LUSK- Niobrara County’s VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Auxiliary #3511 members are helping bring awareness concerning the VFW National Home’s 100^th birthday and about the famous “Buddy” Poppy this year.

Throughout the years, auxiliary members have passed out poppies, laid wreaths on the graves of VFW soldiers, and handwritten “thank you” notes. In partnership with American Legions in Niobrara County, the VFW offers veterans and their families a special Christmas dinner.

“Niobrara County shows great patriotism to our local veterans,” said Auxiliary member Donna Lloyd. “We want to honor all veterans.”

The Auxiliary added a special touch last fall with handwritten notes of thanks to all Niobrara veterans on Veteran’s Day.  Sharon Skiver, the vice president and chaplain, stated that VFW Auxiliary #3511 has had veterans write their own “thank you” notes back. Skiver told the Herald the recipients appreciate the personal touch of receiving the “thank you” notes from the members.   Skiver explained the auxiliary members have worked very hard to show their support, not only through handwritten “thank you” notes, but with handing out “Buddy” poppies to everyone in the community.

Skiver told the Herald the Auxiliary also passed out poppies and handwritten “thank you” notes to veterans in the nursing home and patients in Niobrara Community Hospital.

The Auxiliary’s largest fundraiser happens during the VFW Christmas dinner. According to Skiver, the Auxiliary conducts a silent auction with gift baskets. Proceeds from the gift baskets allow the Auxiliary to donate back into the VFW National Home, the Wyoming Veterans Hospital and the rehab of veterans integrating back into society.

Last fall, local artist Barbara Orr painted a picture of a poppy and donated it to the VFW Auxiliary to be raffled off.

“It was a beautiful painting,” said Skiver. “Barbara did a beautiful job.”

The history of the “Buddy” Poppies began before Memorial Day in 1922, before the veteran’s first organizations were formed. In 1923, the VFW decided “Buddy” Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans in exchange for monetary compensation. The following year, disabled veterans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, adopted designation “Buddy Poppy.”

The “Buddy Poppy” was inspired by the war poem, “In Flanders’ Fields.” The idea of using poppies was promoted by Moina Michael, who was an American professor and humanitarian. Michael used the poppies as a symbol of remembrance for those who had served in World War I.  Wreaths were made from “Buddy Poppies” and laid on graves by Niobrara County’s VFW Auxiliary during Memorial Day.

The “Buddy Poppies” are still assembled by veterans to this day. The VFW Poppy program generates financial assistance for maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs. It also partially supports the VFW National Home for Children.

For over 90 years, the VFW Auxiliary has been showing their support with the National Home. The National Home is a place for veterans and their families to stay while getting back on their feet. Families can live there rent-free for up to four years and have access to professional case management services, on site licensed childcare, life skills training, tutoring and other educational services. They also provide recreational and community service opportunities for the families.

Families have access to a gym, library, computer and science labs, day care center, playgrounds, a fishing pond and hiking trails. There are 42 single family’s homes, providing a place for veterans and their families to live.

There is also the National Home Helpline, which is the first step to helping military and veteran families. This is a free service helping callers with seeking solutions in their own communities. The Helpline is answered by professionals Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Messages can be left after hours and on weekends and are answered the next business day. To contact the Helpline, call 1-800-313-4200 or visit help@vfwnationalhome.org.

Volunteers are always needed and if anyone would like to volunteer please contact the VFW Auxiliary #3511. If anyone wants to donate to the VFW Auxiliary #3511 please be sure to earmark where the donation goes, mail to Sharon Skiver, PO Box 1253, Lusk, WY 82225.