Welcome to the Commander’s Corner!  As we continue our mission at CPT John P. Monahan VFW Post 12136, we remain steadfast in our commitment to service, camaraderie, and honoring our nation’s veterans. Here are some key highlights from our April meeting that demonstrate the value of being a part of the VFW.

Community Engagement

• Community Service: For Fiscal Year 2025, our VFW Post leads all posts in the state of South Carolina in Community Service Hours, with 3,704 volunteer hours provided to the community.
• Public Service Recognition: Cmdr. Bob Suzansky honored two outstanding local heroes—Danny Hyatt (Lancaster EMS) and Dylan Cetin (Sheriff’s Dept.) with VFW Community Service Certificates and $150 awards during the April 14 County Council meeting.
• National Patriot Pen Winner:  8th grade student from Indian Land Middle School won 1st Place in the Patriot Pen Essay contest, First Place at the VFW District 5 level, and First Place at the Department of SC level. This year’s writing theme, "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision” challenges students to reflect on their role in shaping the future of the country.
  See Video at this link
• JROTC Support Efforts: Indian Land High School. Financial needs of the JROTC program were discussed. Suggestions for appropriate, regulation-compliant support are underway.

Veterans Support

• Comrades in Distress: We honor the memory of our veterans who passed during this period and are now home.
• Honor Guard Service: Our honor guard served at 9 Veterans' homegoing services in March, contributing 173.75 hours and driving nearly 1,000 miles.
• Veterans Coffee Group: Weekly gatherings continue at Cross Ridge Café from 7:30 to 9:00 AM. Attendance averages 25–30. New faces are always welcome!
• Membership Growth: Our post achieved a 2% increase, earning a $500 VFW state award!
• Prayer for National Home: Continued prayers for residents of the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, MI.

Fellowship Opportunities

• Brunch Honoring James Taylor:
• Monthly 50/50 Night:
• Veterans Hockey: Best of luck to our Veterans Hockey Team in their upcoming tournament in Florida. Thank you for representing us with pride!

Fundraising & Continuous Improvement

• Buddy Poppy Fundraiser: Scheduled for May 23–24 at Walmart and other locations.
• Memorial Golf Tournament: It's scheduled for June 2, 2025. We have 144 golfers registered.
• 50/50 Fundraiser: $5 per entry. 

Looking Ahead

• Post-Elections: Held at our next meeting on May 17. Officer appointments effective June 2025:
• Buddy Poppies: Event May 23 - 24 at Walmart and other Locations
• Adopt-A-Highway: The next highway clean-up will be on April 25. 
• Flag Placement: Upcoming flag activities: May 22 at 8:30 AM
• National Day of Service: Stay tuned for the confirmed date in May.
• Car Show: Mark your calendars for October 4, 2025.
• Next Meeting: Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Brews Tavern. Don't forget—it’s always the third Saturday of the month!

Thank you all for your continued dedication to our mission. Let’s keep up the great work in serving veterans, our community, and each other.

Come join the VFW Post 12136 to help us continue to continue the mission of serving veterans.

Cmdr. Robert Suzansky VFW Post 12136