Where did you serve and what did you do?

Desert Storm KC-135 Aircraft Mechanic

How are you Still Serving?

IL VFW Members Support USO as Troops Head Home for the Holidays On December 21, VFW members from Illinois Districts 14 and 12 joined forces to assist the USO at St. Louis Lambert International Airport as thousands of troops rolled through on their way home for Christmas. Approximately 1,500 young service members, recently released from Basic Training, passed through the airport to reunite with their families for the holiday season. The volunteers played a key role in making the soldiers’ travels smoother, conducting pre-TSA checks to ensure compliance with airline security requirements. They assisted troops in removing prohibited items, such as liquids, from their carry-ons and uniform pockets and directed them to the correct terminals and gates. Among the dedicated VFW volunteers were Department of Illinois Commander Maurice Bridges, District 14 Commander Doug Jameson, District 14 Senior Vice Commander Aimee Wagoner, Department of Illinois Inspector Cathy Stubbs, and Steve Eller. Scott Air Force Base Post member Gary Shuler, East St. Louis Post Commander Valerie Young and Quartermaster Jeannen Flemings, as well as Collinsville Post Commander Alonzo Skipper and his wife, Tara, who is active in the Auxiliary, also contributed their time and efforts. “This was a great morning,” Commander Bridges shared in a Facebook post, highlighting the unity and purpose shown by the volunteers. The mission not only supported the USO but also exemplified the VFW’s commitment to serving and uplifting active-duty troops. For the young soldiers passing through, the kindness and assistance from these VFW members served as a heartfelt welcome as they began their journeys home for the holidays.

Why do you do it?

Giving back! The Air Force saved my life