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Brainerd VFW Press/Media Coverage
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Saturday, April 22, 2023
Vietnam Veterans gather to celebrate 50th anniversary of withdrawal from Vietnam. |
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You can find photos and details at https://www.brainerdvfw.org/vietnam-vets-day
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The 50th anniversary of the last U.S. troop withdrawal from Vietnam was commemorated with a gathering of Vietnam veterans at the Brainerd VFW. March 29th was designated as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Area veterans who hadn’t seen each other for years were swapping stories and helping each other heal the mental wounds of war. Vietnam veterans were often ill-treated upon their return to our country after serving honorably. The Brainerd VFW Post 1647 was proud to host the event for the 45 Vietnam vets who attended, some with spouses, as they shared memorabilia and their stories. Another gathering is being planned at the Brainerd VFW on March 29th next year.
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Monday, April 10, 2023 |
Collins is Brainerd VFW Scout of the Year.
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Collins is an Eagle Scout in Troop 43 and received a $300 award.
BRAINERD — Blake Collins won the 2023 Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year competition. Collins is an Eagle Scout in Troop 43 and received a $300 award. He has been in scouting for 12 years and is a senior at the Brainerd High School. Collins’ accomplishments include playing in football and band. His team took first place in the 2022 MTEEA Super Mileage Challenge where they built and ran a small car. Collins has been in several scout leadership positions over the years. His plan is to attend Central Lakes College in Staples to become a heavy equipment operator. For more information, visit brainerdvfw.org/scouting.html . |
Eagle Scout Blake Collins
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February 22, 2023: The Spring 2023 edition of Her Voice Magazine included a very nice four-page story about Brainerd VFW member Eusebia "Happy Chappy" Rios. Her Voice Magazine is a part of the Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper and is received via subscription.
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February 17, 2023: Lakeland Public TV did a news story about the Brainerd VFW. It centered around the Freedom Festival in May 2022 and VFW Magazine's coverage of it. See the story at: https://lptv.org/brainerd-vfws-1st-freedom-festival-recognized-by-national-vfw-magazine/
Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President Sue Sterling
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Brainerd VFW Auxiliary Senior Vice President Helen Doucette
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(l-r) Lakeland TV Reporter Hanky Halvorson and Brainerd VFW Junior Vice Commander Scott Hall
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Winners of the Voice of Democracy competition announced
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BRAINERD — Winners of the annual Voice of Democracy writing and speaking competition were honored recently in a ceremony at the Brainerd VFW Post.
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The first-place prize of $300 went to Craig Coonan of Brainerd, a 10th grade student at Brainerd High School. He will be joining the U.S. Marines after graduation.
Craig Coonan
Haleyrose Blowers from Motley, a ninth grade student at Pillager High School, took third place and received $200.
Haleyrose Blowers
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In second place, with a $250 prize, was 10th grader Jagger Klecatsky of East Gull Lake, also a Brainerd High School student.
Jagger Klecatsky
Honorable mention went to Argenis Solorzano, a senior at Crosby-Ironton High School.
Argenis Solorzano
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Find details and listen to the winning entry at brainerdvfw.org/voice-of-democracy.html
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Saturday, December 24, 2022 |
May 31, 2022: Memorial Day Ceremonies in Brainerd.
May 23, 2022: Retiring the flag with grace and dignity, the Brainerd Honor Guard performs a flag ceremony that involves burning old and damaged flags in a respectful manner during the Armed Forces Freedom Festival Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Brainerd Veterans for Foreign Wars in downtown near Sixth and Laurel streets. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
May 12, 2022:
Brainerd VFW Post and Auxiliary to distribute Buddy Poppies. All funds received will be placed in the Relief Fund and used only for veterans and active-duty military and their families in the community.
Brainerd VFW Post and Auxiliary to distribute Buddy Poppies. All funds received will be placed in the Relief Fund and used only for veterans and active-duty military and their families in the community.
Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary No. 1647 will be distributing Buddy Poppies at local businesses May 20-21. The Buddy Poppy is worn in memory of veterans. All funds received will be placed in the Relief Fund and used only for veterans and active-duty military and their families in the community. For those who want to contribute to the Buddy Poppy Fund, mail donations to VFW Post No. 1647, 309 S. Sixth St., Brainerd, MN 56401 or drop it off at the club.
The Vietnam Veterans Day page has more of the story.
Wednesday, January 26, 2022: Brainerd VFW donates to water tower fund
(l-r) Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle, Water Tower Committee members Jody Converse, Mary Koep and Paul Skogen
The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Brainerd donated $8000.00 to help save Brainerd’s historic water tower. It is another VFW effort to help the community. Through popular support, the Save The Water Tower Committee now has $86,400.00 towards their goal of $ 200,000.00 in preservation funds. More is needed. The City of Brainerd has received a grant from the Minnesota State Historical Society in the amount of $162,043.00. The grant money, along with the matching funds from the City of Brainerd, will be also used for the Historic Water Tower. Phase 1 Renovations include a new roof and lightning, along with repair of the interior stairs and exterior windows. The work is scheduled to begin this spring with a November completion. Find out more at: http://brainerdwatertower.com/
January 16, 2022, 08:23 AM: Local News Briefs
(l-r) Essay Coordinator Saundra Swearingen, Macayla Green, Clare Caughey, Dominick Melin and Auxiliary President Sue Sterling.
December 23, 2021: Local News Briefs
Local Briefs on Sunday, December 12, 2021
Sue Sterling, Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President
PROJECT BLUE LIGHT
Honoring all officers who protect and serve. If someone you love is a law enforcement officer, you probably think often about ways to encourage them and honor their sacrifices. One of the most popular nationwide public movements designed to support the police force and to remember fallen officers is PROJECT BLUE LIGHT
This holiday season the Brainerd VFW is urging our community to consider supporting our police force and remember fallen police officers. Like our veterans, these men and women put their life on the line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! This year, along with our VFW red, white, and blue Christmas tree, a blue-lit tree shines inside to honor our local officers.
