Program areas at Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Arkansas
The canteen is run by two paid employees with oversight from the quartermaster and the commander. Located at the post-1680 Chaney Dr. Batesville AR. Members spend 20 percent of their time. The canteen is self-funding and makes up 75 percent of expenses. A canteen is a place where veterans come for comradery with other veterans. The funds raised by the canteen help support the upkeep of the facility and VFW programs.
Childrens Christmas and Easter parties and other community outreach activities. The VFW members and auxiliary. The Christmas party is held at the post. Members donate new toys for the children of veterans. Total time is 20 percent. Other outreach activities include members volunteering at other non-profits such as the Humane Society giving veterans rides to the VA and visiting veterans in nursing homes.
Patriotic days recognition and ceremonies. The activity is conducted by various members. Veterans Day Memorial Day Flag Day and other national holidays. The activities are conducted at the post and other locations in the community. The time spent is 25 percent. If funding is required the activity is funded by donations and or from the canteen. Recognition of patriotic days is a required activity of the VFW organization. Post 4501 donates cemetery flags to churches and other organizations that place flags on the graves of service members and veterans.
Unmet Needs is a special fund to help veterans in need of assistance. If any veteran needs help he or she can apply for these funds. Post 4501 helped several veterans in 2023
We had student participants and awards for the Patriots Pen essay contest and the VOC of Democracy speech contest. These scholarship contests support the patriotism mission of the VFW.
Buddy Poppys fundraising and recruiting. Members use the buddy poppy as fundraising and recruiting tool. The activity takes place at the post and in public places such as fairs and businesses around town. 10 percent of the time is spent on recruiting. The canteen fund the purchase of the poppies. The funds raised by donation are put into a VFW unmet needs account. VFW is strong on recruiting to build and maintain National membership roles so as to increase the Veteran voice in Washington.
Flag Retirements are conducted throughout the year as needed. Varies members are involved as well as scouting groups. The flag retirement takes place at the post. The time spent is 10 percent. No funding is needed. The retirement of flags is part of the VFW mission. The VFW is a place to drop off old flags. When we have accumulated a reasonable amount a retirement ceremony is conducted. Other flag-oriented activities are conducted by the VFW to promote a patriotic mission.