Contents JANUARY 2017 • VOLUME 77, ISSUE 5 TM Features


7 Life Membership Increase Life Memberships will increase by 15 percent.


8 Fourth-Annual Celebrating America’s Freedom Event Members came together to honor our nation at “The Face of America,” Mount Rushmore National Memorial, in Keystone, South Dakota.


10 A Family of Firsts Department of Rhode Island President 6WHSKHQ 'RKHUW\ LV WKH $X[LOLDU\·V À UVW male Department President. His wife, *LQD0DULH LV WKH 9):·V À UVW IHPDOH Rhode Island State Commander.


12 National Programs Learn about the many ways you can make a difference in the lives of veterans from our National Program Ambassadors.


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15 Youth Activities See how Auxiliaries are recognizing youth in their communities.


16 “A Day to Change Direction” Members across the country and around the world united to bring awareness to mental health suffering.


10 15 16


18 VetJobs Read about this premier site for veteran employment.


In Every Issue


19 HQ Memo 20 Our History


2 VFW Auxiliary Online 3 President’s Message 4 Editor’s Letter 5 Reader’s Voice 6 Member Spotlight & My Veteran


About the Cover Under the gaze of our forefathers: Honoring our nation at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, for the Auxiliary’s fourth-annual Celebrating America’s Freedom Event. Photo by Auxiliary member Alethea Nash.


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