The color blue is symbolic of peace. Please consider showing your support of our police by displaying a single blue light shining in a window porch light, or entire tree to show support for all our local law enforcement officers.
Project Blue Light got its start in Philadelphia to honor Police Officer Danny Gleason, who was killed while on duty in 1986. The idea has since been shared with Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) chapters nationwide and grows bigger each year as survivors’ band together to remember the loved ones lost in the line of duty, and to honor all officers who protect and serve.
Sue Sterling
Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President
Honoring all officers who protect and serve. If someone you love is a law enforcement officer, you probably think often about ways to encourage them and honor their sacrifices. One of the most popular nationwide public movements designed to support the police force and to remember fallen officers is PROJECT BLUE LIGHT
This holiday season the Brainerd VFW is urging our community to consider supporting our police force and remember fallen police officers. Like our veterans, these men and women put their life on the line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! This year, along with our VFW red, white, and blue Christmas tree, a blue-lit tree shines inside to honor our local officers.
The color blue is symbolic of peace. Please consider showing your support of our police by displaying a single blue light shining in a window porch light, or entire tree to show support for all our local law enforcement officers.
Project Blue Light got its start in Philadelphia to honor Police Officer Danny Gleason, who was killed while on duty in 1986. The idea has since been shared with Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) chapters nationwide and grows bigger each year as survivors’ band together to remember the loved ones lost in the line of duty, and to honor all officers who protect and serve.
Sue Sterling
Brainerd VFW Auxiliary President
Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper, 10:00 am, Sep. 11, 2021.
The Brainerd VFW is committed to serving all the veterans that put their lives on the line following the attack on that fateful day.
Written By: Sue Sterling, Post 1647 Auxiliary President Chip Borle, Post 1647 Commander
The Brainerd VFW is committed to serving all the veterans that put their lives on the line following the attack on that fateful day.
Written By: Sue Sterling, Post 1647 Auxiliary President Chip Borle, Post 1647 Commander
One good turn deserves another. The thousands of good turns done on September 11, 2001, deserve the promise that our citizens will never forget those that died for them. The Brainerd VFW wants to thank the first responders who continue to put their lives on the line for us, and to all who help make this town and country safe.
The Brainerd VFW is committed to serving all the veterans that put their lives on the line following the attack on that fateful day. We are here to help and guide our veterans and their families to overcome the hardships they experience because of their deployment. If you or someone you know has served our country in times of conflict, we encourage you to come by our club at 309 South Sixth Street in Brainerd and let us know how we can be of service to you.
You can learn more about what the VFW has to offer at www.brainerdvfw.org. Our Buddy Poppy Program exists for the purpose of assisting our veterans in need. If you wish to help our veterans personally, you can mail a check or make a donation when you come in.
Sue Sterling, Post 1647 Auxiliary President
Chip Borle, Post 1647 Commander
The Brainerd VFW is committed to serving all the veterans that put their lives on the line following the attack on that fateful day. We are here to help and guide our veterans and their families to overcome the hardships they experience because of their deployment. If you or someone you know has served our country in times of conflict, we encourage you to come by our club at 309 South Sixth Street in Brainerd and let us know how we can be of service to you.
You can learn more about what the VFW has to offer at www.brainerdvfw.org. Our Buddy Poppy Program exists for the purpose of assisting our veterans in need. If you wish to help our veterans personally, you can mail a check or make a donation when you come in.
Sue Sterling, Post 1647 Auxiliary President
Chip Borle, Post 1647 Commander
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March 10, 2021 |
Brainerd resident Mark Persons has been recognized as a VFW #StillServing Hero for his service to the military and his community. Persons serves as the volunteer webmaster for VFW Post 1647.
Persons gains recognition Mark Persons earned recognition for the VFW #StillServing campaign.
Brainerd resident Mark Persons has earned recognition in the national Veteran of Foreign Wars
#StillServing campaign. The campaign honors veterans who continue to serve in their community after active duty.
After his time in the Army, Persons joined VFW Post No. 1647 and, in 2015, became its volunteer webmaster, completely redoing the post’s website.
https://www.brainerdvfw.org/, which provides a vital link between the local veteran community, the VA and essential information — including all about COVID-19 — as well as many other needs and activities in the community. The VFW invites all veterans to submit their stories at #StillServing
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The story was picked up by Lakeland Public TV on March 12, 2021. Video at: https://lptv.org/brainerd-veteran-receives-recognition-for-stillserving-campaign/
Brainerd resident Mark Persons has earned recognition in the national Veteran of Foreign Wars
#StillServing campaign. The campaign honors veterans who continue to serve in their community after active duty.
After his time in the Army, Persons joined VFW Post No. 1647 and, in 2015, became its volunteer webmaster, completely redoing the post’s website.
https://www.brainerdvfw.org/, which provides a vital link between the local veteran community, the VA and essential information — including all about COVID-19 — as well as many other needs and activities in the community. The VFW invites all veterans to submit their stories at #StillServing
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The story was picked up by Lakeland Public TV on March 12, 2021. Video at: https://lptv.org/brainerd-veteran-receives-recognition-for-stillserving-campaign/
January 2021: Grace Sarvie of Brainerd won Brainerd, then 6th District and Minnesota Department competition in the Fifth Grade Essay Contest.
Dave Meyer helping at Thanksgiving. Brainerd Dispatch photo.
November 26, 2020: The annual Brainerd Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held at the Brainerd American Legion. This was a volunteer activity with financial and volunteer support from the Brainerd VFW, the Brainerd Elks and the Brainerd Eagles. Some 1000 meals were delivered by volunteers and 400 were picked up in a drive-thru. There was no indoor dining because of COVID. In the center of the photo is Brainerd Senior Vice Commander Dave Meyer carrying food packages. Additional volunteers from the Brainerd VFW were Stan Borle and Richard Schmidt all day Wednesday, then Chuck Hanson and the Shaun Thayer family on Thursday. About ten turkeys were cooked at the Brainerd VFW. Cars were backed up two blocks and donations were accepted to cover costs. Extra food was donated to Adult and Teen Challenge.
