VFW members learn about auxiliary
LuAnn Morgan/courtesy photo Barbara McDonald talks about auxiliary membership at this month’s meeting of VFW Post 8889 in Othello. Also shown are Joe Cantu, left, and Eric Morgan.
OTHELLO — Many wives attended the monthly meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8889 on Thursday, Aug. 15 to hear a representative of the VFW Auxiliary speak about the benefits of joining that organization.
Barbara McDonald, who drove up from the Tri-Cities for the meeting, said much has changed with regard to qualifications for membership.
“It used to just be the Ladies Auxiliary,” McDonald said. “Now it’s the Auxiliary of the VFW and men are allowed – that was done several years ago.”
To be eligible, one must be at least 16 years old and be a relative of an eligible VFW member. Qualifying relatives include spouses, children, stepchildren, parents, grandparents and siblings.
Auxiliary members enjoy a long list of benefits, such as cancer grants, hearing aids, Medicare supplements, discounts and the VFW Auxiliary magazine.
McDonald said there are a variety of events the auxiliary members help with.
“We help with scholarships, host parties and potlucks and put on fundraisers and raffles,” she said.
Not only does it boost the post’s visibility in the community, it increases the number of advocates to fight for veterans’ rights and benefits.
In order for a post to start an auxiliary, a minimum of 15 charter members must sign up.
There are two ways to become an auxiliary member. A person may join an already established or beginning group or they can become a member at large. That means they aren’t officially connected to a group, but they can still help out the post. However, “at large” means they don’t have a vote when it comes to official decisions.
Memberships can be paid on a yearly basis or there are lifetime rates, which often come with a substantial discount. Either way, McDonald said the member will find the benefits useful, but that’s not the main reason for joining.
“We get to support veterans,” McDonald said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8889 meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information about the post or to become an auxiliary member, contact post quartermaster Eric Morgan at (509) 346-3823.