Welcome to Joyce M. Helson Post 5162
VFW Post 5162 received its Charter in 1987 with 35 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.
What's Going On
Veteran's Day is 11 November and the post is conducting a Buddy Poppy drive at the Redstone PX/Commissary and Gas Station/Shoppette 4-6 November. We're looking for volunteers between 0900 and 1500 (1-2hr blocks) Please contact the quartermaster to sign up for a slot.
The Cemetery Committee
The cemetery committee along with volunteer Bob Fuerst and VFW Post 5162 cleaned over 10 headstones and the memorial at Maple Hill Cemetery 23 October in preparation for Veteran's Day.
Join Us
___________________________________________________________________________
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 are working with NAVFOC on the Veterans Day parade. It seems like a long way off, but it will be here before we know it.
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.
__________________________________________________________________________
If you know of any deserving teacher or first responder, please let us know so we can link up with their leadership to get them nominated for recognition. You can even nominate them yourself. Shoot us an email for more details.
____________________________________________________________________
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 2021-22 Patriot's Pen theme is: How Can I Be A Good American?
The 2021-22 Voice of Democracy theme is: America: Where Do We Go From Here?
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, 2021.
The 2020 Scout of the Year winners are:
1st Place: Jacqueline Abnos (sponsored by VFW Post 1829 in Kansas City, Missouri)
2nd Place: Marius Schnell (sponsored by VFW Post 10557 in Hohenfels, Germany)
3r`d Place: Justin Swize (sponsored by VFW Post 4146 in Victoria, Texas)
Congratulations!
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
November 16, 2021 : Next Post meeting 1900 at the American Legion on Drake.
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 $38.00 a year. 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.