From the National VFW website July 7, 2020:
Emails July 2020: Hi Mark, very nice article. Thanks for sharing. Jan Lambert. Nice job Mark! Dawn Garin. We continue to be a shining beacon and positive model for the rest of the state. Mike Williams. You do a good job. Thank you. Dave Meyer.
Local woman spotlights unity, patriotism at blood drive during pandemic (at the Brainerd VFW)
Tammy Ebertowski and friends are giving back to the communities in which they live.
Written By: Theresa Bourke | Brainerd Dispatch Apr 6th 2020 - 3am.
Tammy Ebertowski and friends are giving back to the communities in which they live.
Written By: Theresa Bourke | Brainerd Dispatch Apr 6th 2020 - 3am.
Tammy Ebertowski, dressed up like the Statue of Liberty to show her support for the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, gives blood at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Brainerd Friday, April 3. Cayman Loney-Adams, collection specialist II with the Red Cross, administers the donation. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
As the American Red Cross faces a blood shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities to donate are popping up all over the lakes area.
One resident did her part to not only help with the shortage but thank others who did the same.
Tammy Ebertowski donated blood for the first time Friday, April 3, at the Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars. She also pooled money with some friends to purchase gift cards to local businesses for a drawing. Everyone who donated at the VFW drive Thursday and Friday got their name in the drawing for a gift card. Everyone who donated would most likely get a prize, she said. “We’re just being generous because we want to give back to our community and thank our heroes,” she said during a phone interview Tuesday, March 31. As a health care worker herself at Good Samaritan Society-Woodland in Brainerd, Ebertowski said she has been touched by everything going on right now and is grateful for the solidarity of the Brainerd lakes community.
“We’re all showing compassion and showing that we all care about each other and going out of the way to make a difference with all the health care doctors and nurses out there that are on the front lines,” she said. “... I just have been just totally amazed with how we've all come together just to unite with each other.”
But the gift cards weren’t the only unique elements Ebertowski brought to last week’s blood drive. While donating Friday, she flaunted an eye-catching Statue of Liberty costume. She said the outfit was a way to highlight the beautiful country she lives in. “I’m grateful for our freedoms that we still have in this day and age,” she said. And if all Ebertowski’s efforts helped save just one life, she said it was worth it.
One resident did her part to not only help with the shortage but thank others who did the same.
Tammy Ebertowski donated blood for the first time Friday, April 3, at the Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars. She also pooled money with some friends to purchase gift cards to local businesses for a drawing. Everyone who donated at the VFW drive Thursday and Friday got their name in the drawing for a gift card. Everyone who donated would most likely get a prize, she said. “We’re just being generous because we want to give back to our community and thank our heroes,” she said during a phone interview Tuesday, March 31. As a health care worker herself at Good Samaritan Society-Woodland in Brainerd, Ebertowski said she has been touched by everything going on right now and is grateful for the solidarity of the Brainerd lakes community.
“We’re all showing compassion and showing that we all care about each other and going out of the way to make a difference with all the health care doctors and nurses out there that are on the front lines,” she said. “... I just have been just totally amazed with how we've all come together just to unite with each other.”
But the gift cards weren’t the only unique elements Ebertowski brought to last week’s blood drive. While donating Friday, she flaunted an eye-catching Statue of Liberty costume. She said the outfit was a way to highlight the beautiful country she lives in. “I’m grateful for our freedoms that we still have in this day and age,” she said. And if all Ebertowski’s efforts helped save just one life, she said it was worth it.
Tammy Ebertowski, dressed up like the Statue of Liberty to show her support for the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, gives blood at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Brainerd Friday, April 3. Cayman Loney-Adams, collection specialist II with the Red Cross, administers the donation. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa.
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Editor's Note: Three Red Cross Blood drives have been held at the Brainerd VFW since the beginning of Covid-19. Some 160 units of blood were donated to help COVID victims as of May 15th. |
Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper Friday, March 27, 2020:
Essentia Health accepting COVID-19 donations, encourages wider community support. Essentia Health officials said they’re doing well on supplies of personal protective equipment right now, Marketing Manager Kathy Sell said she has received an outpouring of requests from community members through social media, asking how they can help.
Written By: Theresa Bourke | Mar 27th 2020 - 2am.
Essentia Health accepting COVID-19 donations, encourages wider community support. Essentia Health officials said they’re doing well on supplies of personal protective equipment right now, Marketing Manager Kathy Sell said she has received an outpouring of requests from community members through social media, asking how they can help.
Written By: Theresa Bourke | Mar 27th 2020 - 2am.
Essentia Health Volunteer Supervisor Deb Anderson (left) accepts donations of homemade face masks from Baxter resident Kathy Brastrup Thursday, March 26, at the Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Essentia Health is well stocked with personal protective equipment right now but will still accept donations. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Editor's note: Kathy Brastrup is a Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member. See more details.
As the novel coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the world spreading COVID-19 to thousands, camaraderie and togetherness are spreading throughout communities, too.
Many want to know how they can help those in need, especially health care facilities.
Though she can’t volunteer in person at Essentia Health right now, Baxter resident Kathy Brastrup decided she could help by making masks, 35 of which she dropped off at the hospital Thursday, March 26.
Brastrup said she was inspired after seeing others on the news making homemade masks.
“I thought, ‘I can sew,’ so I went on YouTube and found this pattern,” she said Thursday from her car, as she pulled up to the hospital to hand the masks off to Volunteer Supervisor Deb Anderson.
Each mask takes her about 20-30 minutes, and those she dropped off feature patriotic red, white and blue patterns. Anderson just hopes hospital staff won’t be using them under these circumstances when the Fourth of July comes around.
