Rehoboth VFW Auxiliary now welcomes men
John A. Biedrzycki Jr., national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, added his official signature to the new congressional charter of its auxiliary organization in a historical event Aug. 21 solidifying the VFW’s commitment to membership equality for all military families. Appropriately, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW has changed its official name to the VFW Auxiliary. “It’s an exciting time to be a member of the auxiliary,” said National President Francisca Guilford. “Women comprise nearly 20 percent of our nation’s military, and this change allows all spouses, fathers, grandfathers, sons, grandsons and brothers to serve others in honor of their veteran.”
This was formerly something only women family members could do as part of the Ladies Auxiliary. Currently, the auxiliary has more than 465,000 members, a number that is now expected to sharply increase over the next year. Its members represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, several foreign locations including Germany, Guam and Panama, and have made an impact in local communities around the globe.
Last year alone, its members worked to provide $4.6 million in monetary aid to veterans, active-duty military and their families, and volunteered nearly 800,000 hours in VA Medical Centers, hospitals, and nursing and veterans’ homes. Auxiliary members also contributed greatly to cancer research, youth activities, civic patriotism and much more.
Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 has had both an active Ladies Auxiliary and an active Men's Auxiliary. Men's Auxiliaries have not been part of the congressional charter, but operated on a local basis under the auspices of a VFW post. Benefits of being a member of the new VFW Auxiliary for both men and women are many, including cancer grants, the ability to be heard on Capitol Hill to support veterans' legislation and participate in many programs such as scholarships, Americanism, and Veterans and Family Support. The Rehoboth VFW Men's Auxiliary runs on a calendar year, and the Ladies Auxiliary ran on a July 1 through June 30 year.
The newly renamed VFW Auxiliary organization will maintain the July 1 through June 30 working year. The Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Men's Auxiliary will remain active until the end of the calendar year, although members may join the new gender-neutral auxiliary now, holding dual membership until the year ends.
The new auxiliary has the same requirements as the former Ladies Auxiliary - having a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild (living or deceased) who has served overseas during time of conflict - literally a veteran of foreign wars of the United States. The qualifying member does not need to belong to the VFW itself, just be eligible to do so. Typical proof of this eligibility is a DD 214 military discharge for the qualifying relative, but other documentation is also acceptable.
To join the Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 Auxiliary, email lavfw7447@yahoo.com or call Membership Chair Judy Stranch at 302-383-4528 or email jjstranch@yahoo.com.
Those eligible for the VFW cannot join the new VFW Auxiliary. Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 also welcomes new members. To join the VFW Post itself, email rehobothvfw@aol.com or call 302-227-3469.
