host posted on September 09, 2009 23:47
By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
A veterans group in Fultondale is working hard to recruit new members.
Recruitment is one of the main purposes of a picnic that North Jefferson VFW Post 10250 is hosting on Sept. 12 at Black Creek in Fultondale.
The picnic, scheduled at noon, is free and is open to all VFW members and their families, as well as to those eligible to join.
To join the VFW, a veteran must have served in the U.S. military overseas during a war. Active duty, Reservists and National Guard members are all eligible, whether or not they are still in the military. Those no longer in the military must have an honorable discharge.
The membership fee to join the North Jefferson VFW is $25 a year.
Post 10250 Commander Robert Mattox said that only about 10 percent of the post’s roughly 128 members participate in VFW activities, such as attending the monthly meetings in Fultondale and volunteering for committees and programs.
Mattox, a World War II veteran, wants to see the younger generation of male and female veterans get involved in the local VFW.
One Iraq War veteran has not only joined the VFW, but has stepped up to serve as an officer.
Michael Thorin, a member of the Fultondale and Hoover fire departments, is also VFW Post 10250’s new quartermaster.
Thorin took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2005 to September 2006 as part of the 31st FSB.
He was a cavalry scout and a medic, and served as gun truck commander and later as acting platoon sergeant.
Thorin’s missions took him to areas such as Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, Tikrit and other areas where U.S. and coalition troops were operating.
“I decided to become a part of the VFW because I love my country,” Thorin said. “Now that I am out of the military I have a desire to be a part of an organization that holds dear the values which myself and so many others have fought for.”
Other veterans are invited to the VFW picnic on Sept. 12. The event will feature free barbecue with the trimmings, live local music, and activities for children.
VFW officers will be on hand to talk with those interested in joining and to answer questions.
To learn more, call Mattox at 841-2424.