Though Essentia Health officials said they’re doing well on supplies of personal protective equipment right now, Marketing Manager Kathy Sell said she has received an outpouring of requests from community members through social media, asking how they can help.
“They’re all rallying together, and that’s great,” Sell said during a phone interview Thursday. “So we’ve created a format that they can provide that.”
In a news release sent Thursday, Sell said those who want to help Essentia can do so by donating the following items:
Essentia will also accept monetary donations, as Sell said many people have asked if they can donate financially. A fund has been established through St. Joseph’s Foundation at https://bit.ly/2xqSFUI. Funds will go toward needs related to COVID-19, including supporting patients and families with compassionate care funds, boosting health care staff’s morale and well-being, and responding quickly to needs for any emergency preparedness efforts. Sell said she isn’t sure what that support might look like yet.
Sell also encouraged those interested in helping out to donate to other community organizations, like Bridges of Hope.
Those interested in donating supplies can contact Anderson at 218-828-7610.
Blood drives Essentia officials are encouraging those who can to help out by donating blood to the American Red Cross.
Essentia Health will host a drive 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Essentia Health Sports Center. Call Anderson at 218-828-7610 to schedule a time slot.
The following is a list of other local American Red Cross blood drives:
As the novel coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the world spreading COVID-19 to thousands, camaraderie and togetherness are spreading throughout communities, too.
Many want to know how they can help those in need, especially health care facilities.
Though she can’t volunteer in person at Essentia Health right now, Baxter resident Kathy Brastrup decided she could help by making masks, 35 of which she dropped off at the hospital Thursday, March 26.
Brastrup said she was inspired after seeing others on the news making homemade masks.
“I thought, ‘I can sew,’ so I went on YouTube and found this pattern,” she said Thursday from her car, as she pulled up to the hospital to hand the masks off to Volunteer Supervisor Deb Anderson.
Each mask takes her about 20-30 minutes, and those she dropped off feature patriotic red, white and blue patterns. Anderson just hopes hospital staff won’t be using them under these circumstances when the Fourth of July comes around.
Though Essentia Health officials said they’re doing well on supplies of personal protective equipment right now, Marketing Manager Kathy Sell said she has received an outpouring of requests from community members through social media, asking how they can help.
“They’re all rallying together, and that’s great,” Sell said during a phone interview Thursday. “So we’ve created a format that they can provide that.”
In a news release sent Thursday, Sell said those who want to help Essentia can do so by donating the following items:
- New medical-grade masks, gowns, eye protection and gloves;
- Face shields; and
- Homemade masks.
Essentia will also accept monetary donations, as Sell said many people have asked if they can donate financially. A fund has been established through St. Joseph’s Foundation at https://bit.ly/2xqSFUI. Funds will go toward needs related to COVID-19, including supporting patients and families with compassionate care funds, boosting health care staff’s morale and well-being, and responding quickly to needs for any emergency preparedness efforts. Sell said she isn’t sure what that support might look like yet.
Sell also encouraged those interested in helping out to donate to other community organizations, like Bridges of Hope.
Those interested in donating supplies can contact Anderson at 218-828-7610.
Blood drives Essentia officials are encouraging those who can to help out by donating blood to the American Red Cross.
Essentia Health will host a drive 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Essentia Health Sports Center. Call Anderson at 218-828-7610 to schedule a time slot.
The following is a list of other local American Red Cross blood drives:
- March 30, Ironton American Legion, noon to 6 p.m.
- April 2-3, Brainerd VFW, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April 2, Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes in Baxter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April 3, St. Mathias Catholic Church in St. Mathias Township, noon to 6 p.m.
- April 10, Shoe Sensation in Baxter, noon to 6 p.m.
- April 24, First Lutheran Church in Brainerd, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Red Cross officials say coronavirus fears are driving blood donors away,
Brainerd VFW to host drive
Many thanks to those who donated blood Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2020.
In the Minnesota-Dakotas region, there have been 117 blood drive cancellations, resulting in roughly 3,800 units of blood lost.
Story from the Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper, written By: Frank Lee | Mar 20th 2020 - 3am.
Brainerd VFW to host drive
Many thanks to those who donated blood Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2020.
In the Minnesota-Dakotas region, there have been 117 blood drive cancellations, resulting in roughly 3,800 units of blood lost.
Story from the Brainerd Dispatch Newspaper, written By: Frank Lee | Mar 20th 2020 - 3am.
American Red Cross officials say healthy blood donors are needed more than ever as coronavirus concerns continue to grow.
“About 80% of the blood we collect comes from mobile drives in our communities,” Carrie Wiste of the American Red Cross said Thursday, March 19.
Volunteer blood donors are required to maintain the nation’s blood supply and help keep it from falling below critical levels, according to Wiste.
“Due to the coronavirus, we have seen more than 4,500 Red Cross blood drives canceled. And that has resulted in about 150,000 fewer blood donations through March 18,” Wiste said. Closer to home in the Minnesota-Dakotas region, there have been 117 blood drive cancellations, resulting in roughly 3,800 units of blood lost.
“About 80% of the blood we collect comes from mobile drives in our communities,” Carrie Wiste of the American Red Cross said Thursday, March 19.
Volunteer blood donors are required to maintain the nation’s blood supply and help keep it from falling below critical levels, according to Wiste.
“Due to the coronavirus, we have seen more than 4,500 Red Cross blood drives canceled. And that has resulted in about 150,000 fewer blood donations through March 18,” Wiste said. Closer to home in the Minnesota-Dakotas region, there have been 117 blood drive cancellations, resulting in roughly 3,800 units of blood lost.
“We're facing a shortage, and we have been getting personal letters from doctors in different places around the country who are writing to us, saying, ‘Hey, I'm currently looking at the blood supply at my hospital. We're down to one day,’” Wiste said.
A single car crash victim may require as many as 100 units of blood, according to the American Red Cross, and every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
“We are taking extra precautionary measures to keep people safe and ease their minds at blood drives,” Wiste said.
