VFW At Work

1. 'Helping Veterans Is My Purpose'

   Veteran Sandy Sonju, 59, lives in Kalispell, Montana, with her husband, Martin. Sonju has two sons, Jarod and Justin, and three stepchildren, Marty, Stephen and Angel.

   She enlisted in the U.S. Army 20 years ago and served in Karlsruhe, Germany, as a military police officer.

   "Like many others at the time, I joined to afford college and mature," she said.

   In 2023, Sonju became a VFW Accredited Service Officer, working for the Veterans Affairs Division of the Montana Department of Military Affairs.

   "All my life, I had jobs like teaching, foster parent training and in family support that allowed me to serve others," Sonju said. "Each role taught me how to assist people and give them access to the information they need."

   As a VFW Accredited Service Officer, Sonju does the same for veterans seeking help filing claims, including those living in rural communities throughout the state.

   "I appreciate the Montana Division's outreach efforts so people in remote areas can receive claim support," Sonju said. "In the 1970s, my father, who is a veteran, drove over four hours to Fort Harrison in the winter for his doctor's appointment."

   Sonju does not want to see other veterans struggle in the same way, which is why she meets with up to 27 veterans on a typical day. However, in October 2024, she smashed that number by assisting 87 veterans in a 24-hour span.

   Sonju encourages her peers to attend as much training as possible to best serve their clients. She credits her team with helping her do that herself.

   "Because of my supervisors and the instruction I've received, I can ensure each case is given complete attention and has the best possible outcome," she said.

   Sonju remembers watching her father struggle with VA paperwork to receive benefits after he was injured in the Korean War. Those memories drive her today.

   "Each generation of my family has had an easier time working through the VA claims process thanks to improvements," she said. "Helping veterans is my purpose. I'm proud to be a resource for them, and I'm proud to represent the VFW and the Montana Veterans Affairs Division."

   Learn more about the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

2. 'Start By Including Others'

   To establish their 2025 VFW Day of Service event, leadership from Post 9644 in Sheridan, Colorado, worked with the mayor and other officials to find out how they could make a positive difference in their city. They identified Bear Creek Trail, a high-traffic area that needed attention, as their objective for a trail cleanup.

   Frequently used by pedestrians, runners and bicyclists, Bear Creek Trail is an asset to the city. Post 9644 plans to spend a day cleaning up the trash and debris to make it an even more desirable location for locals to enjoy.

   "By working together with the city, we ensured that our event wasn't just symbolic - it met a real need and reinforced our Post's deep commitment to Sheridan and its residents," said Rachel Rodgers, treasurer, Post 9644.

   Post Commander Todd Van Sant has a strong, genuine bond with the City of Sheridan Mayor and other community leaders. This helps ensure Post 9644 is involved in the conversations that shape the community, and their efforts are aligned with real needs.

   "That mutual respect and cooperation turn one-day events into ongoing partnerships that strengthen both the Post and the city," Rodgers said.

   Post 9644 found that connecting with community members is an important aspect of planning a successful Day of Service. The Post shared its suggestions to help other Posts.

   "Start by including others. We have long-standing relationships with our Scouts BSA troop, Venturing Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the Young Marines - all of whom bring a powerful presence to the day. Their involvement not only helps get the work done but also builds intergenerational connections and fosters leadership."

   In addition to youth groups, the Post is also grateful to their VFW Auxiliary for helping with the Day of Service. "Equally important is the support of our VFW Auxiliary, whose efforts in planning, logistics, hospitality and outreach help turn a simple service event into a full community celebration."

   Post 9644 values the lasting benefits of what might seem like a simple trail cleanup event.

   "When you bring everyone to the table - veterans, youth, city leaders, families - you're not just giving back. You're building something bigger than a day. You're building community."

   "It also helps reshape the narrative around veterans," Rodgers added. "It highlights us not only as individuals who may need support, but as leaders, mentors, and contributors who are invested in the success and well-being of our communities."

3. Illinois VFW Posts Serving Community Needs

   This month, VFW magazine continues its "Destination Post Series." The series features 125 Posts located in sought-after tourist destinations. Featured VFW Posts are those that make a real difference in the communities in which the Posts are located. This month's article takes VFW magazine readers to two Posts located near "Chi-Town."

   A little more than 30 miles south of Chicago is VFW Post 311 in Richton Park. Not only is the Post a favorite spot in town to gather for a little fun, but it also is a community advocate.

