Dear Editor:

I hope that you as citizens of our community and as American citizens are as proud of our military men and women as I am. I just joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW Post 5872 Fairfield this past October and I can say without a doubt that it is one of the best things I have done in a long time. These are some of the most thoughtful, caring and loving women I have ever known. The things I have learned since, about Veterans affairs, is so sad in many ways.

We Americans should be so ashamed of the neglect of deceased, retired and present Veterans that willingly went across the world to fight and many die for Our Freedom!

I visited the VFW Hospital in Waco this past December, with the Ladies Auxiliary, to pass out stockings of candy, fruit, blankets, warm hats, and other gifts. While there a nurse pulled me aside and said, “We don’t expect to see him living through the night”.

On entering his room we found he had already passed away. This Veteran died alone, no one there to pray for him or to just hold his hand.

I can’t begin to tell you the sorrow in my heart at that time. We go to the airport to welcome them home, which is great, but after they arrive it is though they never existed and we so quickly forget all they have done for us.

The worst thing that I have learned is that my of our Veterans are now living homeless. Living under a bridge day by day not knowing where their next meal might come from and where they might find a warm place to sleep. These soldiers lived every day with never knowing when they might get shot or some kind of bomb may go off, never knowing if this might be their last day.

After coming home they are in a total different world and some still find themselves watching over their shoulder. A lot of them find that their family and loved ones have left them. They can’t find a job or feel so very lost and forgotten.

We as citizens can’t do a whole lot about this problem, but the Ladies Auxiliary Post at the Fairfield VFW Post 5872 have come up with a small way to be of help, but we need all of you to help also. We are trying to collect some good used backpacks, sleeping bags, blankets, coats, bottled water, soap, shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste and brushes and non-perishable foods. After we gather these items we will take them to our homeless Veterans.

If anyone is willing to donate any of these items please take them to the Fairfield VFW. If no one is there just leave them inside the glass doors. I promise you, you will receive a great feeling knowing you have helped a soldier to find his way back to reality and to say THANKS for what all they have done for our great Country.

Thank you in advance to all of those that find in your heart to be of help.

Ladies VFW Auxiliary

Maudine Sherber