The American Red Cross urges the public to join its lifesaving mission by giving blood this month in celebration of Red Cross Month. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.
A single car crash victim may require as many as 100 units of blood, according to the American Red Cross, and every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
“We are taking extra precautionary measures to keep people safe and ease their minds at blood drives,” Wiste said.
The American Red Cross urges the public to join its lifesaving mission by giving blood this month in celebration of Red Cross Month. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.
American Red Cross employees take a number of precautions to ensure blood drives and donation centers are safe for all. Submitted infographic / American Red Cross
“We are trying to remind people that these are not mass gatherings. They are controlled events that are staffed by trained professionals who will follow strict protocols, at every single drive, to maintain sanitation and, you know, good health in our communities,” Wiste said.
The American Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components, but supply does not always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.
“We take the temperature of all of our staff, our volunteers and every donor that comes in the door,” Wiste said. “We're asking them to please be patient and let us check temperatures to make sure that no one is running a fever before they come in the door.”
As of Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Health officials confirmed 89 cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus that first emerged last year in China, with the closest case to the county of the potentially fatal disease in Benton County. The MDH states the total number of cases is likely an underestimate, as officials know the virus is circulating in communities.
“We're sanitizing our laptops and tablets that people used to check in electronically. We are maintaining social distancing with the chairs we set out for waiting, so we're setting them far apart, placing them back to back, so people aren't in close quarters while they wait,” she said.
There is no data or evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of transfusion transmission for any respiratory virus, including the COVID-19 virus worldwide, according to a Red Cross news release.
“As usual, our collection staff are changing their gloves between every person (who donates),” Wiste said. “We're wiping down and sanitizing anything that our donors touch, basically, during the donation process.”
Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries, so the need for blood is constant, according to Sue Thesenga, an American Red Cross external communications manager. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, according to the American Red Cross, and they can only come from volunteer donors. One donation can potentially save up to three lives.
“We're being restricted and places are being shut down to slow the spread of the virus, so that we don't have a crisis of care, where we don't have enough beds or respirators for the people who get sick and who need them,” Wiste said. “ … But, meanwhile, we could be facing a secondary problem if people don’t donate blood during, you know, during this period when people are being told to stay at home and practice social distancing. If they're not donating blood, we could be in real trouble.”
Brainerd blood drive: The Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1647 will host an American Red Cross blood drive 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rescheduled to Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2020) at 309 S. Sixth St. in downtown Brainerd. To make an appointment to donate, contact Sterling Molby at 218-851-1148 or the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2763. More details at brainerdvfw.org.
How to donate blood: To make a blood donation appointment for any upcoming blood drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in at the blood collection site.
Those who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
As a public service, the Dispatch opened this article to everyone regardless of subscription status.
FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or at frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/DispatchFL.
“We are trying to remind people that these are not mass gatherings. They are controlled events that are staffed by trained professionals who will follow strict protocols, at every single drive, to maintain sanitation and, you know, good health in our communities,” Wiste said.
The American Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components, but supply does not always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.
“We take the temperature of all of our staff, our volunteers and every donor that comes in the door,” Wiste said. “We're asking them to please be patient and let us check temperatures to make sure that no one is running a fever before they come in the door.”
As of Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Health officials confirmed 89 cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus that first emerged last year in China, with the closest case to the county of the potentially fatal disease in Benton County. The MDH states the total number of cases is likely an underestimate, as officials know the virus is circulating in communities.
“We're sanitizing our laptops and tablets that people used to check in electronically. We are maintaining social distancing with the chairs we set out for waiting, so we're setting them far apart, placing them back to back, so people aren't in close quarters while they wait,” she said.
There is no data or evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of transfusion transmission for any respiratory virus, including the COVID-19 virus worldwide, according to a Red Cross news release.
“As usual, our collection staff are changing their gloves between every person (who donates),” Wiste said. “We're wiping down and sanitizing anything that our donors touch, basically, during the donation process.”
Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries, so the need for blood is constant, according to Sue Thesenga, an American Red Cross external communications manager. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, according to the American Red Cross, and they can only come from volunteer donors. One donation can potentially save up to three lives.
“We're being restricted and places are being shut down to slow the spread of the virus, so that we don't have a crisis of care, where we don't have enough beds or respirators for the people who get sick and who need them,” Wiste said. “ … But, meanwhile, we could be facing a secondary problem if people don’t donate blood during, you know, during this period when people are being told to stay at home and practice social distancing. If they're not donating blood, we could be in real trouble.”
Brainerd blood drive: The Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1647 will host an American Red Cross blood drive 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rescheduled to Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2020) at 309 S. Sixth St. in downtown Brainerd. To make an appointment to donate, contact Sterling Molby at 218-851-1148 or the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2763. More details at brainerdvfw.org.
How to donate blood: To make a blood donation appointment for any upcoming blood drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in at the blood collection site.
Those who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
As a public service, the Dispatch opened this article to everyone regardless of subscription status.
FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or at frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/DispatchFL.
Brainerd VFW finds itself in a battle with time, social changes
Brainerd VFW finds itself in a battle with time, social changes. Membership at the veteran-centric club has been halved since the mid-1990s for a number of factors. Outside veteran affairs, VFW Post 1647 in Brainerd is a nonprofit organization that serves needy veterans, their families and the community with over $70,000 in charitable contributions each year. With shrinking numbers of active members, the organization notes it needs younger people to join, but that has proved challenging.
Gathered around a table at their headquarters on South Sixth Street, a group of veterans spoke on the current state of affairs for the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1647 — a conversation that had the feel of aging warriors preparing for a change in the guard that might never come.
Located in downtown Brainerd at 309 S. Sixth St., VFW Post 1647 finds itself at a crossroads — much like the rest of the VFW organization as a whole — that may be unprecedented since its inception as one of the first VFW chapters in Minnesota. Much like similar legacy volunteer organizations like the Eagles, the League of Women Voters or local churches, the VFW has been experiencing a significant decline in membership, and the majority of its current members are older than 65.
