Editor, The Herald:

On behalf of VFW Post 8446 in Buckingham, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all in our community who donated the cost of a window or money to the new window and door project just undertaken at the Post Hall. The unselfish generosity of so many enabled the replacement of 21 windows as well as a new front door. The old windows were pre 1948 vintage so the need for replacement was great. In spite of shrink-wrapping the windows with plastic every year for the past several years, a tremendous amount of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer went right through the windows. After getting a very fair estimate for the cost per window from Grant's Glass in Farmville, a number of the members from the Post each offered to donate a window and then went around the local community asking for individuals and businesses to donate a window. The response was overwhelming.

Use of the hall by the community has increased significantly over the past five years. We have the opportunity of having a building suitable for a variety of different functions for veterans as well as the citizens of the county. We now share the Buckingham Memorial Veterans Hall with the American Legion Post 134. They have been actively participating in our work days when improvements have been made. Last year the Legion hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for all veterans of the county. As a community service several years ago the VFW members offered the use of the building to the county at no charge as the site for a Senior Program for seniors of the county. Shortly after that offer was made, the Buckingham Active Seniors (BAS) was formed and has grown tremendously since its formation. Also as a community service, Relay for Life has used the hall for events at no charge. This past year the hall was donated to the Buckingham Friends of the Library for two fundraising events to benefit the New Library Building Fund. The first event was a Book & Bake Sale and the second was a Wine & Cheese Gala event. These two events raised over $11,000. 00 for the new library! We also rent the hall to church groups for services at a reduced rate. Members of the VFW and American Legion as well as widows/widowers of members also receive a reduced rental rate. Individuals rent the hall for birthdays, wedding receptions, and family reunions. Our rental fee has been steady over the past several years and with each improvement made, people have shown greater respect when using the facility. This is very important as it helps to keep our costs down.

Our annual Poppy drive held in November each year again brings out the generosity of our community enabling us to help veterans in need. It has also made it possible for us to make annual donations to McGuire VA Hospital Polytrauma unit in Richmond and the Fisher House there. Fisher House provides free lodging for families of hospitalized veterans. For the past two years we made donations to Operation DAP (Dues Already Paid), a local wounded warrior hunt day held in December.

Veterans came from NC, MD, PA, & VA.

We also partnered with the Buckingham County High School JROTC to develop a flag disposal ceremony for the county. This partnership enables flags deposited at the Veterans Hall drop site to be ceremoniously disposed of in a dignified manner. The JROTC holds ceremonies several times each year and the public is welcome to attend.

VFW Post 8446 is very grateful and appreciative of the community support. Thank you!!

Marie Sweeney

Commander VFW Post 8446