National Home Children Taste the Land’s Harvest

The warm smells of baking squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes filled the kitchen. To one side, sat a towel covered with drying pumpkin seeds. There were pomegranates, with deep crimson seeds bursting out, and a pumpkin pie sitting on the counter.

The preschool-aged children of the VFW National Home for Children recently took part in a Harvest Tasting, in which they experienced the variety of fruits and vegetables of fall.

One of the childcare workers was scooping out the hot food to cool for little mouths. She explained that the pumpkin seeds would be put away until next spring for planting in the garden.

As she placed the food on small plastic plates, the reception from the children was decidedly mixed.

“Yuck!” said one little girl.

“You haven’t even tried it,” a staff person said.

Soon it was time for their feast. There was a rushing around as the children picked up the toys and put them away.

“I want pumpkin pie,” several kids yelled out.

Staff encouraged the children to at least try the unfamiliar foods. One toddler was open-minded, gamely putting pomegranate seeds in her mouth and scooping up some of the squash.

Afterward, Miss Judy went around and asked which foods the children did like.

“You liked the sweet potato,” she said to one child.

“Anyone want seconds on anything?” she asked.

The children’s response?

“Pie, pie, pie!” they chanted.

 

Veterans Day 2014

“Veterans have shown kindness and honor to America in many different ways. They sacrifice their time and personal lives to give us freedom,” read the young girl. “This means sometimes they may have to leave their families and their homes for a long time.”

The VFW National Home for Children residents and staff observed Veterans Day 2014 with fellowship, song, and remembering the veterans in their lives.

The evening opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. After dinner, the young lady read from her paper, “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.” The paper has won the VFW Patriot’s Pen contest at the local post level.

She spoke about how veterans are brave and kind, and devoted to protecting our country.

“Veterans have risked their lives to save our country,” she said. “As patriots, they are courageous and brave.”

She should know – her mother was in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War and her grandfather was a Vietnam War veteran who recently passed away.

Next, National Home Veteran Support Specialist Ben Marosi spoke. Ben is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

“Thank you for your service,” he said to the veterans gathered there.

Ben said veterans are “a rare breed.” Military service is one of self-discipline, sacrifice, and dedication.

And one more trait – “Love for your fellow Americans.” A love that would allow you to throw yourself on a live grenade for someone you just met, he said.

Next, those in the audience were invited to share their thoughts and memories about veterans.

Education Services Supervisor Laura Lonsbery spoke first about the veterans in her family, including her husband.

“I’d like to say thank you to them, and thank you to the veterans in the crowd,” she said.

Case manager Naomi McClurg grew up on various military installations. Her father was a career military man who instilled a love of service in his children.

“We all grew up to serve,” she said. “Our choice was either to marry into the military or join the military.”

Naomi chose to marry a military man and become a social worker.

“Thank you to all the veterans for your service,” she said.

Education Specialist Dave Westjohn is also a veteran.

“I’m a very proud U.S. Army veteran,” he said.

Dave spoke about the empty table set for one, set in a corner of the room, waiting.

“Part of the brotherhood, sisterhood is missing,” he said. “We live with dimming hope they may one day return.”

“Please remember to say a silent prayer that they may all return,” he concluded.

The evening ended with music from country singer Tyler Roy of Battle Creek. He wrote a song titled “Be a Man” for the occasion.

“A man who will fight for you…” he sang.

Welcome to our new Trustees and Officers!

The VFW National Home for Children installed new officers and members to its Board of Trustees during its Annual Meeting of Life Members on October 25, 2014.

Jim Mueller of Missouri was named President and Virginia Carman of Washington is Vice President. Darlene Mays-Tittman of Virginia and Michael McGrath of Illinois were installed as Trustees.

Darlene Mays-Tittman

Darlene Mays-Tittman of District 5 has been a Life Member of the National Home for over 40 years.  Darlene’s first personal contact with the National Home was in 1960.  Her father, the Department Youth Chairman, took the State Marble Champion to a Tournament in Eaton Rapids.  Darlene’s parents took three small children from Virginia to the Home in 1960, and met the Virginia Cottage housemother.

In 1963, they took two more children to live at the National Home. Darlene became good friends with the house mother of Virginia Cottage.  In 1968 the VFW National Convention was in Detroit, and Darlene visited the National Home.  She is a strong supporter and advocate for the National Home.

Darlene is a 58-year Life Member of the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 176 in Virginia. She currently serves as President of her Auxiliary.  Darlene is a Past District President, Past Department President (1970-71) and Past Southern Conference President (1992-93). Darlene is a 40-year MOCA member serving as Grand President (1995-96) and has served as Grand Secretary for numerous terms. Darlene is currently serving her thirteenth year as Department VAVS Representative to Hampton VAMC.

Michael McGrath

Mike McGrath of District 8 earned VFW eligibility by serving in Viet Nam “66-67” as Infantry Platoon Leader, 1^st Cavalry Division.  He earned the Combat Infantry Badge (C.I.B.) and other decorations, including the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and 2 Unit Citations.

He is a Life Member of VFW Post 3873 and over the years has served in many Post/District Offices.  He is a two-time All-State Post Commander and additionally received the Nationally Community Service Recognition (National Community Service Outstanding Post Award).

He has been a Life Member of the VFW National Home for Children since 2010, serving as both Illinois Department and 19^th District National Home Chairman.  Additional awards and appointments include National Aide de Camp and National Deputy Chief of Staff.

He is active in his church, community, American Legion, and a member of the Chicago Area Runners Association, participating in several 5K races each year.  Having served in Viet Nam, Mike is concerned about the well-being of our troops and their families.  Mike believes our National Home for Children is doing a “Great Job” and enjoys his many visits throughout the years and is honored to serve as Trustee.

During the Life Members meeting, the Trustees got the chance to view the video, 2014 Year in Review – Four Seasons of Happiness. Check it out by clicking the link!

And here are more pictures from the weekend on Flickr!