VFW members should vote
I’m a charter member of Warren County Memorial Post 5064 Veterans of Foreign Wars. I wish to appeal to all members to come and exercise your right to vote in our election of officers for the year of 2002 and 2003, on April 18 at the post home at 7:30 p.m.
Lots of you pay your dues each year but never attend any meetings. If you believe the VFW is a veterans organization first, last and always, we need your help.
There are those who think this organization is a social club. I have no problem with those who take a drink. I used to do the same thing. Only God has the right to judge you. Samuel says, “There is a place for all things” in Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes.
In my opinion, the VFW business comes first and the principals it stands for. I didn’t buy my way into the organization – I earned it by surviving through eight months of battles under Admiral Bull Hasley’s third fleet during WWII.
My ship had only 49 more minutes to serve on the radar picket line in Okinawa, then head for the good, ole USA for a well-earned rest. Instead we were attacked and sunk by a Japanese kamikaze plane. Forty seven of my shipmates went down with the ship. I believe this qualifies me for membership in this organization.
If you feel like I do about the organization, come help us make sure we elect the right people. We have a slate of candidates who are interested in the welfare of the post and will work hard to see the VFW comes first.
Remember this: It wasn’t the price you pay to join the VFW, but the price you paid to be able to join. Remember this: Nine of our last presidents were members of the VFW.
Robert R. Thatch
WWII veteran
248 Cascade
McMinnville