An island gem, VFW Post #4353
To the editor:
My wife and I just celebrated our first year on Pine Island! I want to talk about how we have been made welcome. My first visit to a VFW, after my 22-year career in the Navy, resulted in meeting a great group of people. The first person I met was the commander, who immediately made my wife and me feel comfortable and part of the VFW family. He did not hesitate to recruit me as a VFW Life Member. The changes that have occurred at the Post since then have been all for the better. The recent trial of non-smoking has made me and others feel even more valued. Our health is no longer being affected by smoke. Veterans who have COPD or other health related issues no longer have to wade through the smoke to buy a beverage.
The camaraderie is also very special. To be a member you had to have served in a combat zone. As we have become more involved in the Post, our friendship circle has grown. I feel grateful that my first exposure to a VFW was at Greater Pine Island VFW Post # 4353. It has instilled a pride that all VFW members should have. A well-run post that looks after its members and reaches out to the community and who’s main focus is the mission of the VFW. You can hear it in the Commander’s voice when he talks about goals and accomplishments and the desire to educate members on the mission and invigorate them to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Stop by the VFW, meet some new friends, enjoy the best value and coldest adult beverages on the Island! I’ve come to understand the VFW’s motto: “No One Does More for Veterans,” for what it means and why the VFW is the premier combat veterans’ organization.
Cliff Bruner
Bokeelia