   VFW Post 311 Commander Aretha Spurlock said helping homeless vets is something of which the Post members are especially proud. The Post hosts an annual Veterans Stand Down and also supports the Midwest Shelter for Homeless veterans through clothing drives.

   "We find ourselves in a great position to support our veterans through stand downs and resource fairs," Spurlock said. "Thanks to a local woman, we provide equine therapy at the stand downs. She brings her horse for the vets to experience. We are very proud to be able to offer this."

   Spurlock said the Post also provides scholarships for high school students and supports career days at schools. For the past nine years, VFW Post 311's emphasis on higher education has led to more than $30,000 in scholarships awarded to high school seniors with family ties to veterans in Richton Park.

   What began in August 2014 with three $1,000 scholarships, the Benjamin O. Davis Post 311 Commander's Scholarship program has since awarded up to six $1,000 scholarships a year to more than 30 recipients.

   On the second and fourth Fridays at the Post, veterans and military affiliates are invited to attend "Coffee Chats."

   Spurlock, who is the first female Post commander in her District, said these twice monthly events are hosted by VFW member Nekohl Johnson.

   Coffee is provided by VFW member and Army vet Melissa Farmer Hill, who has her own coffee company, Sip Nation.

   Spurlock said that several of the Post's older veterans have died throughout the past year. A member asked the commander about having professional grief counseling for VFW members. That led to a "Grief and Loss" series at the Post presented by Dr. Renee Dickerson. The series focused on understanding the effects of grief on the mind, body and spirit, among other topics.

   "I take my position as Post commander seriously," said Spurlock, who is in her third year in that role. "We are a service organization, and we are here to serve veterans and the community. If they walk in, hopefully they will want to join us or support us in some sort of way."

   WORKING 'HARD AT SERVING'
   Among the good times had at VFW Post 311 are First Friday events. Food trucks and live music are two of the ways the Post celebrates the first Friday of each month.

   In February, the community turned out for a pre-Valentine's Day celebration with a catered meal and live entertainment.

   Movie nights are held at the Post on a monthly basis. It is one of many free-of-charge events at the Post.

   Spurlock said the Post markets its events on Facebook and also by text message chains. For those who are regulars to the Post, but not eligible for membership, there is a Friends of Post 311 group she texts. This group of supporters had a cornhole tournament in April to raise funds for the Post.

   Spurlock likens entering the doors of Post 311 to entering the bar "Cheers" from the TV sitcom. She said everyone seems to know everyone, and if they don't, they make sure to "warmly welcome" all visitors.

   "The goal is that we work hard at serving," Spurlock said. "So we want to enjoy ourselves just as hard. After all, tomorrow is not promised."

   COMMUNITY IS KEY AT BATAVIA POST
   Just outside downtown Batavia, Illinois, on the banks of the Fox River is a picturesque six-plus acres resembling a park. VFW Post 1197 owns the park-like property.

   VFW Post 1197 Commander Steve Hunter said the Post is "heavily" involved in the community, and likewise, the community supports the Post.

   "Being out and visible in the community will make or break your Post," Hunter said. "A few short years ago, our parking lot was in disrepair, and we were on the verge of closing. But with the past couple of commanders and our quartermaster, we have revitalized this place and pushed a real youth community."

   At nearly 300 members strong, Post 1197 hosts twice-a-year blood drives to benefit the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois.

   "The blood bus comes to our parking lot, and we make it a huge success," Hunter said.

   A Persian Gulf War veteran, Hunter said that most events planned at the Post are aimed at families, which, he added, has helped in overall recruiting.

   "Iraq and Afghanistan members are getting very involved," Hunter said. "Families and young kids come hang out at the Post."

   At all levels, the Boy Scouts have a partnership with Post 1197. They annually camp out on the Post grounds on the weekend closest to Veterans Day in November. During the weekend, the Scouts, alongside Post members, retire U.S. flags.

   "Our members teach the Scouts how to properly dispose of flags," Hunter said. "In doing this, we also are instilling patriotism in these youngsters. We have a true partnership with the Scouts."

   Another way Post 1197 supports its community youth is by issuing a community service award to a member of the Bulldog Moving Company. The Bulldogs are high school football players who help out at the Post when the need arises. During the school's Military Appreciation Night in the fall, the Post awards a trophy to a Bulldog for his commitment to service. Inside the trophy case in the school, there is a plaque for this award, and each year, the new winner's name is added.

