BELLE FOURCHE—If you know anything about the hardworking veterans that make up VFW Post 3312, you know they are actively volunteering in a variety of ways throughout the year in Belle Fourche.
The VFW Day of Service was May 1 and was just another way for them to be involved in the community. Blaine Anderson, VFW, said, “We’re getting out more and more and more. We used to be so invisible, and hopefully we’re fixing that too. We do exist!”
VFW Day of Service gave rise to the opportunity to give back in a unique way. Giving blood is the ultimate way to save a life, and for the first time ever, VFW Post 3312 decided to use its Day of Service to host a blood donation event.
On May 1, the event space at Grap’s Burgers and Brews was transformed into a blood donation center. Vitalant Blood Donation was in charge of the event.
At the beginning of the event, VFW Post 3312 set a goal to reach 25 units in blood donations. By 10 a.m., they were well on their way to reaching that goal. “Last time she sent me the list, we were at about 21 units already,” explained Chuck Lawless, VFW.
Service efforts at VFW Post 3312 extend beyond the Day of Service event. Be on the lookout for the VFW Post 3312 appearance of the Buddy Poppies. “The poppies will be going out into the stores next month,” shared Lawless. If you see the poppies in the stores of Belle Fourche, consider giving a donation in exchange for a poppy.
The Buddy Poppy program is the main source of funding for VFW. The local VFW post disperses 91 percent of the collected donations to support local programs.
The local VFW Post 3312 Belle Fourche donates in the following ways: local veterans in need; veterans war memorials; Belle Fourche Honor Guard; Cops for Kids; Scholastic Books for Kids; Voice of Democracy; Patriot Pen; Pine Slope Cemetery inclement weather shelter; National Child Safety Program; long-term care veterans Christmas presents; Bronc Bird Buster HS Trap Shoot Club; BSA Troop 17 and Troop 117; Cub Scout Pack 17; baseball teams; provides U.S. and S.D. flags to public buildings; presents S.D. flags to BFHS graduates who enlist in the military; collects U.S. flags for retirement; BF Middle School Veterans Day program; Memorial Day program (shared with American Legion every other year); Memorial Day Veterans Avenue of Flags at Pine Slope Cemetery; and Belle Fourche Special Olympics.
While the VFW Post 3312 continues to serve the community in many ways, the organization is also seeking support of its own.
The local organization is putting out a call for volunteers to help with Honor Guard. “We need seven, and you generally have maybe 10 on the books, and somebody’s always at a doctor’s appointment,” explained Anderson. “In the guard, I know if I needed seven, I needed to call 14 or 15 to get seven.” At this time, there are not enough veterans signed up to field the seven needed to perform funeral honors if others happen to be busy. Reach out to Belle Fourche VFW Post 3312 if you can help.
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