“It’s hard to get people in,” said Jan Lambert, an auxiliary member and mother of a veteran. “We need to get the young people involved because we’re all getting older. I’d be fine making it to a thousand, but I’m not going to live that far. Our problem is how do we go about getting them to come back, to get people to join.”
“Young people don’t join things,” said Dave Meyer, the senior vice commander at 1647. “They’re more independent. They’re more leery. They always ask: ‘What do you want of me?’ Well, not everybody wants something of you, they just want to help. The social, the camaraderie-ship, that’s a big part of most clubs.”
Brainerd VFW Members Talk About Challenges on Video
Located in downtown Brainerd at 309 S. Sixth St., VFW Post 1647 finds itself at a crossroads — much like the rest of the VFW organization as a whole — that may be unprecedented since its inception as one of the first VFW chapters in Minnesota. Much like similar legacy volunteer organizations like the Eagles, the League of Women Voters or local churches, the VFW has been experiencing a significant decline in membership, and the majority of its current members are older than 65.
“It’s hard to get people in,” said Jan Lambert, an auxiliary member and mother of a veteran. “We need to get the young people involved because we’re all getting older. I’d be fine making it to a thousand, but I’m not going to live that far. Our problem is how do we go about getting them to come back, to get people to join.”
“Young people don’t join things,” said Dave Meyer, the senior vice commander at 1647. “They’re more independent. They’re more leery. They always ask: ‘What do you want of me?’ Well, not everybody wants something of you, they just want to help. The social, the camaraderie-ship, that’s a big part of most clubs.”
Brainerd VFW Members Talk About Challenges on Video
For comparison, the VFW once enjoined a membership of 711 members in 1996, while current post membership sits at 352. The auxiliary — more of a supporting role, made up by immediate family members and close relatives of veterans — currently stands at 383. Furthermore, the “core” group of most active volunteers is no larger than 30, and it’s shrinking every year.
There are a number of reasons for this. Underlying everything is a general societal shift from community activities and volunteer clubs, Meyer said, to one that’s more isolated, individual-centric and preoccupied with personal daily affairs.
Coupled with that trend is the fact that each successive war has notably produced fewer veterans who fit the organization’s criteria. Increasingly overtaxed families don’t have as much time for a larger list of volunteer organizations. And, if they do, people may take part in advocacy groups which are non-local, national or even international in scope, compared to the VFW office just down the road.
While VFW Post 1647 is making a push to revamp its image as a kind of old-fashioned club atmosphere centered around the bar, Meyer said, it’s been tough sledding to get disillusioned older veterans or younger veterans to sign up for the idea.
Loss of trust? At multiple points of the discussion, members of VFW Post 1647 noted the social landscape is a far cry from the one World War II vets returned to when they signed up in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Few things exemplify this than how veterans were received in the wake of World War II compared to their sons and daughters after Vietnam — which is to say, Meyer noted, that World War II veterans returned to confetti parades and public adoration.
Vietnam vets? As participants in a deeply controversial conflict, they were often rejected, he said, harassed as baby killers and traitors, despite the fact they themselves didn’t make the decision to invade the south Asian country and they didn’t volunteer, but were drafted.
So, in turn, the notion of joining what was often billed as a patriotic good ol’ boy’s club didn’t sit well with a lot of Vietnam veterans (as well as Korean War veterans, participants in the “forgotten war”), Meyer said. Many Vietnam veterans, despite being eligible and needing VFW service, still refuse to associate themselves with the organization as a result.
“That’s the biggest thing,” Meyer said. “So many Vietnam veterans don’t want anything to do with the VFW. They think it’s government, like (the Department of Veteran’s Affairs).”
Decades passed. The United States has been extraordinarily active in world conflicts, but between the end of Vietnam in 1975 and the beginning of 2001, most were specialized operations, conflicts that were wrapped up in a matter of months at most. While the contributions of these veterans is just as valuable, Chaplain Mark Persons said, it means there are much fewer eligible veterans.
“World War II, everyone was involved,” Meyer said. “Vietnam, Korea, it was thousands upon thousands. Desert Storm and the War on Terror? It’s the same troops going over and over. It’s less than 1%. The pool to draw from is so much smaller. People aren’t joining.”
Even the war on terror, which began in Afghanistan, spread into Iraq and now finds itself active in more than seven nations across the Middle East and Africa — even this is largely a hidden conflict to the larger community, Meyer said. It’s relevant to only a tiny fraction of the United States population that’s continually sent back on multiple tours and comprised largely of U.S. Army National Guard members. Modern warfare, he noted, is for only a choice few.
It’s during an age of skepticism and distrust in historical issues, Meyer said, which has driven many younger people away. That may mean that the VFW is looking at tough times ahead.
Leaving a mark. Above all else, the VFW is an organization that promotes the welfare and interests of veterans, Meyer said.
“The whole focus is veterans for veterans,” Meyer said. “Nobody does it for veterans like the VFW. The younger ones, it’s hard to convince them. There’s a lot of good benefits for veterans now, but the government didn't just give them away. It was a lot of lobbying, a lot of activism from big numbers. If the government can give it away whenever they want, they can take it away whenever they want. That’s the biggest problem.”
For a subgroup of the population that is particularly vulnerable to mental illness, substance abuse and suicide as a result of their trauma, veterans can need an organization like the VFW that can provide the community, brotherhood and services for veterans in a tough place.
“Sometimes it’s just to have some kind of family,” Lambert said. “It’s about walking into a place of like-minded people and have them ask you how your week went.” “It’s my opinion that we reduce suicides,” Persons said. “Because it’s veterans helping veterans. We help each other. When we do that, the chances of suicide are far less.”
