[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 44 (Thursday, March 5, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE BALLSTON SPA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 358 ON THEIR 
                         CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2020

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ballston Spa 
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 358 on their 100th anniversary.
  The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a 
nonprofit veterans service organization that traces its roots back to 
the Spanish-American War of 1898. Veterans returning home following the 
war in 1902 found themselves with little or no support from the 
government, even those with severe wounds and permanent disabilities. 
From this vacuum emerged the VFW, whose membership now stands at more 
than 1.6 million. The VFW made significant contributions to the 
establishment of the Veterans Administration and continues to advocate 
strongly for veterans to this day. At the local level, each post makes 
a positive impact on the broader community. Post 358 sponsors and 
contributes to many local charitable events and organizations including 
elementary school literacy programs, Memorial Day Parades, junior 
baseball leagues and the Brookside Museum. They maintain strong 
friendships with annual barbeques and outings for members, while 
supporting each other in times of need.
  The VFW's vision is to ensure ``veterans are respected for their 
service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized 
for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of 
this great country.'' I echo this sentiment and will continue to work 
with all veterans' groups to realize that vision. On behalf of New 
York's 21st District, I want to congratulate President Karen Shea and 
all the members of VFW Post 358 on this milestone and thank them for 
their century-long tradition of service to North Country veterans.

                          ____________________