07/23/2026
Good morning everyone! Happy Thursday!
Meet Carol Poenitske
Junior Vice President, VFW Auxiliary
If you've spent any time at our VFW, chances are you've met Carol Poenitske. And if you haven't yet, don't worry—you probably will soon. Carol has a way of making everyone feel welcome.
Carol has been a member of the VFW Auxiliary for 35 years and currently serves as our Junior Vice President. She has also served as Senior Vice President and continues to dedicate her time to supporting veterans, their families, and our VFW community.
Her late husband, Dennis, became a lifetime member of the VFW in 1968, and together they shared a lifelong connection to the organization. For Carol, being part of the Auxiliary is simple—she genuinely enjoys helping people and making everyone feel welcome.
One thing that stands out immediately is her kindness. Carol says she's been blessed with the ability to treat people with grace, and it shows. If she notices someone sitting alone, she's often the first to walk over, introduce herself, and make them feel like they've belonged all along.
Don't let that warm smile fool you, though. Carol has a wonderfully quick wit and a fantastic sense of humor that catches people completely by surprise. She loves to laugh and has a way of making everyone around her smile.
Over the years, Carol has worn many hats. She's worked as a Realtor, a beautician, and even a floor installer—proof that she's never been afraid of hard work or trying something new.
Some of Carol's favorite hobbies include sewing, golfing, and spending time at the beach. She's especially known for her baking and loves sharing her homemade treats with family and friends.
When I asked Carol what she's most proud of, her answer came without hesitation: her two daughters. It was a simple answer, but one that says everything about the kind of person she is.
Thank you, Carol, for your kindness, your laughter, and for making our VFW feel like home for so many people.