There are a number of reasons for this. Underlying everything is a general societal shift from community activities and volunteer clubs, Meyer said, to one that’s more isolated, individual-centric and preoccupied with personal daily affairs.
Coupled with that trend is the fact that each successive war has notably produced fewer veterans who fit the organization’s criteria. Increasingly overtaxed families don’t have as much time for a larger list of volunteer organizations. And, if they do, people may take part in advocacy groups which are non-local, national or even international in scope, compared to the VFW office just down the road.
While VFW Post 1647 is making a push to revamp its image as a kind of old-fashioned club atmosphere centered around the bar, Meyer said, it’s been tough sledding to get disillusioned older veterans or younger veterans to sign up for the idea.
Loss of trust? At multiple points of the discussion, members of VFW Post 1647 noted the social landscape is a far cry from the one World War II vets returned to when they signed up in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Few things exemplify this than how veterans were received in the wake of World War II compared to their sons and daughters after Vietnam — which is to say, Meyer noted, that World War II veterans returned to confetti parades and public adoration.
Vietnam vets? As participants in a deeply controversial conflict, they were often rejected, he said, harassed as baby killers and traitors, despite the fact they themselves didn’t make the decision to invade the south Asian country and they didn’t volunteer, but were drafted.
So, in turn, the notion of joining what was often billed as a patriotic good ol’ boy’s club didn’t sit well with a lot of Vietnam veterans (as well as Korean War veterans, participants in the “forgotten war”), Meyer said. Many Vietnam veterans, despite being eligible and needing VFW service, still refuse to associate themselves with the organization as a result.
“That’s the biggest thing,” Meyer said. “So many Vietnam veterans don’t want anything to do with the VFW. They think it’s government, like (the Department of Veteran’s Affairs).”
Decades passed. The United States has been extraordinarily active in world conflicts, but between the end of Vietnam in 1975 and the beginning of 2001, most were specialized operations, conflicts that were wrapped up in a matter of months at most. While the contributions of these veterans is just as valuable, Chaplain Mark Persons said, it means there are much fewer eligible veterans.
“World War II, everyone was involved,” Meyer said. “Vietnam, Korea, it was thousands upon thousands. Desert Storm and the War on Terror? It’s the same troops going over and over. It’s less than 1%. The pool to draw from is so much smaller. People aren’t joining.”
Even the war on terror, which began in Afghanistan, spread into Iraq and now finds itself active in more than seven nations across the Middle East and Africa — even this is largely a hidden conflict to the larger community, Meyer said. It’s relevant to only a tiny fraction of the United States population that’s continually sent back on multiple tours and comprised largely of U.S. Army National Guard members. Modern warfare, he noted, is for only a choice few.
It’s during an age of skepticism and distrust in historical issues, Meyer said, which has driven many younger people away. That may mean that the VFW is looking at tough times ahead.
Leaving a mark. Above all else, the VFW is an organization that promotes the welfare and interests of veterans, Meyer said.
“The whole focus is veterans for veterans,” Meyer said. “Nobody does it for veterans like the VFW. The younger ones, it’s hard to convince them. There’s a lot of good benefits for veterans now, but the government didn't just give them away. It was a lot of lobbying, a lot of activism from big numbers. If the government can give it away whenever they want, they can take it away whenever they want. That’s the biggest problem.”
For a subgroup of the population that is particularly vulnerable to mental illness, substance abuse and suicide as a result of their trauma, veterans can need an organization like the VFW that can provide the community, brotherhood and services for veterans in a tough place.
“Sometimes it’s just to have some kind of family,” Lambert said. “It’s about walking into a place of like-minded people and have them ask you how your week went.” “It’s my opinion that we reduce suicides,” Persons said. “Because it’s veterans helping veterans. We help each other. When we do that, the chances of suicide are far less.”
In addition, the post is active in the community. Perhaps the most vivid example of this is the color guard — which is often the most visible contribution and, as VFW members noted, most emblematic of the patriotic core that binds the community together for a common cause. The color guard is a joint effort of the VFW, Brainerd American Legion and the Crow Wing County Disabled Veterans.
Outside veteran affairs, Post 1647 is a nonprofit organization that serves needy veterans, their families and the community with over $70,000 in charitable contributions each year. The chapter sponsors two VFW baseball teams, a Bantam AA hockey team, the Brainerd High School trap shooting team, the Brainerd Warrior robotics club, takes part in the Brainerd July Fourth Parade, the American Cancer Society, Parker Scout Camp, the Initiative Foundation, Special Olympics Minnesota, Pillager Schools Fishing Club, as well as other public initiatives, donations and education scholarships.
GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www.twitter.com/glbrddispatch.
Outside veteran affairs, Post 1647 is a nonprofit organization that serves needy veterans, their families and the community with over $70,000 in charitable contributions each year. The chapter sponsors two VFW baseball teams, a Bantam AA hockey team, the Brainerd High School trap shooting team, the Brainerd Warrior robotics club, takes part in the Brainerd July Fourth Parade, the American Cancer Society, Parker Scout Camp, the Initiative Foundation, Special Olympics Minnesota, Pillager Schools Fishing Club, as well as other public initiatives, donations and education scholarships.
GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www.twitter.com/glbrddispatch.
Dave Meyer was honored as Brainerd's first Community Member of the Month for his volunteer work with several area veteran organizations, along with Special Olympics and Junior Achievement. Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch
With thousands of volunteer hours logged with local veterans organizations over the last 14 years, Dave Meyer earned himself the title of Brainerd’s first Community Member of the Month.
“I can’t think of a better person to lead this off,” Mayor Ed Menk said as he presented Meyer with a plaque at the Monday, July 1, city council meeting in honor of all Meyer has done for the Brainerd community.
“I met Dave many years ago … and I’ve never seen the man without a smile,” Menk said. “And he never stands still, so I don’t know what you do to keep going, but it’s with great honor that I’m able to present this to you.”
