When our veterans fought for the freedoms we have today, their job was not done. Today, they continue their service by providing assistance to our citizens and other veterans via a host of community projects. 

The Voice of Democracy is a scholarship program for students in Grades 9 - 12. It is a speech writing competition, where 9th through 12th grade students write and deliver their speech on a cassette tape. Each year's theme is selected by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Local Post winners go on to District competition and then, if selected, may qualify for the National competition in Washington, DC. The top scholarship amount for the national competition is $25,000 which is placed in a trust fund for the student's college fees. 

The 2001 NYS winner was sponsored by our  post and was then a student at a local high school. Our post is very proud that this young lady went on to win the National competition and the college scholarship of $25,000. For more information on the Voice of Democracy program, please call the post at 845-255-8497 and ask for Ron Mironchik, Post VOD Chairman, or click the VOD logo.

A Post 8645 Scholarships is awarded to a graduating senior from New Paltz High School who enlists in a branch of the service upon graduation. This merit scholarship is given annually to a member of the senior class.

Members also participate in the Buddy Poppy Program. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was the first veteran organization to promote a nationally organized campaign for the annual distribution of poppies assembled by disabled and needy veterans. All the money contributed by the public for Buddy Poppies is used in the cause of veterans' welfare, or for the well-being of their needy dependents and the orphans of veterans.

Our annual Christmas event is a large celebration for handicapped children in our area. Our members and their spouses volunteer long hours during the year raising funds for this affair. A wonderful luncheon is served, complete with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child goes home with a gift as well. 

The VFW National Home for Children, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, is a private, non-profit, residential child care agency providing long and short term residency to children and grandchildren of VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members. We periodically send funds to help support their goals.

Our Hospital Program supports our hospitalized veterans in local VA Medical Centers.

For more information any program, please contact the Post home at 845-255-8497.