Saturday, December 8, 2007

New VFW post commander hopes Vietnam vets participate

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen The Belen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2387 has a new commander after a mid-term election was held in November.

George McKee will replace Delmar Wendel, who had served as post commander for approximately four years. Although Wendel is stepping down, he will still serve as a trustee for the post.

"It was just getting to be too much," Wendel said. "It was time for somebody else to step up."

McKee's term will last until elections are held in May, and he said he hopes they will have younger members willing to step in and take over at that time.

"I'd really love to see some younger people come in," McKee said. " I think it's important for younger vets to come back and be involved in post functions."

As the new post commander, McKee is also hoping to expand their youth programs and bring back the Voice of Democracy contest for high school students, in which state and national winners can win scholarships for college.

"There are other programs we can do with the youth of our community," McKee said. "I don't think children are taught about the real history of veterans who have made this country what it is."

McKee would also like to increase membership at the post, saying he'd like to see younger veterans come back and be involved in post functions, such as on the honor guard for veterans' funerals.

He added that he would like to get veterans who served in Vietnam to become active members, because so many of them weren't treated well by their country when they returned and they deserved better. He would also like to see the ladies auxiliary come back after it disbanded in late June due to poor attendance.

"We'll be meeting with the New Mexico National Guard, and our hope is to get more members," he said. "We attend a lot of events, and I'm hoping we can do more. It's going to take a lot of work."

McKee previously served as the Belen post commander from 1970 to 1971. He said part of the mission of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion is to work for veteran benefits.

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