January 2026 Post Leadership News Letter

Post Commander: Fellow Comrades and Supporters, I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. Let’s hope this coming year is even better than the last.

As we begin a new year, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each member of VFW Post 2082 for your dedication, service, and continued commitment to our mission. The start of a new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, recognize the progress we’ve made, and renew our focus on supporting veterans, their families, and our community. This past year demonstrated the strength of our post through your volunteer efforts, camaraderie, and willingness to step up whenever needed. Because of you, Post 2082 remains a place where veterans can connect, find support, and continue serving beyond the uniform.

Looking ahead, our goals for the new year include growing our membership, increasing

participation, and expanding programs that directly benefit veterans and their families. I

encourage everyone to get involved, attend meetings, and bring forward ideas that help

strengthen our post.

Thank you for your service, your time, and your loyalty to VFW Post 2082. I look forward to

working alongside each of you in the year ahead as we continue to honor our past, serve the

present, and build a strong future together.

Respectfully,

Quinten Taylor

Post Commander VFW Post 2082

Jr Vice Commander: Post 2082 finished off the quarter on a great note, hosting many

successful activities. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Trunk or Treat,

Halloween Party, Veteran’s/Thanksgiving Meal and topping it off with a children’s and adult

Christmas party. Increasing community involvement was one of our key initiatives for 2025 and collectively we were able to accomplish that goal. Many of our events had an overwhelming attendance of not only Post Members, but citizens of Lemon Grove and outlying communities.

As we plan activities for the year I would like to build on that positive momentum. As always, I

am always open to process improvement so feel free to contact me if you have any ideas for upcoming events. Our Post Hop is scheduled for 17 Jan. All the seats have been filled on the bus, so thanks for those that will be attending. Post Hops are not only good for camaraderie but a great opportunity to gain exposure to other Posts/Canteens within our District.

Chaplain/Service Officer: Last year during our Post Blood Drives we were able to collect 38

pints of blood. Each pint has the potential to save up to three lives, meaning our members

helped make a difference for as many as 114 people who needed a blood donation. This impact is especially meaningful and close to home. Just last month, one of our own Post Members received lifesaving blood products during surgery. Our next Blood Drive will be held on Monday, February 16 th . Even if you are unable to donate you can do your part by spreading the word and encouraging others to participate.

The VFW is changing the title of Post Service Officer to Post Benefits Advisor. This change is

about clarity. A Veteran Service Officer is a professionally trained advocate who is accredited by the Veterans Administration (VA) to prepare, file and represent claims. The role of the Post

Benefits Officer has not changed. At the Post level, the role remains focused on providing

information, helping Veterans identify potential benefits, gathering basic documentation,

identifying non-VA and community resources, and referring Veterans to accredited VSOs for

claims filing and representation.

We also learned important lessons from the past year. Having your paperwork and

documentation in order is crucial. Our Post assisted many families as they navigated

devastating diagnosis, hospitalizations, and sudden changes in family needs. Knowing where

your important documents are and keeping medical and financial Powers of Attorney up do date can reduce stress and confusion during difficult times and allow families to focus on care rather than paperwork. If you have questions about what documents you should have or how to obtain them, please contact me.

Finally, establishing a Primary Care Physician within the VA health care system is important,

even if you have other health care coverage. Having a VA Primary Care Provider helps ensure

continuity of care, access to VA-specific services and smoother coordination if VA care is

needed during hospitalization or emergency.

Auxiliary President: Our Auxiliary had a very successful year. Parking lot sales are increasing

and thanks to all the volunteers who dedicate their time to Rosie. Thanks to Bill Cooper for

providing much need repairs to equipment, tables etc. and Linda Ledesma and her Breakfast

Crew (Mike “The Egg Man” and Angela) for their tasty monthly breakfast. We have Active-Duty

Navy Sailors who sponsor meals and we are looking for any additional help or cooks so contact me if you have any interest or want to contribute. I appreciate everyone’s help and I’m looking forward to working and communicating with everyone from the Post.

The next District Meeting is and the end of January. If you are interested in joining me at the

meeting let me know. Also, if you are interested in becoming a Board Member for our Auxiliary and have any additional questions feel free to speak to me. May we always remember to be kind to one another and grateful for everyone who volunteers at our Canteen, and for the behind-the-scenes people who donate their time and efforts as well. Please let our Commander know if you want to participate in the monthly Lemon Grove community clean ups. I want everyone to have a healthy and great 2026. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart to all my volunteers and friends at the Post.

Sincerely,

Denise Swerdloff

Auxiliary President.