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Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
GANDY-GRIFFIN VFW POST 4262 5821 North Main Street Columbia, SC 29203 PHONE: 803 754-1614
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
• Commander’s Breakfast; the first Saturday each month-Please bring a friend
• Membership Meeting; the third Tuesday each month 7 p.m. at Post
• Memorial Day Service 30 May 09
• State Convention – Columbia, SC 26-28 June, 2009
• VFW National Convention – Phoenix, AZ 15-20 Aug 09
Who We Are The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a fraternal organization who’s most important role and objective is dedicated to serving our veterans. Of all active veterans’ organizations, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, founded in 1899, is the oldest of all Veterans organizations. Membership is over two million. Our organization has fought for the passing of important legislation through Congress on behalf of veterans and their dependents. Our motto is “We Honor the Dead By Serving The Living.” The Cross of Malta; the emblem, was also the emblem of the Knights of Saint John. Through your membership, the Veterans of Foreign Wars can continue its unbroken record of being the Nation’s Number One Community Service Organization.
How We Got Started In 1935 twelve World War I Veterans met at Manigult Funeral Home in Columbia to discuss veteran’s rights and to organize a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Columbia, South Carolina. The post was named for Charles Gandy Jr., of Greenville South Carolina and Samuel Griffin of Columbia, South Carolina, who were killed during World War I. Lincoln C. Jenkins Sr. was elected the first post commander.
How We Work For You Post 4262 has contributed financially to community activities and programs such as Aid to Cancer Research, Sickle Cell Anemia, Scholarships, food to the needy, educational grants, swim teams, volunteer service at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Annual Picnic, Halloween Party, Buddy Poppy Sales, Voice of Democracy Contest. The post also has a very active Building Fund Program and numerous other activities for the membership and their families. In addition, the post worked with programs that help make our community a better place in which to live. With the current trend of enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership, the post should continue to grow in membership and programs and will surely remain one of the top posts in the state and nation
How To Become A Member Any veteran or active duty military person who has served in any foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service warrants the issuance of a campaign badge or ribbon by the Government of the United States shall be eligible for active membership. Contact any member of the post and complete an application form for membership. Qualifying documentation must be presented (a copy of DD Form 214, etc.).
Sons And Daughters Of The VFW Sons, daughters and grandchildren of members of the post between the ages of 6 and 16 years old are eligible to join the Sons of the VFW or the Junior Girls Unit
Social Activities During the year, the post sponsors several social functions for the entertainment of our members and guest. The Commander’s Ball, Awards Banquet, Christmas Party, New Year’s Ball Celebration, 4TH ~ July Cookout are a few. The Ladies Auxiliary sponsors the President’s Ball and Fashion Shows. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Disco Music is enjoyed by all. Thursday nights the post is also open for other activities. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guest while in the Post home.
Ladies Auxiliary The Ladies Auxiliary of Gandy Griffin VFW Post 4262 received its Charter on 23 June 1 947 for ladies, who are the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of men whose combat service made them eligible for member ship in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed with fourteen chartered members and its current membership is in excess of one hundred and fifty six. The Ladies Auxiliary has performed many notable acts, deeds and services in assisting the VFW post in its work, growth and accomplishments.
Chaplain's Corner When sickness, death or distress occurs with a member we will respond. Call the post at 754-1614. Please leave a message and a telephone number where you can be reached.
When Do We Meet VFW Post 4262 meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
COMMANDER-MATTHEW D. GOODEN
SENIOR VICE- JOSEPH WILLIAMS
JUNIOR VICE- JAMES GROCE
ADJUTANT- ELAINE WILSON
QUARTERMASTER-CORNELIUS DRAKE
JUDGE ADVOCATE- GARFIELD STUART
CHAPLAIN- OLIVER SMITH
SURGEON-DR. ALBERT REED
SERVICE OFFICER-JAMES JORDAN
1st YR TRUSTEE- GB WILLIAMS
2ND YR TRUSTEE- AUGUSTUS SINGLETON
3RD YR TRUSTEE- DANIEL THOMPSON
SENIOR VICE JOSEPH WILLIAMS
Hello Comrades! Once again membership is one of our biggest goals at the VFW. We need to obtain and sustain our membership. As of November 2008 we are currently at 67.81 % which equates to about 300 members short of our 100% goal. Currently we are last in the state. I challenge each and every one of you to renew your membership after the Veteran’s Day Parade at the post as you know 31 December 2008 is the expiration date for last year membership cards. Comrades, Post 4262 has always put its best foot forward in all we do. The Commander really and truly needs your support. We do a lot of functions here at the post, but it’s the same members all the time, I know this is an volunteer organization so please just volunteer and participate in meetings. Remember comrades, strength comes in numbers. We have the second largest Post in the State so lets come out Nov 11 in mass numbers for the Veteran’s Day Parade. Comrades can march or ride in the post Van.
JUNIOR VICE JAMES GROCE
Hello Comrades! I first like to give thanks to those helping with the Buddy poppy sales on Oct 25, 2008. We have raised over $1, 000 this year in poppy sales. The proceeds are going to the relief fund!! I still need your support in the upcoming Year. POPPY SALES EVENTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR: FEB, MAR, and APR. Come to the meetings to get the exact confirmed dates. I would like to give special thanks to the Blythewood High School ROTC for their big contribution in distributing the Poppies.
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Commander’s Breakfast; the first Saturday each month-Please bring a friend
Membership Meeting; the third Tuesday each month 7 p.m. at Post
District II Meeting/Convention — Lake Murray Post — Eat at 1:00—Meet at 2:00
Memorial Day Service 30 May 09
State Convention – Columbia, SC 26-28 June, 2009
VFW National Convention – Phoenix, AZ 15-20 Aug 09
Social Activities
During the year, the post sponsors several social functions for the entertainment of our members and guest.
The Commander’s Ball Awards Banquet Christmas Party New Year’s Ball Celebration 4TH of July Cookout And Many other events
The Ladies Auxiliary sponsors the President’s Ball and Fashion Shows.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Disco Music is enjoyed by all.
Thursday nights the post is also open for other activities.
Members are responsible for the conduct of their guest while in the Post home.
There is a common bond between the men and women who have shared the military experience in battle: a shared sense of duty; a common belief in a cause higher than self. Our nations' veterans serve willingly and assume the risks of maintaining America's freedom for all.
VFW members uniquely understand individual liberty, our American ideals and beliefs, and the price paid to preserve them.
The VFW is exclusively Veterans who served our Country under actual Combat Situations, and is the only Veterans organization where those qualifications apply.
Our eligibility extends to United States Combat Veterans of all foreign wars and conflicts involving all the American Armed Forces. |