In a heartfelt ceremony this November, members of VFW
Linn Post 584 were honored to raise the POW/MIA Flag at the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) in Corvallis, OR, to commemorate a month
filled with significance for veterans—the Marine Corps birthday, Veterans
Day, and Thanksgiving. These observances serve as a powerful
reminder to reflect on the service and sacrifices of our veterans, particularly
those who have not yet returned home to their loved ones.
The event provided an opportunity for VFW Linn Post 584to honor the men and women still missing in action, who are often left out of
the broader national conversation, and to highlight their story. Accompanying
the raising of the POW/MIA flag, the post also set up a POW/MIA table,
an iconic symbol used to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who are
unaccounted for. The table’s elements—the empty chair, the upside-down glass,
the missing plate—were explained in detail, offering a powerful, educational
moment for those in attendance.
"We were both honored and humbled to join the EPA in
recognizing the importance of never forgetting our service members who are
still missing,” said Commander Mark Lamberty, reflecting on the
significance of the day. "This ceremony serves as a reminder that while we
may have returned home, many of our brothers and sisters are still out there,
waiting for answers."
The post's participation included Adjutant Robert Gore,House Committee Member Monte Holcomb, and Post Member Samantha Moon,
all of whom helped ensure the event's success.
As we celebrate this special time of year, it's crucial to
remember the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans—especially those whose final
chapter remains unwritten.
Never Forget.
Commander Andrea Summerlin
Greetings Comrades and Auxiliary Members,
We are several months into a new program year, and I hope Posts and Districts are working hard together with their Auxiliaries to accomplish our goals. Many of us traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in July to represent Oregon at the National Convention. We returned home feeling energized with new ideas, a strategic plan, and are all in for the 24-25 year! I would encourage you to attend next year in Columbus, Ohio as the VFW celebrates 125 years of service.
We started July with a few challenges, but we all understand that adversity can build character and resilience. After all, the ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenges and controversy (Martin Luther King Jr). I want to thank you for your patience as we work through this situation and remind everyone that as a department, we will get through this even stronger and better than before.
This is fair and farmer’s market season and the time to be out recruiting for new members. Your department currently has a recruiting booth at the Oregon State Fair and will be at the Oregon International Air Show and the Rose City Comic-Con. Thank you to those who volunteered to work a shift or two at the booth. It takes all of us to make it happen and I appreciate each one of you stepping up to help out.
Ed Stafanik, National Membership, hosted a recruiting training at Post 661 in Salem which was well attended. He also assisted at the fair providing valuable experience to our new membership chair, Kristine Sweezy. Our goal is to finish the year at or above 102% membership so do not wait to engage potential members in your communities. Let us not forget about encouraging our current annual members to become life members and our life members to join the Legacy family.
I appreciate Post 3232 (Commander Richard Earnest) in Florence hosting our first Officer Training School on 24 August. Thank you, District 14 Commandeer Bruce Andrade, for all your support and marketing the event, especially in your area. Bert Key, Committee Chair, coordinated excellent training geared toward District and Post officers. Another training will be held at Post 4060 in Union on 14 October. Registration will be online at the Department website (OTS).
Department Representatives will be attending upcoming District meetings over the next few months. A reminder that audits and bonds are due soon and inspections should be accomplished by 31 October. I will be scheduling a School of Instruction for this fall hopefully in conjunction with a joint Homecoming event. Check the Department website for more information soon as we are still planning it.
In closing, I want to leave you with some wisdom from my ancestor, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. He once told his warriors in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn that "You are gathered here with me, so it is needful that you be strong, bold, and without fear. If you believe in this way, you will surely have victory.”
We might not be at war against the army of King Edward II of England, but we have a different type of battle. This is a fight for the survival of our organization, for new members, our earned benefits, to have the country remember our sacrifices, and to accomplish our overall goals. By staying strong, being bold, and working together, we will achieve victory!
In Comradeship,
Andrea D. Summerlin
Commander
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