Community Service is an important priority in our country and a founding VFW tenet. The VFW has a rich tradition associated with community service. Working closely with other national organizations, the VFW annually reports over 14 million volunteer hours.

You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are:

• a veteran

• a veteran’s dependent

• surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran

• an active-duty military service member

• a member of the Reserve or National Guard

• VA claims and separation benefits

If you are eligible for federal benefits, but have never applied, you still can. Let a VFW service officer help you. In fact, by turning to the VFW to help you file a claim, the chances for approval are much better than if you go it alone.

Important Links:

• Hamilton Township Veteran's Advisory Board

• Atlantic County Veterans Services

  • • apply for NJ Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption

    • Request a burial in the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery

    • apply for an Atlantic County Veteran ID card

• New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

• Us Department of Veterans Affairs

For additional information, contact:

Commander of VFW Post 220, at 609-625-2178

Flags for display at the home or business are normally available from local businesses. Post 220 also has access to other sources that can provide a wider assortment of sizes and quality than may be immediately available locally.

Since September 11, 2001, many homes and businesses have been displaying the Flag on a daily basis and, in some cases, for 24 hours a day. When the Flag is flown for 24 hours, it should be illuminated so that it is not in complete darkness.

Note: It is not necessary that there be a spotlight on the Flag. Frequently, the light from the street lamps, or lights that are on in the vicinity during hours of darkness, provide sufficient illumination so that the red and white stripes and the blue field can be distinguished.

Flags that have become worn or faded due to outdoor display should receive proper disposal. This is normally accomplished by burning the Flag in a fire so that it is completely consumed. Post 220 will conduct Flag retirements from time to time, and will accept worn and faded Flags from the general public to be included in the next event. Boy Scout troops also conduct such Flag retirements and will also normally accept Flags from the public.

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS

At the turn of the century, the founders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars created an organization that would honor and serve veterans and perpetuate the values and ideals for which those veterans served. Although men of vision, it is doubtful they could imagine the millions of Americans impacted today by the VFW’s youth, scholarship and recognition programs.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives.

Program Information:

Voice of Democracy

Patriot’s Pen

TEACHER AWARD

VFW launched the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in 1999 to recognize classroom teachers for promoting citizenship education with their students. Each National award teacher winner and his/her school receives $1,000 award and a plaque.

Program Information: National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

SCOUTING

VFW Post 220 supports the charter of Boy Scouts of America Troop 126. For more information, contact Jersey Shore Council.