Hampshire VFW sends holiday packages for Operation Christmas Cheer

The Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 and its Auxiliary recently participated in Operation Christmas Cheer, sending holiday packages to service members from the area.

Michael Kirchoff, age 11, helped pack boxes for the servicemen and women. He wanted to include footballs with the other goodies so they would have something to do during their leisure times.

The box that Michael was packing with the footballs is going to Afghanistan for Jacob Thorn, great-grandson of Velda Grimes, one of the VFW Auxiliary 8043 Life and Charter members and a past president.

Velda, with her husband, John, who passed away in December 2001, is very active in the post and auxiliary. John, who served in the Navy during World War II, was a Life member and past commander of the VFW Post.

Michael is the grandson of Auxiliary president Donna Proffitt and her husband, Dick. Michael is very active in school, church and baseball. He is very respectful to active military personnel and veterans, stopping to thank them for their service. Michael also is the great-grandson of Robert Stuehler who served during the Korean War. The Stuehler family is very active in the Hampshire VFW. Robert is a Life member of the VFW Post and his wife, Frances, is a Life member and secretary of the auxiliary. Their daughter Donna is a Life member and president of the auxiliary. Their son, David, and daughter Denise Bone, as well as four granddaughters Tara Anderson, Tabitha Jordan, Talia Koronkiewiez and Allison Miller, are members of the auxiliary.

The VFW Post 8043 and Auxiliary are very appreciative for all of the cooperation and service that these families have offered. These families continue to serve the organization, as well as being active in the community.

The auxiliary, which is open to men and women, continues its membership drive. It is open to any close relative of a combat veteran who has served on foreign soil. For eligibility requirements for new or transferred members, call Arlene Reiser at (847) 683-3443.