American Flag Donated to VFW Ladies Auxiliary

For several years, the women of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1926 have been collecting items (socks, Pop-Tarts, sunscreen) for Simsbury residents in the military deployed overseas. The most recent collection began in May and was sent out in early June.

“As long as men and women from our small town are serving in remote areas around the world the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1926 here in Simsbury will continue with their support,” wrote Betty Forristall, secretary of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, to kickoff the May campaign. “Our main objective is to send them supplies to make their lives a little easier.” 

To say thank you for those shipments, on Monday night at the board of selectmen’s meeting Jason Lill, a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne, presented an American flag that was flown in Afghanistan to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. He also presented one to the town.

“It’s always great to receive a package,” said Lill, who has lived in Tarriffville since 1998. He has completed two tours of duty. The most recent in Afghanistan.

In addition to the flag, he presented the town and the auxiliary with a plaque describing the flag’s provenance.

Lill flew C-12 planes and it was on one such a plane on September 11, 2010 that these flags were flown. On the plaque it described his mission, ODIN, observe, detect, identify and neutralize. He is part of Bravo Company Third Battalion 214^th Aviation. Lill was the pilot in command, chief warrant officer 4^{th class}.

“Thanks to the entire Simsbury community,” said Lill. “It’s an awesome town.”

At the selectmen's meeting to receive the plaque and flag for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary were Edna Schreindorfer, auxiliary chaplain; Betty Forristall, secretary of auxiliary; auxiliary member Sandy Pixley; Chuck Forristall, a member of the American Legion Post 84; Len Lanza, commander of the VFW Post 1926; and Jane Lanza. Missing from the presentation was auxiliary president Janice Higley and member Sharon Cross, who both wanted to bee there but for various reasons could not.

The flag, which is folded and in a wooden case, and plaque will be on display in the town hall until July 6.

The most recent drive has ended, but to find out other ways to help contact auxiliary president Janice Higley at 860-582-4574 or secretary Betty Forristall at 860-658-5397.

Since duty tours are for about 12 months, the rotation is an on going process. If you know of anyone from town serving overseas, let them know.