HONOR GUARD

The Post Honor Guard provides a Firing Party at military funeral/honor ceremonies. The ceremony includes a 3 volley rifle salute, playing of Taps, and the presentation of 3 expended rounds signifying the flag has been retired. Additionally, an Honor Guard member presents a folded flag to the veteran's family.

Our Post Honor Guard performs over 100 ceremonies a year. Honor Guard/Color Guard activities also include posting colors or raising the flag for various military holidays and at historical markers such as the
Buford Battlefield. 

See link below showing Color Guard activities at Continental Tire on 8 May 2025 
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AU1YNgYN4/ 

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Commander's Corner

Commander Robert Suzansky

Commander’s Corner • VFW Post 12136

Commander’s Corner • VFW Post 12136

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. Below are key highlights that demonstrate the impact and value of being part of the VFW family.

Join VFW Post 12136 No One Does More For Veterans®
Join the VFW Post 12136 to help us continue the mission of serving veterans. Press here to contact us.

Community Engagement

  • Leading the Way in Service: Our Post proudly leads all South Carolina VFW posts in community service, contributing over 3,700 volunteer hours each month.
  • Veterans in the Classroom: Upcoming program scheduled for November 14, connecting veterans with students to share life lessons and patriotism.
  • Youth Outreach: Supporting the Indian Land Youth Soccer Team and local JROTC programs at Indian Land High School. Discussions continue to provide compliant financial and logistical support.
  • Adopt-A-Highway: Cleanup efforts occur throughout the year; next event October 31, 9:00 a.m. (meet behind Wendy’s).
  • Flag Placement Services: Honoring our fallen comrades — next service on November 6 and 13.
  • Public Service Recognition: This past spring, Danny Hyatt (Lancaster EMS) and Dylan Cetin (Sheriff’s Dept.) received VFW Community Service Awards with $150 certificates during a County Council meeting.
  • Patriot’s Pen Essay Winner: An 8th-grader from Indian Land Middle School won First Place at the Post, District 5, and State levels for the essay "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” See video

Veterans Support

  • Comrades in Distress: We honor and remember all veterans who have passed during this period — they are home at last.
  • Honor Guard: Supported multiple ceremonies, logging 173.75 hours and nearly 1,000 miles in August alone. Volunteers Welcome
  • Membership Growth: Post 12136 achieved a 2% increase in membership, earning a $500 VFW State Award.
  • Prayer for National Home: Continued prayers for residents of the VFW National Home (Eaton Rapids, MI).
  • Veterans Coffee Group: Every Tuesday, 7:30–9:00 a.m. at CrossRidge Café (average 25–30 attendees). New faces welcome!
  • Indian Land VA Outreach: VA reps at the Post on Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (holiday schedule).

Fellowship Opportunities

  • Monthly brunches and events that build camaraderie.
  • Weekly Veterans Coffee (Tuesdays, 7:30–9:00 a.m.) — fellowship & conversation.
  • 50/50 Night Fundraiser — $5 per entry; drawings monthly (next: Nov. 20 & Dec. 18).
  • Flag Placement & Cleanup Days — meaningful opportunities to serve together.
  • Veterans Hockey Team — stay tuned for updates.
  • Volunteer: Honor Guard and Adopt-A-Highway programs welcome new participants.

Fundraising & Continuous Improvement

  • Oct. 25: Annual Pig Pickin’ Fundraiser, 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Brews Tavern (Indian Land). BBQ plate just $10 — eat in or take out.
  • Nov. 7–8: Buddy Poppy Fundraiser (Walmart and other locations).
  • June 2026: Memorial Golf Tournament — details soon. Sponsors Needed
  • 50/50 Fundraiser: $5 entry supports Post activities; monthly drawings.
  • Nov. 14: Give Local Campaign returns with matching windows 8–9 a.m. and 8–9 p.m.
  • Donate to our VFW. Press here

Looking Ahead

Pig Pickin’ Fundraiser

Sat, Oct 25 • 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. • Brews Tavern  8083 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup

Thu, Oct 31 • 9:00 a.m. • Meet behind Wendy’s

Flag Placement & Pickup

Wed, Nov 6 & Wed, Nov 13 • 8:30 a.m. • Behind Wendy’s

Buddy Poppy Fundraiser

Thu–Fri, Nov 7–8 at Walmart and other locations

Veterans in the Classroom

Thu, Nov 14

Indian Land VA Outreach & 50/50 Drawings

Wed, Nov 20 & Wed, Dec 18 • 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

National Day of Service 2026

Date to be announced

Annual Golf Tournament

Mon, June Day To Be Announced 2026 • 9:00 a.m.

Car Show

October Date to be Announced 2026

Next Post Meeting

Every 3rd Saturday • 9:30 a.m. • Brews Tavern 8083 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

Join Us

Thank you to all our members, volunteers, and supporters who make this mission possible. Together, we honor service, strengthen our community, and uplift one another.

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

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No One Does More For Veterans® • VFW Post 12136