This past weekend, our Post held a Tag Day at routes 23 & 296 and we’re deeply grateful to all who stopped by and donated.

Your generosity helps us continue our mission of service. With the funds raised, we proudly support the Stratton VA Food Pantry, Tunnels to Towers, the VFW Volunteer Service Officers, and our Post Building Fund.

A special thank-you goes out to the Mountaintop Marine Corps Detachment for inviting us to their Marine Corps Birthday Ball in East Durham. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Earlier that day, we were honored by the students at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, who presented an inspiring program on patriotism. 

Each veteran in attendance received a large envelope filled with heartfelt letters from the students, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

This Veterans Day, we pause to honor all who have worn the uniform—both living and deceased. God bless you all, and to my comrades at VFW Post 1545—a special group I proudly call my heroes.

Join us this weekend for our Post’s Pancake Breakfast! We’ll be serving pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee. Come enjoy a great breakfast and stay for the Veterans Day Raffle Drawing at 12 noon. Cost: Goodwill offering. We hope to see you there!.

News regarding veterans from the VFW Washington Office, Executive Director Ryan Gallucci participated in a roundtable led by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano and attended by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The roundtable focused on the current and future state of veterans benefits. Gallucci stressed the VFW’s message to “Honor the Contract” between service members and the federal government.

Veterans were willing to risk their lives in defense of our nation, and in return the government must uphold its promise to care for those injured or made ill by that service.

Amid growing scrutiny of VA’s disability compensation system, he emphasized that protecting its integrity starts with honoring the fundamental contract.

On the latest episode of#StillServing: The VFW Podcast, host Rob Couture is joined by Executive Director Ryan Gallucci, National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan, and National Veterans Service Director Mike Figlioli from the VFW Washington Office to discuss the Washington Post’s latest coverage of veterans’ benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The team addresses a recent series of articles that, they argue, mischaracterize how veterans access the benefits they’ve earned — including claims that veterans are “flooding the system” or abusing disability compensation. 

Tune in to episode 53, “Absurdly Generous AND Dubious,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on the VFW’s YouTube channel.

In keeping with the Marine Corp’s 250th birthday, this week I bring you  Corporal Lewes K. Bausell, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division received the Congressional Medal of Honor for action on the Island of Peleliu Island on September 15, 1944. 

His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 15 September 1944.

Valiantly placing himself at the head of his squad, Cpl. Bausell led the charge forward against a hostile pillbox which was covering a vital sector of the beach and, as the first to reach the emplacement, immediately started firing his automatic into the aperture while the remainder of his men closed in on the enemy.

Swift to act, as a Japanese grenade was hurled into their midst, Cpl. Bausell threw himself on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast of the explosion and sacrificing his own life to save his men. 

His unwavering loyalty and inspiring courage reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Bausell and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. 

As the weather turns towards winter and we see flurries coming down, I hope we all take care driving this winter season.

I want to thank everyone who came and thanked me for my service this past week. Remember to keep all who served and those still serving in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC ~ Commander VFW Post 1545.

Lewis K. Bausell, Medal of Honor recipient