VFW Post 418 and Legion Post 618 To Host Veterans’ Event Nov. 21

Veterans of Foreign Wars Vesle Post 418 and the American Legion will be hosting a Veterans’ Advocacy Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at 1242 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. All current and former members of the United States military as well as an immediate family member are encouraged to attend.

In addition to being provided a meal and chances at raffle prizes, those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet with service officers and staff from the Veterans Leadership Program and the Veterans Administration. Other community service organizations are also scheduled to be there, as well as noted local Vietnam veteran and VFW member, Rocky Bleier.

“We’re excited to be doing this,” said Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran Ed Carter III. “Our VFW post and our membership here are dedicated to helping our fellow veterans. We want to thank them for their service, and remind people that we are here as we’ve been for generations – to honor and assist all former members of the United States armed forces.”

A Navy veteran and retired law enforcement officer, Carter said that some of the fondest recollections of his childhood were at VFW Post 418. There, as an 11-year-old bugler, he played taps at ceremonies where his father – Edward P. Carter, Jr. – served as commander.

“My father was a life member of the post, and dedicated much of his time after his stint in the army to helping our community and local veterans here,” he said. “I’m proud to be carrying on his tradition.”

Carter said that part of the VFW’s mission is to help link veterans to benefits they’ve earned through their military service. He said that he is encouraging those attending the event to bring their discharge papers to be reviewed by qualified veteran service officers.

“Many veterans are eligible for things like healthcare and educational benefits that they may not be aware of,” Carter said. “The advocacy day will provide an opportunity to give them some insight about what is available.”

He also said that VFW Post 418 – as well as many other Pittsburgh-area posts – have supported local student scholarship programs, and taken part in fundraising activities for the Captain Sean M. Ruane Memorial Foundation.

“At the VFW, we do our best to honor those who are left behind,” said Carter.

Carter said that the advocacy day would’ve never been possible without the help and support of his fellow veterans.

“Joe Bopp and the members of American Legion Post 618 were extremely helpful in getting this together, as were the VFW Post 418 Commander Chas Maritz, Mike Richardson, and the other post members. Everybody worked hard to make certain this came off without a hitch.”

For more information about VFW Post 418 and to RSVP, contact Carter at: 412-771-7034.