VFW AUXILIARY 8846

September 2026

A Message from the Auxiliary President

Wow—where has the summer gone!

Before we head into fall, I want to take a moment to say a very heartfeltTHANK YOU to everyone who donated, volunteered, baked, purchased raffle tickets, attended, or helped in any way with our Rib Dinner on August 15.

What a wonderful success! We sold out of rib dinners and, most importantly, raised the final funds needed to purchase the much-needed new stove for our Post kitchen!

This was truly a team effort. From those who donated raffle baskets and baked goods, to those who worked behind the scenes, served meals, sold tickets, cleaned up, and came out to support us—every contribution mattered.

Events like this are a great reminder of what we can accomplish when our Auxiliary, Post, members, local businesses, friends, and community work together. The new stove will benefit our Post for years to come and help us continue hosting the dinners, fundraisers, celebrations, and activities that bring people together in support of our veterans and our community.

Thank you for making it happen!

Back to School Means Scholarship Time!

September is here, vacations are winding down, and kids are heading back to school. That makes this a perfect time to remind everyone about two wonderful VFW scholarship opportunities available to young people in our community.

The 2026–2027 theme is:

"What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

Patriot’s Pen® — Grades 6–8

Students write a 300–400 word essay based on this year's theme. Awards are available at several levels of competition, with the National First Place winner receiving $5,000.

Voice of Democracy® — Grades 9–12

Students prepare a 3–5 minute audio essay based on the same theme. The National First Place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.

Entry Deadline: October 31, 2026

Please help us spread the word! If you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, teachers, Scout leaders, or others who work with young people, please share this opportunity with them.

Additional information and entry forms can be found using the QR Code below.

 

Membership

Annual membership dues notices have been sent. If you have received yours, please send your payment in or consider converting your membership to a Lifetime Membership.

Lifetime membership is a great way to eliminate the annual dues reminder while continuing to support the Auxiliary for years to come.

Lifetime Membership Dues by Age

Age	Dues	Age	Dues
21–25	$242	56–60	$173
26–30	$230	61–65	$161
31–35	$219	66–70	$150
36–40	$213	71–75	$132
41–45	$201	76–80	$109
46–50	$196	81–85	$86
51–55	$184	86–90	$69
		91 & over	$58

If you would like to convert to a Lifetime Membership, simply include a note with your payment along with the appropriate Lifetime Membership amount, or stop by VFW Post 8846 with your payment and we will make sure it gets taken care of for you.

Helpful reminder: When paying dues by check, please include your membership number on the check. It helps us make sure your payment is credited to the correct membership record.

 

Mark Your Calendars!

We have a busy fall and holiday season ahead!

Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast Resumes – Second Sunday of each month beginning in September
November breakfast will be held November 1 due to the Veterans Dinner.

September 19- Tigers Bus Trip Fundraiser (tickets still available-open to the public)

October 16 – Burrito Dinner
October 24 – Kids Halloween Party
November 7 – VFW Post 8846 75th Anniversary
November 8 – Veterans Dinner
November 20 – Fish Dinner & Bake Sale
December 12 – Kids Christmas Party

We Need You!

All of these events depend on volunteers to be successful. You don't have to commit to every event—or even an entire evening. An hour or two helping with setup, serving, baking, selling tickets, cleanup, or another task can make a big difference.

Please consider signing up to help with at least one activity this fall. Many hands really do make light work!

 

Americanism – Flag Etiquette

At this month's Auxiliary meeting, we continued our discussion about the individual committees established to help us fulfill our mission.

Vickie Kemp shared some helpful information about American flag etiquette. Here are a few highlights:

1. When displayed with other flags, the American flag should be given the position of honor and should not have another flag placed above it.
2. When the flag is displayed outdoors at night, it should be properly illuminated. Top-mounted solar lights or ground spotlights can make this relatively easy.
3. Unless you have an all-weather flag, bring your flag in during inclement weather. High winds and severe storms can also damage a flag quickly.

If your American flag becomes worn, faded, torn, or otherwise no longer suitable for display, please don't throw it away. Bring it to the Post so it can be retired respectfully.

 

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Supporting veterans and their families also means being willing to recognize when someone may be struggling.

Some warning signs that a veteran—or anyone—may need help include:

1. Talking about suicide, death, or feeling there is no reason to live
2. Uncharacteristic or concerning changes in behavior
3. Withdrawing from family, friends, work, or activities
4. Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
5. Extreme mood changes, anxiety, agitation, or significant changes in sleep

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply notice, listen, and help someone connect with support.

Veterans Crisis Line

If you are a Veteran in crisis—or you're concerned about a Veteran—confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call 988, then Press 1
 or Text 838255

You do not have to be enrolled in VA health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line.

Your awareness, compassion, and willingness to reach out could be the bridge that helps a Veteran get through a difficult time.

You can also follow Veterans & Family Support – Michigan on Facebook for additional information and resources.

 

Cancer Support for Auxiliary Members

Did you know there is financial assistance available to eligible Auxiliary members undergoing cancer treatment?

The VFW Auxiliary Cancer Grant is available to qualifying members. A member may receive up to two grants during their lifetime, subject to the program's eligibility requirements.

Applications are available in the information center at the Post, or you can visit the VFW Auxiliary National website for current program information and the application.

If you or a fellow Auxiliary member may qualify, please don't hesitate to ask us for help locating the application.

 

Hospitalized, Sick or Shut-In?

Please let a fellow Auxiliary member know if you—or another member you know—has been hospitalized, is ill, or is temporarily shut-in.

We can't reach out if we don't know someone needs us!

Whether it is a phone call, card, visit, meal, ride to an appointment, or simply checking in, we would love the opportunity to support our members in the true spirit of our organization.

And remember—many of these acts of kindness are also reportable Auxiliary community service. If you provide a meal to a veteran, drive a veteran to a medical appointment, visit someone who is hospitalized or homebound, or provide other assistance to a veteran, service member, or their family, please let us know. These individual acts add up and help tell the story of the work our Auxiliary members do every day.

 

Legislative Corner

Did you know you can keep track of proposed federal legislation affecting veterans, service members, and their families?

The VFW's Action Corps allows you to learn about current legislative priorities and, if you choose, contact your elected officials to make your voice heard.

VFW Action Corps Legislative Action Center:
https://votervoice.net/vfw/bills

Staying informed is another way we can advocate for those who have served our country.

 

Join Us at an Auxiliary Meeting!

Our Auxiliary meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM.

Our next meeting is September 9 at 7:00 PM.

You don't have to hold an office or serve as a Committee Chairman to make a difference. Come to a meeting, learn more about what we're doing, bring an idea, volunteer for a project—or simply come see what the Auxiliary is all about.

Your ideas and participation are always welcome!

As we move into a busy fall, I am grateful for everything our members are already doing and excited about what we can accomplish together.

Thank you for supporting our Veterans, service members, their families, our Post, and our community.

See you at the Post!

Dawn Bishop
President
VFW Auxiliary 8846