VFW Auxiliary 8846

August 2026

Dear Members,

Thank you all so much for the wonderful cards, kind words, and warm welcomes as I transition from Secretary of the Auxiliary to President. I am incredibly honored and ready to carry the torch for the fantastic work our Auxiliary continues to do.

With your wisdom, support, and friendship, I know we are going to accomplish wonderful things this year as we fulfill our heart-led mission: supporting our veterans, service members, their families, and our local community.

Auxiliary President Message format

You may notice something a little different this month! Beginning with this newsletter, you'll receive two separate emails each month.

The first will continue to be the VFW Post Newsletter, keeping you informed about Post news, events, and activities.

The second will be a message from the Auxiliary President, dedicated to VFW Auxiliary #8846 news, volunteer opportunities, committee updates, upcoming events, and ways you can become more involved in supporting our veterans, service members, their families, and our community.

Separating these communications allows us to share more Auxiliary-specific information without making the Post newsletter too lengthy. We hope this makes it easier to stay informed and connected with everything happening in both the Post and the Auxiliary.

Your Voice Matters: Join Our Next Meeting!

One of my primary goals this year is to make sure every single member feels heard and valued. Whether you have been with us for decades or are looking to get back into the swing of things, we want you there! You don't have to commit to every single meeting—just stop in whenever you can. We want to hear your ideas, swap stories, and enjoy each other's company.

Our Monthly Schedule: We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM.

Next Meeting Date: Please circle August 12 at 7:00 PM on your calendar! 

Checking Our Records

We have discovered that quite a few of our members' mailing addresses and phone numbers are out of date in the computer system. In fact, even if you’ve lived in the same house for the last 10 years, it is worth double-checking—I recently checked my own profile and discovered my address was incorrect, too!

To help us stay in touch and make sure you receive important mailings, please take a quick moment to verify your information:

Go online to the MALTA member portal: malta.vfwauxiliary.org

Use your Member ID to log in or create a quick account.

Note: If you need a hand navigating the website, please let me or another member know at the next meeting—we are happy to help you walk through it!

Carry your VFW Auxiliary Card on your Phone

Did you know you can access your VFW Auxiliary membership card electronically? Once you've logged into your MALTA Member Portal, you can view your current membership card and add it directly to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for quick and convenient access.

Having your digital membership card means you'll always have it with you when attending meetings, Department events, or visiting another VFW or Auxiliary—no more worrying about forgetting your card at home!

If you haven't created your MALTA account yet or need assistance accessing your digital membership card, please let us know. We'll be happy to help you get started.

Stay in the Loop: If you are on Facebook, please come join our online group page! Search for "Don Rea VFW Auxiliary” to see photos of our activities and updates on what we're up to.

Show Your Auxiliary Pride with Style!

Looking for a sharp new outfit for our events? Official VFW Auxiliary shirts are available for purchase right now in the Canteen! We currently have comfortable everyday T-shirts as well as very nice collared polo shirts. Stop in and take a look next time you visit. Wearing your shirt is a beautiful way to show pride in our organization and remind the community of the vital work we do.

Every Kind Act Counts: Your Community Service Matters!

So many of our members are quietly helping local veterans every single week without realizing that these acts of kindness can—and should—be officially reported as community service! We want to make sure your dedication is properly recognized in our annual Auxiliary reports.

Please let us know if you help out in any of these ways:

Preparing or delivering a meal to a veteran.

Giving a veteran a ride to a doctor's appointment or grocery store.

Visiting a friend or neighbor who is homebound to keep them company.

Helping a service member's family with errands or household tasks.

Below are just some more examples of things we can report on.  

No act of kindness is too small to matter. If you aren't sure whether something you did "counts" as service, please just ask! We would much rather hear about your good deeds and count them toward our goal than miss a chance to celebrate the heart of our members. 

I have created a reporting form that can be found in our information center that can be used to report any activity of support. 

Thank you again for your enduring support and dedication. I am looking forward to a marvelous year filled with great teamwork, wonderful fellowship, and continued devotion to those who have given so much for our country.

I truly hope to see you at our next meeting on August 12th!

With gratitude and respect,

Dawn Bishop

President, VFW Auxiliary 8846