Homefront: This non-profit organization raise their own monies. Jennifer Cernoch, President of the Texas Chapter of Operation Homefront, indicated that they are affiliated with 21 active bases in Texas and 117 National Guard units. Their top priority is to provide emergency assistance to deployed soldiers and their family. This also includes wounded warriors in transition. Nationally, 94% of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.
The Ladies Auxiliary is collecting items for Ditty Bags for the veterans at the Hospital. 
