West Hartford American Legion and VFW Joining Forces to Help Troops

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 and VFW Hannon-Hatch Post 9929 will conduct a community wide collection for personal goods to be sent to members of the Army National Guard 143rd Military Police Company now serving in Afghanistan. 

The drive will begin on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and continue through Nov 30.

Post Commanders Tim Ahern, VFW, and Chris Conlin, American Legion, both emphasized the importance of the campaign to demonstrate our support for these outstanding troops. 

Said Commander Ahern, “We picked Veterans Day to launch the campaign because it’s a day we honor the men and women who have served our country.  These troops are in harm’s way and we need to show our support.” 

Commander Conlin added “We will also celebrate Thanksgiving during this campaign and we need to offer our thanks for these brave men and women who have volunteered to defend our country.”

Collections will begin at the Veterans Day Ceremony, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. at the West Hartford Veterans Memorial located at the intersection of Farmington Avenue and North Main Street. 

During the campaign there will be five collection points in West Hartford; American Legion Post 96, 45 Raymond Rd.; VFW Post 9929, 83 South St.; West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main St.; Elmwood Community Center, 1106 New Britain Ave.; and Bishops Corner Senior Center, 15 Starkel Rd.

A list of suggested items for the Soldiers Care Packages can be downloaded from www.al96.org or www.vrw9929.org or at the collection locations listed above.

Submitted by American Legion/VFW