Welcome to Joyce M. Helson Post 5162
VFW Post 5162 received its Charter in 1987 with 35 members. We have grown to almost 180 members. Although we have no Post Home, the Post has always been very active in the Community. One of the most active members of the Post was Joyce M. Helson who served as the Post Chaplain for many years. In 2009 Joyce was killed in an accident while visiting South Dakota. The 2010-2011 Commander put forth a resolution to change the name to Joyce M. Helson Post 5162. The Post received its new Charter in 2011. The Post has been a member of the Department of Alabama "All State Team" several times and was recognized by National VFW as an ‘All American Post” for the 2018-2019 year and the 2020-2021 year.
Our post is dedicated to the mission of the VFW to support veterans, their families, and the community while building and maintaining strong relationships amongst fellow combat veterans. We hope you will consider joining our post.
Donate to support the VFW
(We are a 501c(19) charitable organization)
What's Going On
The post has been very active supporting veterans in need. We've provided support to two veteran families get back on their feet with household goods and financial support. We are also sponsoring an Afghanistan national who served alongside one of our veterans and was fortunate to get his family out just in time. Please consider donating (see link above). You can designate where you would like your tax deductable donation to go.
***ANY and ALL Veterans***
Veterans Coffee/Breakfast meetings every Wednesday,
0700, now at the Panera Bread, Bridge Street, for fellowship.
You do not have to be a VFW Member.
Come and add to the War Stories!
Same faces this morning
Except for David made an appearance!
Buddy Poppy Drive was a Success!
Thanks to all that donated their time to support!
Kent, Mel, David, Francisco, George,
Sam, Marcus, Clemente, Earl, Chuck,
Rick, Mike K, Jerome, & Mike G.
Join Us
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HOW CAN WE REACH YOU?
Please log in to the VFW.org website and update your contact information so we can share upcoming events and information. We have several comrades with no email address listed or no phone number. Several of us also have moved since joining. Please take a few minutes to update your information. If you have any troubles, contact the quartermaster for assistance.
We recently sent out postcards to all addresses on file. If you received one, please take a moment and respond to it so we can help clean up our database. Thank you.
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If you have any suggestions for social activities for the post that would give our members to get together safely, please share them with any of the officers. We are considering no-host breakfast/lunches at local establishments or partnering with Post 2702 at their location.
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VFW Programs
Information on the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay scholarship programs can be found at:
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships/
These are great opportunities to showcase your patriotism, writing skills, and to earn scholarships for college or vocational training.
The 2022-23 themes are:
VOD: "Why is the Veteran Important?"
Patriot's Pen: "My Pledge to Our Veterans."
Information on theTeacher of the Year Awards can be found at:
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/teacher-of-the-year
Entries are due to Post NLT October 31, 2022.
Information on Scout of Year can be found at
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/scout-of-the-year
If you have any questions about The VFW, Post 5162, or events on this site, please contact the Post Commander at commander@vfwpost5162.com
July 19, 2022 : Next Post meeting 1900 at the American Legion on Drake. We are now doing meetings using WebEx. Details in your Post Email.
Monthy Activities
The Post meets at 7:00 PM the 3rd Tuesday of each month at American Legion Post 237; 2900 Drake Ave SW.
Membership in Post 5162
If you quality as a veteran and would like to join one of the most active Posts in the state, email one of the members in the contact list or download the mail-in form:
The current dues are only $38.00 a year (lower than what you'll find at the national website). The Post can assist with dues for Veterans having financial difficulties.
There are also Life Membership payment plans.
Life Membership Fee Schedule
Age One-time Payment Installment
18-30 $425.00 $38.64
31-40 $410.00 $37.27
41-50 $375.00 $34.09
51-60 $335.00 $30.45
61-70 $290.00 $26.36
71-80 $225.00 $20.45
81 and over $170.00 $15.45
Membership Eligibility: http://www.vfw.org/Join/Eligibility/
Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a special organization formed by Veterans for Veterans.
It is through the strength of the membership in the ranks that we are able to speak as one loud voice to our public officials.
For more information go to http://www.vfw.org/home/
OBJECTIVES
To insure the nation’s security through maximum military strength
To speed the rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans
To perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans
To promote Americanism through education in patriotism and constructive service to the community in which we live.