To the Editor:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) would like to thank Hormel Foods, Hy-Vee Austin, Wal-Mart Austin, Jim’s MarketPlace Foods and the citizens of Austin/Mower County for supporting the VFW Buddy Poppy Drive.

The VFW raised nearly $10,000 over the Memorial Day weekend.  The VFW has a rich history of distributing the Buddy Poppy.  The first nationwide distribution of the Buddy Poppy was in 1922.  The VFW decided in 1923 the Buddy Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would in turn be paid for their work and gain some financial assistance.  To this day, disabled and needy veterans still assemble the Buddy Poppies at the VA Hospitals.  The funds still compensate the veterans, but they also provide assistance to state and federal veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs, as well as the VFW National Home for Children.

Austin’s VFW Post 1216 truly appreciates everyone’s support for veterans who have given so much to our nation.

Very respectfully,

James N. Hecimovich

Adjutant