National Home News for Our Friends at VFW Post #2144 Dear Commander Martin, Greetings! I hope your new year is off to a great start!   Looking out my office window, I see snow on the ground and a beautiful flag in a blue sky. What a picture!   The sun, through my window, brings me light. But soon, the ground, now covered in snow, will burst with color in the coming spring, and the breeze may subside in its intensity. Yes, things will change, but the flag, oh my, that flag.   What it represents, freedom, optimism, hope, that list is endless. Men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting that which it stands for. That flag, oh my, that flag. That flag has been and will always be a constant reminder of these things.   The similarities of my scenic viewpoint and the VFWNHC is not lost on me. The HOME brings light to veterans and their families when their lives need illumination. The freshness of a change in season will burst brightly as residents commit and work our program. The breeze will be at their backs as they begin their future with a renewed, enthusiastic outlook. Yes, things will change, but the VFWNHC, for 95 years, has been, and through your support, always will be the constant.   The opportunity we offer our veterans and their families at the VFWNHC is because of you. It's through your generosity, spirit, prayers, and yes, funding, that we are able to supply the paints, brushes, and canvases to make their picture as bright as the scene outside my window.   Thank you for making those pictures see the light. Regards, Frederick Puffenberger Executive Director   What's Happening at the National Home   Winter Fun!   Celebrating 95 Years Thanks to our generous supporters, 2020 is our 95th year of providing a safe, nurturing environment for our nation's military and veteran families! Read more about our rich history and how the VFW and VFW Auxiliary members built such an amazing community in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.   Guest Lodge Kitchen Gets a Facelift   In December 2017 the National Home welcomed VFW Auxiliary National Senior-Vice President Sandi Kriebel and thirteen of her fellow Auxiliary leaders for a retreat focused on "Building on the VFW Auxiliary Foundation."   During their stay at our Guest Lodge, they noticed the need for significant updates and renovation in the building's kitchen.   Like every building at the National Home, the Margaret A. Armstrong Guest Lodge and Chapel has a rich history. Constructed in 1949 by the Auxiliary, the lodge functioned as a bed and breakfast and a restaurant open to the public that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner until 1975. It is now used for overnight accommodations for family members visiting our residents and guests who are here for events on campus. Although there were renovations in 1999 and 2010 to the guest rooms, hallways, sitting room, and bathrooms, the kitchen was still original, and in need of updating.     Following the retreat, Sr. Vice President Kriebel went to all of the Auxiliary Department Sr. Vice Presidents with the idea of making the Guest Lodge kitchen renovation her National President Special Project. They told her, of course, they would do whatever was needed for the Home! The VFW Auxiliaries across the country answered the call, and the renovation began! ​​ We are thrilled to have this bright modern kitchen space at our Guest Lodge.   "The National Home is needed," says Sandi. "It's a wonderful place for our nation's veteran and military families to put their lives back together."   Sandi also thanked the VFW Auxiliary members that made this project a reality. "It's because of the generosity of individuals across the country like these Auxiliary members that the National Home is able to fulfill its mission."   "There is a passion for the National Home that we all share in the Auxiliary. When there's a need, you just let us know, and we'll get it done!" 55 parents and 88 children currently live in our community in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. The National Home's neighborhood is open to the families of active-duty military personnel, veterans and relatives of VFW and VFW Auxiliary members. The family can be one or both parents with one or more children. If you know a family that could use our services, please encourage them to call 800-313-4200 or contact us through our website. Contact Us   We Are Social:  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌

VFW National Home for Children | 3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 www.vfwnationalhome.org