New Buddy Poppy Child Spencer made his debut at the 2012 VFW National Convention, where he shared with the crowd what living at the National Home has meant for him and his family.
“I am thankful to be part of such a friendly community and for the trips and activities I get to do,” said Spencer. “I like living at the National Home because it is a fun, peaceful place, and you know you can trust the people around you.”
Some of his favorite things about life at the National Home are State Days, the annual Cedar Point trip, hosted by VFW Post #2529 in Sandusky, Ohio, and the Military Order of the Cootie Grand of Michigan, and being part of the National Home’s 4-H club, the VFW Dynamos, where he got to raise and show his pig, Sloppy Joe, at the Eaton County Fair. He is also a member of the 2012 Patriot’s Chorus.
Last fall, Spencer was one of the residents chosen to travel to New York City to celebrate the Statue of Liberty’s 125th birthday with the Ladies Auxiliary, under the leadership of then-President Gwen Rankin. It was a trip he would not soon forget.
“I am so lucky to be able to see this as a 10-year-old kid,” he exclaimed after his first sighting of the famous Statue. “Most people will never get to see this in their lifetime!”
The Liberty Kids celebrating the Statue of Liberty’s 125th Anniversary with the Ladies Auxiliary.
Spencer is 11 years old and will enter sixth grade when school starts up again in September. He lives in the Georgia House with his mom and two brothers.
You can watch his speech to the VFW Convention on our YouTube Channel.
IS THERE A WAY TO GET A ADDRESS OF THESE HOMES SO THAT WE COULD GO BY AND SAY HI AND SEE WHAT OUR DONATIONS ARE DOING.
THANKS,
JERRY ELLIOTT
VFW 9190 HALTOM CITY, TEX
Hi Jerry,
All the homes are located on our campus at 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, Michigan. We love to have visitors! We offer tours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. If you are ever in the area, please give us a call and we’d be happy to show you around.
IS THERE ONLY ONE AREA FOR THE HOMES OR IN ALL STATES, IF SO, WHERE CAN I GET THE ONE FOR TEXAS
The Michigan site is the only one of its kind. Homes on our campus bear the names of the states from where they are sponsored. The Texas House, for example, is sponsored by the VFW Department of Texas, even though it is located here. Hope that helps.
THANK YOU FOR CLEARING THAT UP FOR ME.
DO THE KIDS FROM EACH LIVE IN THE HOUSE OF THERE STATE?
Good questions! Thanks for your interest. Families come from anywhere in the nation and are placed in homes based on family need and availability. Sometimes a family from a particular state may be placed in that state’s house, but only if the home is available and meets their needs.