Instigated in May, the Community Member of the Month award serves as a way to acknowledge those who work hard for their fellow residents without necessarily gaining recognition. Residents can nominate any community members for the honor, ultimately giving Menk the final say in each month’s awardee.
Two members of Brainerd’s Veterans of Foreign Wars nominated Meyer for the honor.
“Dave is an advocate for our veterans and their families,’” Menk read from one of the nomination forms Monday. “Many times you’ll find him at the VFW helping people with projects and sharing his knowledge with the veterans and their families.”
Still unsure about his chance to be in the spotlight, the 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran hopes to use the award as a way to bring about awareness for the VFW and Disabled American Veterans, two local organizations he dedicates so much of his time to.
“Us here at the VFW, and all the veterans groups, would like to let the public know how much we’re doing, so it’s a way of recognizing what the clubs do in the community. We do contribute a lot, so that makes a big difference if we can get a little notice about that,” he said during an interview July 3 at the VFW, where he spends a lot of his free time.
After retiring early from a more than 30 year long career with UPS at age 56, Meyer joined the Brainerd chapters of the VFW and DAV in 2005 to give back to fellow veterans.
“It keeps me going,” he said of his volunteer endeavors. “As long as I can do it physically, it feels good.”
Now clocking more volunteer hours some weeks than he did paid hours with UPS, Meyer spends his time driving veterans to medical appointments in St. Cloud and Minneapolis, leading the VFW’s color guard at veteran funerals and other events, partaking in Veterans Day ceremonies at local schools and organizing Brainerd’s Memorial Day events.
Recently, he received a commemorative pin from the DAV for reaching 8,000 volunteer hours and 100,000 miles driven.
And as if that weren’t enough, Meyer also finds time to coach local Special Olympics teams and help out with the Junior Achievement program at Harrison Elementary School.
There’s always a need for volunteers somewhere, he said, whether it’s with veterans, at a church or through any other local organization.
“Just pick a place and do it,” he said as encouragement for anyone looking to get involved in their community.
Meyer said he has met a lot of great people through his volunteer efforts and has a good core group to work with on his many veteran activities.
He wants to spread the word on what the VFW and DAV do so veterans who have earned their benefits can use them.
“Our goal is to help veterans, that’s the big thing with the DAV,” he said. “With the VFW, it’s more community oriented.”
According to the VFW’s website, the organization’s goal is not only to serve the country and the community, but also to be a friendly gathering spot for active military, veterans and non-veterans.
The DAV is a nonprofit charity providing lifetime support for veterans and their families, including connecting veterans with jobs, driving them to medical appointments and providing other resources.
“Veterans for veterans,” Meyer said. “That’s what we do, try to help veterans.”
With thousands of volunteer hours logged with local veterans organizations over the last 14 years, Dave Meyer earned himself the title of Brainerd’s first Community Member of the Month.
“I can’t think of a better person to lead this off,” Mayor Ed Menk said as he presented Meyer with a plaque at the Monday, July 1, city council meeting in honor of all Meyer has done for the Brainerd community.
“I met Dave many years ago … and I’ve never seen the man without a smile,” Menk said. “And he never stands still, so I don’t know what you do to keep going, but it’s with great honor that I’m able to present this to you.”
Instigated in May, the Community Member of the Month award serves as a way to acknowledge those who work hard for their fellow residents without necessarily gaining recognition. Residents can nominate any community members for the honor, ultimately giving Menk the final say in each month’s awardee.
Two members of Brainerd’s Veterans of Foreign Wars nominated Meyer for the honor.
“Dave is an advocate for our veterans and their families,’” Menk read from one of the nomination forms Monday. “Many times you’ll find him at the VFW helping people with projects and sharing his knowledge with the veterans and their families.”
Still unsure about his chance to be in the spotlight, the 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran hopes to use the award as a way to bring about awareness for the VFW and Disabled American Veterans, two local organizations he dedicates so much of his time to.
“Us here at the VFW, and all the veterans groups, would like to let the public know how much we’re doing, so it’s a way of recognizing what the clubs do in the community. We do contribute a lot, so that makes a big difference if we can get a little notice about that,” he said during an interview July 3 at the VFW, where he spends a lot of his free time.
After retiring early from a more than 30 year long career with UPS at age 56, Meyer joined the Brainerd chapters of the VFW and DAV in 2005 to give back to fellow veterans.
“It keeps me going,” he said of his volunteer endeavors. “As long as I can do it physically, it feels good.”
Now clocking more volunteer hours some weeks than he did paid hours with UPS, Meyer spends his time driving veterans to medical appointments in St. Cloud and Minneapolis, leading the VFW’s color guard at veteran funerals and other events, partaking in Veterans Day ceremonies at local schools and organizing Brainerd’s Memorial Day events.
Recently, he received a commemorative pin from the DAV for reaching 8,000 volunteer hours and 100,000 miles driven.
And as if that weren’t enough, Meyer also finds time to coach local Special Olympics teams and help out with the Junior Achievement program at Harrison Elementary School.
There’s always a need for volunteers somewhere, he said, whether it’s with veterans, at a church or through any other local organization.
“Just pick a place and do it,” he said as encouragement for anyone looking to get involved in their community.
Meyer said he has met a lot of great people through his volunteer efforts and has a good core group to work with on his many veteran activities.
He wants to spread the word on what the VFW and DAV do so veterans who have earned their benefits can use them.
“Our goal is to help veterans, that’s the big thing with the DAV,” he said. “With the VFW, it’s more community oriented.”
According to the VFW’s website, the organization’s goal is not only to serve the country and the community, but also to be a friendly gathering spot for active military, veterans and non-veterans.
The DAV is a nonprofit charity providing lifetime support for veterans and their families, including connecting veterans with jobs, driving them to medical appointments and providing other resources.
“Veterans for veterans,” Meyer said. “That’s what we do, try to help veterans.”
December 14, 2016: NBC News came to the Brainerd VFW to get a story on the VA health care system.
