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 over 3,700 volunteer hours provided monthly 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: An 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 provided support at homegoing services, contributing 173.75 hours and traveling 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: 

Fundraising & Continuous Improvement

• Buddy Poppy Fundraiser: Scheduled for November 7 and 8 at Walmart and other locations.
• Memorial Golf Tournament: It's scheduled for June 2026. More information to come
• 50/50 Fundraiser: $5 per entry. 

Looking Ahead

• Post-Elections: Next election in May 2026
• Buddy Poppies: Event November 7 and 8 at Walmart and other Locations
• Adopt-A-Highway: The next highway clean-up will be announced. 
• Flag Placement: Upcoming flag activities will be announced
• National Day of Service: Stay tuned for the confirmed date in 2026
• Annual Golf Tournament: Monday, June 1st, 2026, at 9:00 AM
• Car Show: Mark your calendars for October 2026
• Next Meeting: Third Saturday of each month, 9:30 AM at Brews Tavern. Don't forget

Thank you all for your continued dedication to our mission. Let’s continue to do great work in serving veterans, our community, and one another.

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

Cmdr. Robert Suzansky VFW Post 12136