Front row (pictured from left): VFW Post 3137 auxiliary members Pamela Marsh, Deanna Gort, Belva Leyh, Kathy Campbell, Martha Brown and Cindy Libhardt. Back row: Joe Leyh , Sally Few, Dina Leaird, Bob Patterson, Rene’ Staufer and Tom Libhardt. On Flag Day, June 14, 20 members volunteered with Operation Gratitude to assemble 5,000 care packages for local veterans and first responders. Care packages are a reminder to those who serve that Americans across the nation support them and appreciate their service and sacrifice. Post 3137 Comrade Vicki Johnson coordinated the event at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Auxiliary members regularly volunteer at the VA Hospital, the Fisher House and with Soldiers' Angels. A flag retirement ceremony is held twice annually. Post 3137 will participate in the Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run on Sept. 13 on Daniel Island. First responders are recognized for their service and sacrifice. The "Post on the Coast" is open to all VFW members, visiting VFW members and active-duty members with valid ID. For more information on the VFW and Auxiliary at Post 3137, visit vfw3137.org. COMMUNITY 15 IslandVibesIOP.com Photo Provided. Operation Gratitude assembles 5K care packages to veterans, first responders By Pamela Marsh Junior Vice President, IOP VFW Post 3137 The Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 3137 Auxiliary on the Isle of Palms currently has 1,687 members. New officers were elected for the 2025-26 year: President- Belva Leyh Senior VP- Tom Libhardt Junior VP- Pamela Marsh Secretary- Rene' Staufer Treasurer- Deanna Gort Conductor- Jerrad Heppler Guard- Joe Leyh Historian- Sally Few Chaplain- Kathy Campbell Patriotic Instructor- Bob Patterson Trustees- Martha Brown, Cindy Libhardt, Dina Leaird Recently around Memorial Day, a service of remembrance was held at the Post. Members placed 1,000 flags at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens on the grave sites of veterans. Other members handed out poppies at a local shopping center. The Buddy Poppy program supports the VFW National Home.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1