Jan 15, 2026
By TIM HUNDT
VIROQUA, Wis. – Commander Keith Yahn, Quartermaster Eric Sherry and Chaplin Mark Volden of Viroqua VFW Post 3032 delivered Christmas gifts to 46 veterans at local area nursing homes on December 30, 2025. Sherry explained that the veteran recipients expressed great happiness when receiving the tokens of appreciation from the post.
“All the veterans were very happy of the gifts presented to them from the Viroqua VFW,” said Sherry. “The veterans received Christmas cards, gift certificates, coupons and other items that they could use at their residence.”
The nursing home outreach program is a tradition that has allowed the post to maintain a connection with former service members for two decades. Sherry noted that while the visits have continued for 20 years, the organization has adapted its methods to ensure the program remains successful.
“This service from the Viroqua VFW started, started around 20 years ago,” said Sherry. “At that time members of our post would visit the local business’s in the area and ask for donations.”
The shift in donation strategy became necessary as the local membership age increased and the pandemic limited personal visits to businesses. Sherry found that sending formal letters of request allowed the older members to continue securing the funds needed to support the veterans.
“In the past few years since the COVID times I would send letters of request to the area business’s, this has worked well for us,” said Sherry. “A lot of our members are getting older and the ability to solicit donations, is not as easy as it used to be.”
The members took time to learn about the history of each veteran while delivering the holiday gifts to facilities such as Bethel Home, Maple Wood Terrace and Norseland. This interaction is increasingly vital as the number of World War II veterans across the nation continues to decrease quickly.
“We thanked each veteran for their service,” Sherry said. “We would talk about where they served and what they did during the different wars.”
The visit included a stop to see George Piper, a WWII veteran who was celebrating his 101st birthday.
“The Veterans in the local nursing homes appreciated our visits with them and I am sure they would like more of us to stop in and pay them a visit,” Sherry said. “We still have members of the Greatest Generation to thank for their sacrifice and service to the nation.”
Sherry said local community partners like Jackie Getter and the Peace Share the Spirit Group of the Peace Lutheran Church of Readstown provided essential support to ensure the VFW reached all 46 veterans.
According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars national website these efforts align with the broader mission described by VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore who views the organization as a way for veterans to find a new mission after their military careers.
The national organization also works to protect veterans from predatory practices and ensures they receive the benefits they earned through their service. VFW leaders have emphasized that accredited service officers are available to provide professional assistance without charge to those struggling with the complex benefits process.
The organization continues to advocate for the 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary to ensure the promises made to service members are kept. By providing free military family support programs and financial grants, the group aims to help veterans focus on their safety and well being.
Donors and Partners That Helped Make the Gifts Possible
Local businesses and individuals provided the generous donations received by the veterans this year including Adrian Hendrickson, Culvers, Effinger Equipment, Viroqua Eagles, Kickapoo Homes, Larry Fanta, Marcus Christianson, Nelson Agri Center, Nelson Global Products, Roth Family Cremation, Royal Bank, Schlict Insurance Agency, Popp Funeral and Cremation, Vernon Communications, Vernon Electric, Vosseteig Funeral Home, Jacqueline Getter and VFW Post 3032 Auxiliary.
A special thanks was also issued to Jackie Getter and the Peace Share the Spirit Group of the Peace Lutheran Church of Readstown for their partnership in the holiday visit.
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