While on active duty, the former service members in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid wore their government's recognition and praise on their chests. Thanks to some hard work over the last year, they now have some bigger hardware that'll only fit on a wall.The West Mifflin veterans' service organization earned a Certificate of Special Recognition from the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania this past April. Sponsored by the State Senator of the 40th Senatorial District,
Jane Clare Orie, the initiative lauds the post's recent membership award from the VFW of the United States.
"It is both an honor and privilege for me to congratulate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 'Intrepid' for being the recipient of the Membership Streamer Award from the VFW National Commander-in-Chief," wrote the State Senate Majority Whip in her letter to the post. "This is a tremendous achievement of which you must be extremely proud. Your meritorious efforts in substantially increasing membership in Post 914 are impressive and commendable."
Commander Joseph Popovich said all the praise goes to the men of Post 914 Intrepid.
"All the post members helped bring this together," said the Marine Vietnam veteran. "Each is proud of the community service we do here in West Mifflin and the award received by the state senate is well deserved." Popovich added that increased community involvement to help local service members and their families has made the unit attractive to young veterans who are just getting back from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The post routinely awards academic scholarships, supports community youth athletic programs and helps send care packages and telephone cards to local troops serving overseas. Additionally, it participates in military and civil ceremonies and tends to those in needs at veterans' hospitals.
To raise the money for these worthy efforts, VFW Intrepid sells Buddy Poppies at various retail establishments in West Mifflin during the Memorial Day weekend. As they have in years past, solid citizens can help show their support for area soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who proudly honor our nation's uniforms by again purchasing poppies. |
