Tualatin Eighth grader Anika Girardi won the annual Patriot’s Pen contest conducted by Tualatin VFW Post 3452. She receives a $100 Savings Bond for college. This patriotic essay contest was open to all Junior High students in this area. Also pictured are program coordinator Dale Potts and Post Commander Ron Holland. Photo by Tony Rizzutto.
Tualatin High Senior Ashley Thiesen and Tigard Junior Jane Whitmore shared honors in the high school patriotic speech contest – each received a $150 check for college. Their topic was “Does America still have hero’s”. Both entries were forwarded in competition at VFW’s District 16. Jane won there and is now entered in the state finals. The state finalist wins a week long trip to tour Washington, DC along with other state winners and a chance to win $40,000 in college scholarship money.
VFW Starting Local Men’s Auxiliary
Eligibility requirements of having served in US military in a foreign war severely limits membership in Tualatin’s VFW. However, there are a lot of community members who would like to actively support helping our military members and their families, as well as patriotism. A Men’s Auxiliary is being formed to broaden participation in these activities. This is in addition to the established Women’s Auxiliary group. Auxiliary membership requires a family connection to a military person who served in a foreign war – who was either a grandchild, child, sibling, spouse, parent, or grandparent. For more information, contact Bill Wilson at bwilson@prunw.com
Military Family Group Changes Meeting Day
The Friends and Family of Military members group has changed their meeting day to the last Wednesday of the month. Their membership includes anyone who has a friend or family member serving in the military. They previously met on the Last Monday of the month at WineStyles in Tualatin. They now are meeting at Tualatin VFW, 18820 SW Boones Ferry Rd.
According to co-founders, Amy Anderson and Liz Peterson, the group has changed its name to Wednesday Warriors. Anyone interested in more information should contact: im_amya@Verizon.net
