Voice of Democracy - Patriots Pen

The time left for Jackson area students to prepare their essays for this year's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competitions is quickly running out. Teachers and parents of potential contestants should remind their students that their essays and entry applications must be received by November 1, 2009.

The theme for this year's Voice of Democracy competition is 'Does America Still Have Heroes?' This competition is open to all Jackson area students in the 9th to 12th grades.

The theme for this year's Patriot's Pen competition is 'When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?' This competition is open to all Jackson area students in the 6th to 8th grades.

Complete entry information including the entry forms may be found at the links above.

Fall Membership Drive

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 823 is holding a membership drive throughout the fall. Eligible veterans can receive a free first year's membership in the VFW. This offer is limited to veterans who are not currently members of the VFW and those who are former members of the VFW.

Veterans become eligible to join the VFW by serving in an overseas campaign. These campaigns can be hot wars [such as Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, Bosnia a few years back, Iraq, Afghanistan], or they can be national defense missions [such as current service in Bosnia or in South Korea]. If you are not sure if you are eligible, you can either use the contact information below or visit the VFW membership site.

In order to take advantage of this offer, we do ask that new members attend one regular Post meeting for a brief induction ceremony. We appreciate having this opportunity to welcome you into our organization.



If you have questions or if you are ready to join, please contact one of the following:

• Commander Mike O'Keefe - usaproudvet@sbcglobal.net or 517-782-0613
  
• Quartermaster Dann Todd - vfw823qm@gmail.com or 517-764-7821