VFW Today

By The Franklin Lakes Journal

Published: February 26, 2009

The Spanish American War, like almost every war where American soldiers are sent to fight oversees, did not enjoy complete popular support. It was the indifference to the plight of returning veterans that led to the establishment of the VFW, but they also began immediately to organize their members in continuing service to country by supporting a variety of charities. The VFW today continues in this tradition of advocating and monitoring on behalf of returning vets, and in reaching out to help their communities in a variety of ways. The Journal is proud to help promote their work and feature the news and announcements below provided by Adjutant Doug Neralich from The Franklin Lakes / Oakland VFW.

Building Fund

VFW Post 5702, serving Oakland and Franklin Lakes, has announced the establishment of a Building Fund to update and refurbish their building. When their country called, the members of the post served with honor, and the membership is now asking for donations of money, materials, time, or services to improve the interior of their post.

While post members have provided time and effort to do landscaping and painting, the areas that need to be addressed are beyond their abilities or resources. New floor and ceiling tiles, a new dishwasher, energy efficient light fixtures and appliances, low water volume toilets, cabinetry, and carpentry work are all areas of need. Details about what additional improvements need to be made can be found on the Post 5702 website at www.vfwpost5702.org. Click on the Building Fund button. Donors who wish to make a contribution on-line can click on the PayPal button found on the homepage of the Post 5702 website

Contributions can also be made by mailing a check to:

VFW Post 5702
P.O. Box 289
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

Despite economically-challenged times, Post 5702 will continue to support the veterans at the Paramus Veterans Nursing Home, sponsor the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest in Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools, the Patriots Pen in Valley Middle School and Franklin Avenue Middle School, Scouting activities in Oakland and Franklin Lakes, sending packages to troops overseas, as well as Fisher House and The Wounded Warrior Project..

All donations are tax deductible.

Anyone wishing additional information should contact Doug Neralich at Post5702adj@gmail.com.

VFW Open House

On the afternoon of Sunday, March 29, 2009, between the hours of 12 PM and 5 PM, VFW Post 5702 will hold its annual Open House. Supporting this year’s event will be members of Scale Model Enthusiasts, a local model building club that has some professional model builders in its 100 member roster.

Members of the Scale Model Enthusiasts will be displaying their military models and dioramas at the Open House.  Residents are welcome to come appreciate not only the craftsmanship involved, but learn the historical elements behind each design.

According to Post Commander Bob Talan, “Visitors, especially those from Oakland and Franklin Lakes, might be surprised to discover the scope of activities that happen at Post 5702 on a regular basis. In an effort to reach out to the communities of Oakland and Franklin Lakes we cordially invite you to visit us on the afternoon of March 29th.” Here is what visitors can expect:

• Students and those interested in local history can explore the post’s displays and memorabilia, many of which chronicle the roles that local residents have played in world events.
• Educators, PTA members, and Scout leaders can investigate opportunities for educational visits to the Post, as well as resources that can be found on Post 5702’s award-winning website (www.vfwpost5702.org).
• Those eligible to join the VFW can meet with members of the Post, discover what Post 5702 has to offer, and should they choose to do so, meet with the Membership Chair.
• Residents can discover what services Post 5702 performs in and for the communities in its service area, especially support for Scouts and programs sponsored in local schools such as the Voice of Democracy essay competition for high school students, the Patriot’s Pen essay contest for middle school students, and the Citizenship Education Teacher Award for teachers in all grade levels.
• People interested in assisting efforts to send packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan can drop off supplies or learn about other ways they can facilitate efforts to support members of our military.
• Since the VFW hall can be rented for parties, those interested can inspect the facilities.
• Visitors can learn about the post’s annual Car Show, and how it is tied to the post’s sponsorship of the Wounded Warrior Project and Fisher House.

Franklin Lakes VFW Post 5702 is located at the corner of Pulis and Franklin Avenues in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Ample parking is available. Groups wishing to visit Post 5702 during the Open House are asked to contact Adjutant Doug Neralich via e-mail at Post5702adj@Gmail.com.