As Veterans of Foreign Wars from Windham Post 10643, we often are asked where the money goes that is donated to us during our Buddy Poppy campaigns on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. So, to the little girl who donated her change, the Korean War Veteran, widow and the high school student who placed money in our jar, we say thank you. Thank you, because without you and the hundreds of others who help support your veterans and families, our programs would be nearly non-existent.

In answer to your questions, your Buddy Poppy donation is used primarily to support local veterans, disabled veterans and families with rides to hospital appointments, fuel support, living expenses, gas, yard help, building handicap ramps, etc. Your money also goes to support our efforts to teach and foster patriotism, which we find deficient in our schools. Each year for nearly 18 years we have been giving a presentation on Freedom is Not Free at the Manchester School, and we also annually sponsor the Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Teacher of The Year programs. However, none of these is possible without your support of our bean suppers, chili cook-offs, silent auctions and Buddy Poppy Program. We are humbled by your affection and support. We cannot thank you enough.

The members of Windham VFW Post 10643