[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATIONS LINWOOD-KAWKAWLIN VFW POST 6950

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, just as the number of veterans who have 
valiantly served our Nation continues to grow over time, so do the 
number of fine organizations that represent their views, provide a 
forum for common experiences, and an outlet for continued community 
service. One of these additional entities is the Linwood-Kawkawlin 
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6950, which is celebrating its 10th 
anniversary this weekend.
  Just as service personnel in the field often make do with what 
resources are available to them, the proud members of VFW Post 6950 
started in a similar fashion. They started by meeting at the Linwood 
Corner Restaurant, and the State Bank of Standish, under the direction 
of Commander Thomas Karnath, Quartermaster Dale Hacker, and Adjutant 
Lloyd Pajot. When the Bay City School District Board of Education 
decided to sell to the post the former Benjamin Franklin School, the 
hard work and initiative of the members of the Post turned an old 
unused building into a tribute of resolve and a landmark of the 
community.
  An Auxiliary was added to the Post on October 25, 1987, growing from 
the original 42 members with Faye Hacker as president, to the 123 
members the Auxiliary enjoys today.
  The community activities of Post 6950 are very impressive. Its 
support for youth activities like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, is 
most valuable. The Spelling Bee, Voice of Democracy Contest, and Youth 
Essay Contest, all under the direction of Jim Carbury, provide 
meaningful opportunities for many young people to learn about their 
history and to hone their skills.
  Other activities, like the annual Buddy Poppy drive to raise money 
for veterans' relief, and the willingness to provide appropriate 
recognition to departed veterans at funeral services instill a profound 
reminder to the entire community of the value of our veterans, and of 
the sacrifices many of them have made to preserve democracy and 
freedom. It is no wonder that the Post has had seven All-State 
Commanders and the Auxiliary has had seven All-State Presidents. 
Leadership deserves to be rewarded and honored.
  Mr. Speaker, we appreciate all that our veterans have done for us, 
and support their efforts to continue their proud accomplishments 
through the activities of VFW Posts. I urge you and all of our 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the leadership and members of 
Linwood-Kawkawlin VFW Post 6950 on their 10th anniversary, and wish 
them the very best for many more proud anniversaries to come.

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