The annual VFW Post 7319 Veterans Day Banquet was held at the American Legion with a potluck supper at 7:00 p.m. Toastmaster for the evening was Mark Roberts. The Invocation was given by Post Chaplain, Mark Roberts who then introduced Post Senior Vice-Commander, Tony Krcil. Vice-Commander Krcil welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. Mark Roberts introduced officers of both the VFW and American Legion and their Auxiliaries.

Following a delicious chicken dinner, with pot luck provided by the Auxiliary, the drawing began for the annual gun raffle fundraiser. Winners of the three guns were Mike Kotab, Danny Rezac and Lenny Kocer.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Wagner Community School. One of the eight Voice of Democracy essays that were selected for District 7 level competition was presented by contestant Rose Eitemiller.

The program for the evening was presented by Quartermaster Jerry Seiner. A film on the History of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was shown. The VFW began after the Spanish-American War ended in 1899. Soldiers and their families were not cared for after the conflict so they banded together and formed the first veterans organization. The VFW was chartered by Congress in 1914, beginning over a century of support for service men and women. The VFW was instrumental in acquiring not only much needed benefits such as VA Health Care, veteran bonuses, the GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill for Guard and Reserve and the Forever GI Bill, but also for holding Congress accountable for issues such as compensation for Agent Orange for Vietnam Veterans, monitoring VA Healthcare and advocating for all veteran benefits. Following the presentation, the Quartermaster reminded everyonethat congress did not give any benefits to veterans, they fought for and earned what they have. The single most important thing a veteran can do is join a veterans organization to make their voice heard.

Following the program, Post Chaplain Mark Roberts remembered the deceased Post members from the past year. They are Don Barta, Clarence Nedved, Bob Andersh, Norman Gibson and Bob Moysis. Chaplin Roberts followed with a prayer for them and their families.

To conclude the evening, continuous membership pins were presented by Senior Vice- Commander Krcil to 21 post members, to include 50 year member Raymond Cihak, 55 year member Tom Beeson and 65 year member Edward Kafka.

VFW Auxiliary President Charlene Bee-son thanked those present for making the banquet a success and closed with a poem about honoring our nation’s flag.

Post Chaplain Mark Roberts closed the banquet with the Benediction and thanked all who attended.