Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 is growing

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States amended their charter in July 2015 at their national convention in Pittsburgh, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary then became the gender-neutral VFW auxiliary. Since that time, the Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Auxiliary has been busily promoting membership to men as well as women.

The Rehoboth Auxiliary held several landmark events April 16. As members arrived, they enjoyed coffee and pastry, and introduced themselves to one another. Then the new flag and auxiliary banner were dedicated by Rehoboth auxiliary member and Past State President Barbara McGowan. This was followed by the initiation of 13 new members, mostly men.

Auxiliary officers participating in the initiation were President Frances Turner, Vice President Stephanie McGinnis, Junior Vice President Nancy Boyle, Treasurer Judith Stranch, Secretary Buttercup Baker, Chaplain Constance Smith, Conductress Gladys Wise and Pro Tem Guard and Trustee Christine Crawford. A total of 36 Rehoboth VFW Auxiliary members were present, and a number of VFW Post 7447 members were also there to show their support.

Attending this landmark event was Department of Delaware VFW Auxiliary President Teresa Iosbaker, who spoke about the major transformation caused by the now welcome inclusion of men into the auxiliary. As noted, women and men are serving side by side protecting this country, and the spouses of women should have just as much opportunity to support them through the VFW auxiliary. Outgoing Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Commander Robert McGinnis thanked the auxiliary for their support during the past year, and encouraged the new members to become active volunteers as well, stating that even donating just one hour every month would make a difference. Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Commander-Elect Tracy Bowen also welcomed the new members to the post family. Each new member received a patriotic tote bag containing their membership pin (either annual or life member), a podium edition of National VFW Auxiliary ByLaws and Ritual, and a folder full of information.

After posing for a group photo, the auxiliary members, new and old, adjourned to the meeting room for the monthly meeting which included election of officers for the upcoming year. For the new members, explanations of the procedures were provided throughout the meeting. New officers for the VFW and auxiliary for the 2016-17 year start their term when the new Department of Delaware VFW commander is sworn in at the state convention in early June.

As hoped, the new officers included men as well as women.  Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Auxiliary officers for the 2016-17 year are  President Judith Stranch, Senior Vice President Stephanie McGinnis, Junior Vice President Nancy Boyle, Treasurer Buttercup Baker, Chaplain Steve Zazo, Conductor Dan Rogers, Guard John Cumberland and three-year trustee Christopher Green.

During the Auxiliary meeting, Hospital Chairman Connie Smith was recognized for her many years of service to the veterans at Harbor Healthcare whom she visits every single month along with auxiliary members Gladys Wise and Estelle Tabasko.

After the meeting concluded, the group enjoyed a luncheon together.

After listening to reports from program chairs for Veterans and Family Support, Americanism, Hospital, Legislative, Scholarships and Youth Activities, many new members commented that they were surprised to learn about all the auxiliary does. New members were encouraged to take on a chairmanship or at least participate with these programs, besides volunteering at the post home.

VFW Post 7447 officers for the 2016-17 year newly elected at their April 13 meeting are Commander Tracy Bowen, Senior Vice Commander Everett Beach, Junior Vice Commander Dan Slattery, Quartermaster Greg Gause, Judge Advocate Charlie Costello and trustees Phil Winkler, Steve Lee and Chris Ferretti.

For more information about joining the Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 or its auxiliary, stop by the post home at 101 State Road, Rehoboth Beach or email rehobothvfw@aol.com for VFW Post 7447 membership or lavfw7447@yahoo.com for auxiliary membership.