   Each spring, around Easter, Post 1197 Auxiliary plans and executes a Touch-A-Truck event at the Post. From fire trucks to garbage trucks, kids get an opportunity to get up close and personal. Given the holiday, the Easter bunny shows up to help spearhead the hunt for thousands of Easter eggs.

   "The kids really love this," Hunter said. "We have gift certificates in some of the eggs, and of course, candy. After the hunt, they come inside for more fun."

   In addition to the Batavia American Legion that meets at the VFW Post, a fly-fishing group uses the Post given its proximity to the river.

   TRIVIA, ART AND MUSIC
   The Post is open every day except Monday. There is a full-service bar complete with multiple billiard tables and dart boards.

   On the fourth Friday of each month, everyone shows up to hear live music. When the weather cooperates, an outdoor patio with picnic tables and umbrellas can be enjoyed.

   The Post has monthly trivia. One month you might test your knowledge of all things related to "Friends" (sitcom) and the next share your smarts about 80s music.

   If trivia is not your thing, the Post has paint nights where for a fee, guests come to the Post and get creative. Supplies are provided.

   Hunter said the Post offers a bit of something for everyone. Due to the Post's high visibility in Batavia, recruiting is usually successful.

   "We know that when we bring in a new member, it is important to give them a little responsibility," Hunter said. "Find out what their interests are and give them a chance to continue serving, but in an area they enjoy. When new members get involved, they stick around."

   This article is featured in the May/June 2025 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.

4. 'Fuel for the Next Effort'

   Jason Khalaf, quartermaster of VFW Post 10254 in Tucson, Arizona, has some advice for other VFW Posts when planning Day of Service activities: "Choose something that your members care about - it makes a huge difference."

   When Post 10254 considered its 2025 VFW Day of Service event, it was a natural fit to partner with Southwestern Animal Rescue, a local veteran-founded nonprofit organization.

   This year, the Post is hosting an adoption event to support rescued animals, including dogs, cats, horses and goats. Community members are invited to attend and help these animals find their new homes.

   Khalaf shared a tip for other Posts when planning Day of Service events: "Work with groups you already have relationships with - it builds trust and momentum fast."

   Post 10254 is confident that the Day of Service will be a win-win for all involved. Not only will rescued animals be adopted by loving families, but VFW members and local citizens will reap the benefits of coming together for a shared worthy cause.

   Khalaf believes collaborations with mission-based partners, like the adoption event, are also helpful in sharing the story of how veterans are giving back in their communities.

   "These efforts spotlight how veterans continue to lead, support and care - often in quiet but powerful ways," he said.

   Khalaf offered some final suggestions for a successful Day of Service.

   "Promote early, delegate tasks, and make sure to involve both veterans and civilians. And always take a moment at the end to reflect on what you did together. That shared pride is fuel for the next effort."

5. Honoring Veterans

   Ryan Funeral Home, located in De Pere, Wisconsin, has been a longtime supporter of veterans. Since its inception in 1926, the Funeral Home has provided services to veterans and their families. However, owner Scott Baeten wanted to take their support a step further.

   Baeten reached out to VFW Post 2113 to find the best way the funeral home could properly recognize all of those serving and who have served.

   Post Quartermaster Randy Hansen and Baeten began brainstorming design concepts and eventually decided on an emblematic wall display, recognizing each branch of the military.

   The display also has the emblems of the U.S. Merchant Marines, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

   "While it's traditional for the VFW to support and recognize the primary combat branches of our military services, we must not forget the combat support branches or agencies that perform duties and actions that are critical to the successes of all our combat branches," VFW Post 2113 Commander Pat Moran said.

   Hansen agreed, adding that illustrating the "total force" is important. "It is the combined total force that is displayed on this wall that makes all of us veterans proud of what has been accomplished over the ages," he said.

   A local church donated a stained-glass window with each of the names of De Pere citizens who served in WW1 to Ryan Funeral Home, which also was included in the display.

   "This display will be viewed on a daily basis by all who visit our funeral home," Baeten said. "[Post 2113] did an amazing job with this project, and we are extremely proud of the finished product."

   VFW Post 2113 has worked with small businesses and local government to design similar projects in the past. Through these partnerships with the local community, the Post was able to fully fund a $15,000 monument to veterans in one of the city's parks and a $17,000 monument to local De Pere firefighters and EMS personnel.

   This article is featured in the 2025 April issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.