Author: Meghan

From left to right: student Travis, Instructors Dakota and Bob, and student James Student Travis “Music touches the heart and soul like nothing else in this world, and the ability to play and create music is a healing force unlike any other,” says Guitars for Vets graduate Travis. This month the National Home celebrates the first “graduating class” of the Guitars for Vets program.   “I’ve always wanted to learn how to play guitar, and I’ve never had the resources to do that before this program. I think the best thing about this program is that they provide you with everything...

VFW National Home Program Director Angie Harkins knows firsthand how children who have a parent in the military are impacted. “My husband missed crucial years of our children’s lives due to being deployed,” she recalled. “He missed our son’s baseball games all through his teenage years and our daughter’s first birthday party and so many other events,” she added explaining that he was often deployed in harm’s way which added to the stress on the family. April Esteems Military Children The month of April stands as the month of the military child as designated in 1986 by then...

A self-described man who loves God and country, Trenton Pauley first heard of the VFW National Home from his VFW State Commander while he was State Senior Vice Commander in West Virginia. “He told me about the National Home,” Mr. Pauley said, “and how impressed he was with his visit, encouraging me to be sure to visit it too.” Which Mr. Pauley did… and was instantly impressed by the superb facilities and dedicated staff. However, something unique caught his eye. “I was impressed with the time devoted to the children and families in goal-setting and developing plans to meet their...

Debbie Bodimer-Wilson’s brother was a Vietnam veteran. After he passed away, she learned she could join a VFW Auxiliary in order to help veteran families in need. “Before joining Auxiliary #3944 here in St. Louis, I had no idea how many veterans and families out there were struggling. I imagine coming out of the service and having nothing would be very hard. Veteran parents gave of themselves for our country, and I believe their children are our future and deserve help. I was determined to do as much as I could.” Debbie remembers her first trip to the VFW National Home for Children...

On January 3rd, I celebrated one year as the Executive Director and on January 7th, the VFW National Home will celebrate 98 years of existence.  For 98 years we’ve supported Veterans and Families of the United States Armed Forces, the VFW, and the VFW Auxiliary.  We’ve come a long way! In just two short years we will celebrate 100 years!  We are working on the celebration and planning a lot of great events and activities.  It’s my sincere hope you will be able to join us.  For now, in our 98th year, let’s celebrate some of the successes of the last year. ...

America’s servicemen and women protect a proud nation. And at Christmastime, it’s especially important to honor their commitments, their sacrifices, and those who have unfortunately fallen. This year, we solemnly did our part through the unveiling of a living testament, our Veteran Tribute Tree, in honor of the veterans who are living, deceased, or deployed. Joining us for our inaugural dedication was the Blake family, who placed the first ribbon in memory of their son, Private Joseph Blake, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country during an ambush in Afghanistan. The dedication...

For 94 years, members of the Military Order of the Cootie have spread holiday cheer to National Home residents. Since 1928, Cootie Christmas has remained one of the most anticipated events here on campus. The Cooties came to town the week after Thanksgiving, traveling from far and wide to share the holiday spirit at the National Home. The festivities began on Wednesday with a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Florida Cooties. Then, residents and Cooties enjoyed a meal together at the Guest Lodge and did some cookie decorating. The kids got a little bored this year and decided to decorate...

Team Rubicon & National Home Facilities Staff The play yard outside the VFW National Home Early Education Center often buzzes with energy as little tykes run and climb on the play equipment during recess. Now a new rubber mulch surface offers an additional level of safety for the youth. “I feel the rubber mulch is safer for the children as it gives a bouncy cushion to prevent injury from falls,” said Ivy Bush, Early Education Center Supervisor. The VFW National Home joined forces with Team Rubicon and the VFW Department of Illinois Auxiliary to execute the project which began when...

My fellow Veterans, Brothers and Sisters in arms, thank you for your service! These words are heard often around Veterans Day, as the “thing to say.”  But I can tell you, I am very grateful for those who have served and those who continue to serve to keep our nation and its ideals safe from our enemies, both foreign and domestic.  Let’s all appreciate the sacrifices of each other and remember that we put a hold on life while we trained, and fought for what we still have today, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “For those who...

VFW National Home Life Members gathered recently for their annual meeting. The Annual Meeting of Life Members is when we thank outgoing trustees whose terms have ended and welcome our new incoming trustees. Alongside our new trustees, the new board president and vice president is sworn in as well. During the meeting, Life Members heard an update from Executive Director Mike Wilson, enjoyed a Year-In-Review video, and witnessed newly elected District 6 Trustee Michael Rhew and District 10 Trustee Shirlee Frias be installed. Michael Rhew, District 6 Trustee & Shirlee Frias,...