The VFW Auxiliary Post 10041 runs a variety of programs focused on patriotism, veteran support, community service, and youth development. These are the foundation of our work, with 2024-25 stats showing 187 projects, 964 hours volunteered, and $217,800 donated. Below is a breakdown of key programs, including activities and impact:
Americanism: Promotes patriotism through parades, flag presentations, education, and promotions.
The following definition of “Americanism” was originated by the Commanders-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, United Spanish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the National Commanders of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans of the World War at a conference held in Washington, D.C., in February 1927: “Americanism is an unfailing love of country; loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; undivided allegiance to the Flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.”
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Auxiliary Outreach
Auxiliary Outreach is partnering with organizations for the benefit of your community or its institutions. It is a donation of time, not in-kind or monetary donations. Auxiliary Outreach can enable VFW Auxiliaries to engage with their local communities, learn about their needs and collaborate to address them.
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The Buddy Poppy Program
The “Buddy”® Poppy has been an integral part of the VFW community for 100 years. As the VFW’s official memorial flower, the Poppy represents the blood shed by American service members. It reiterates that we will not forget their sacrifices. The Poppy movement was inspired by Canadian Army Col. John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Poppies were originally distributed by the Franco-American Children’s League to benefit children in the devastated areas of France and Belgium following World War I. The VFW conducted its first Poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, becoming the first veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. In February 1924, the VFW registered the name “Buddy”® Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting the VFW all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers. No other organization, firm or individual can legally use the name “Buddy”® Poppy.
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Extension & Revitalization
Chiefs of Staff work with District Presidents and the Department President to maintain current Auxiliaries. They encourage members, promote teamwork and provide guidance during challenging times such as suspension, consolidation or even the loss of a Charter. Chiefs of Staff also work closely with their Department President and organizers to establish new Auxiliaries.
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Historian & Media Relations
The member responsible for Historian & Media Relations duties is a memory keeper, and collector of the five Ws: the who-what-where-when-and-why of your Auxiliary. These individuals compile and chronicle memories and events in written and digital formats, including photographs, memorabilia, print news, audio and/or video clips and social media posts. The Historian & Media Relations member captures the narrative of the Program Year. At the Auxiliary, District and Department levels, these members are the people who get the word out about the Auxiliary to our communities. The Historian & Media Chairman is also the member who gets the word out about the VFW Auxiliary to our communities. They inform the public about activities, events and our valuable National Programs.
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Hospitals / VAVS
VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals and medical facilities since the organization’s inception in 1914. The Hospital Program was one of the first nationally adopted Programs for the organization. This Program plays an important role to provide care and compassion to veterans while helping them feel included and appreciated.
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Legislative
The Legislative Program advocates for veterans’ benefits by supporting VFW priority goals, interacting with legislators, and encouraging civic participation like voting. It focuses on turning appreciation into action through advocacy on Capitol Hill and local levels. Locally, we support veterans’ benefits, legislative outreach, and “Get Out and Vote” campaigns.
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Membership
The Membership Program recruits and retains members by highlighting eligibility, benefits, and the value of joining to support veterans. It promotes networking, friendships, personal growth, and fulfillment while providing resources like cancer grants after one year. Post 10041 emphasizes this to grow our Auxiliary and honor eligible family members of veterans.
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Scholarships
Each of our scholarships encourage patriotism, assist students in attaining an education and help students reach their full potential. This increases VFW and Auxiliary recognition while supporting our communities, students and members.
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Veterans & Family Support
As a spouse of a recently retired soldier from the Army and as an Army employee myself, I am passionate about ensuring that every service member, family member and veteran/retiree feels valued, supported and celebrated as much as possible. You can say that I’m always charting a course to help our veterans! Our veterans have sacrificed so much for us, and it’s our time to do our part to give back to them. This year, our main focal points will be: • VFW-Based Veterans Assistance Programs • Veterans’ Mental Health Awareness • Veteran and Veteran Spouses Employment
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Youth Activities
The VFW Auxiliary is in a unique position to help teach our youth the skills to become responsible adults through serving our country, communities and veterans. We have a new generation of veterans who need the support of family, friends and country as they serve overseas and when they come home from conflicts abroad. Today’s youth are the future of our nation.
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Red, White, and Blue
Established in 2017 by Bethel Auxiliary member Jamie Awana, this contest provides students with an opportunity to showcase their vocal skills while fostering patriotism. Currently, the contest is open to Alaska students through their local Auxiliaries, which offer various awards and additional prizes at the Department level. With your support, we aspire to return this to a national program once again.
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Flag Poetry
The American Flag Poetry program was presented by 1968-69 Dept. President Val Whiteman and adopted in 1968 by Dept. of Alaska VFW Auxiliary. A youth-focused contest where students write poems or essays about the U.S. Flag, patriotism, or veterans to promote respect and education. Auxiliaries sponsor entries, with reports submitted to the Department for judging—encouraging creative expression on flag symbolism and history.
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Vicki Webb-Nelson Scholarship
This Department scholarship was set up in 1969, and in June 1970 was named after Vicki Webb-Nelson, the daughter of Past Department President Sandy Webb (1972-73). Each year we pay tribute to the memory of this sister by offering a scholarship to a qualified High School senior who would like to further their education.
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Joan Katkus Scholarship
This Department scholarship was initiated in 2010, approved at the 2011 State Convention and named after Past National President Joan Katkus, with the wishes of her family for the use of the funds in the Department of Alaska Investment CD. Per the Katkus family “Joan and Henry Katkus felt very strongly about education. Both expressed, on numerous occasions at family gatherings, how an education was the one thing that no one could ever take away from a person. An education is critical to a strong community, state, and nation. Beyond a family environment centered on values and ethics was the emphasis on education.”
Each year we pay tribute to the memory of this sister by offering a scholarship to a qualified veteran’s child, who would like to further their education.
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