Three Rivers VFW Post 1324 Auxiliary

08/24/2026

This year's scholarships and art contests!

At VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters, we have received a number of questions recently about VFW and VFW Auxiliary scholarships and contests. There is some confusion about which scholarships and contests "belong" to which organization, so we've created this quick, handy guide to help keep it all straight!

VFW Auxiliary scholarships for high school students include the Young American Patriotic Art Contest and 3-Dimensional Art Contest. Find more information about these on our website, here: https://vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/scholarships-2/

The VFW Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship for members and their immediate family can be found here: https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/continuing-education/

The VFW Auxiliary's Illustrating America contest is for students in grades K-8. Find more, including submission forms, here: https://vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/youth-activities/

While we do promote the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen as part of our Scholarships Program, these are VFW scholarships. If you have questions about them, please reach out to them directly. You can find this year's theme and submission information, including a guide to finding local Posts, on their website, here: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

The VFW's "Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship" information can also be found on their website, here: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support

Learn more about the Smart-Maher Teacher of the Year contest, sponsored by the VFW, here: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/teacher-of-the-year

We hope this helps! Thank you for promoting these incredible opportunities.

08/17/2026

MALTA is our friend! It is such a great resource and is available to every member of the Auxiliary. Take a look around, click on any of the programs you might be interested in, and get answers!

Today is MALTA Monday!

Do you have any questions about how to use our online database and app just for members, MALTA?

Do you know where to find what you need in the Member Resources section of MALTA?

Is there a resource you would love to be able to access in MALTA, but hasn't been added yet?

Let us know!

08/11/2026

The Auxiliary meets at the same time on the other end of the Hall!

**It’s almost VFW meeting time!**

Yep… that magical time of the month when we gather together to discuss important things, solve problems, tell a few stories, and somehow manage to make the meeting last longer than the average TV commercial. 😂

📅 **Wednesday night 8/12/26**
⏰ **7:00PM**
📍 **VFW Post 1324**

But seriously — **your VFW is only as strong as the members who show up.** Whether you’ve been around for 50 years or you’re still trying to figure out where the coffee pot is, **you have a place at the table.**

Come see what’s happening, hear what we’re working on, share your ideas, and help us keep **VFW Post 1324** moving forward.

You served. You earned your membership.

Now come put it to work. 🇺🇸

**See you Wednesday!**

07/08/2026

MALTA is back online as of yesterday!

And... we're back!

As of this morning, MALTA is again available. We have made our 2026-2027 Program Year updates with the exception of those that happen shortly after National Convention (e.g. new National Line Officers bios, updated Patriotism Through Literacy booklist). Find Member Resources, update your email address, add your "unofficial" join date, access National Convention information, view your membership card and more using MALTA any time you're online.

If you are not yet using MALTA, we urge you to sign up today. It is not "just for officers," it includes resources and benefits for every single member. You can even view your membership card and profile both while using the desktop version and while using the MALTA app, and through this you can add your membership card to your phone wallet so you never again have to worry about forgetting to bring it to a meeting or not having strong enough internet access to access the app while next in line to be greeted by the Guard at the door.

Members already using MALTA, what's your favorite thing about it? Let us - and your fellow members - know in the comments.

Access MALTA on the web, here: https://malta.vfwauxiliary.org
Download the MALTA app for iPhone here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vfw-auxiliary-malta/id6482576653
Download the MALTA app via Google Play here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vfwauxiliary

07/03/2026

We came together to celebrate 250 years of a wonderful nation and its military with this roomful of veterans and their families.

07/01/2026

MALTA is down for updates with the new fiscal year. Try back later!

Attention Members:

MALTA is currently DOWN for annual updates as we prepare to officially kick-off the 2026-2027 Program Year. We will share on social media when MALTA is again available. At that time, you will be able to access the new Program Book, including awards information and the focuses of our incoming National Ambassadors, plus details about our 2026-2027 National President’s special project and more.

Check back soon!

06/23/2026

What a beautiful tribute this will be for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Vets Helping Vets H.Q. invites the public to view the Wall of Honor that will be on display in the Keizer/Salem area over the Fourth of July weekend, at Volcanoes Stadium at 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE in Keizer.

The Wall of Honor display recognizes and honors the more than 7,000 service members lost in the post‑9/11 Global War on Terrorism. This traveling memorial provides a space for reflection, healing, education, and veteran connection. The display is FREE and open to the public, and attending the evening baseball games at the venue is not required to visit the memorial.

The display will be available for the public view over a three-day span and can be found below.

• Friday, July 3: noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4: noon to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, July 5: noon to 6 p.m.

Community members are welcomed and encouraged to take time this holiday weekend to visit the Wall of Honor and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who gave everything for freedom.

06/12/2026

Thank you to all of our female veterans!

Today is is National Women Veterans Recognition Day.

As explained by the VA, this is not a Veterans Day just for women, but a celebration of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948, which was significant in that is allowed women the right to permanently and fully serve in the regular armed forces (and to be recognized as veterans after doing so).

Prior to the signing of this act, military women (save for nurses) were sent home after each conflict. Many were not treated as veterans who served their nation, but like civilians. They were often denied the rights and benefits afforded to men who'd served beside them, simply because of their gender. The act "deemed women essential to war efforts and allowed them to serve in the regular armed forces full time," (Missina Schallus, VA news).

Women have served in conflicts and wars throughout America's history, including the Civil War and the Revolutionary War, in positions as nurses and support staff (and even as spies!).

The VA notes, "Currently, Women Veterans Recognition Day is a state-recognized commemoration. This year, the states of Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah... and Wisconsin will recognize" it, as will the Virgin Islands.

With that in mind, today and every day we salute women veterans, regardless of when, where, how or how long they served, or whether they reside in a state that recognizes the holiday. Thank you all.

06/04/2026

June is PTS(D) Awareness Month.

While post-traumatic stress does not solely affect veterans, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to suffer the effects of PTS(D), with a documented 6% of male veterans and 13% of female veterans experiencing it in their lifetimes (though actual numbers may be substantially higher, as many of those who struggle with post-traumatic stress do not seek diagnosis or treatment). The number of veterans diagnosed with PTS(D) is higher among those who've served in recent conflicts (for example, up to 29% of Iraqi Freedom veterans) than those who served nearly a century ago (3% of WWII and Korean War veterans) but it is important to remember that what we now know as PTS(D) was known by a number of other names in the past: "Shell Shock," "Battle Fatigue," "Soldier's Heart," "Combat Stress Reaction" and even the misleading "Nostalgia."

“Asking for support is not waving a white flag, it is a tactical decision to stay in the fight for your family, your future and your life,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

As a VFW Auxiliary members, you can help by knowing the signs, memorizing the Veterans Crisis Line number and sharing resources with those in need. Use the linked articles below to get started.

The VFW is shining a spotlight on PTS(D) this June. Read their article here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-highlights-importance-of-mental-health-this-national-ptsd-awareness-month

The VA shares the basics of PTS(D), including signs:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

The VA also has linked resources for those who need help:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

For those having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or feelings of hopelessness, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
Just dial 988, then press 1.

For a brief history on the usage of PTSD versus older terms like shell shock, see this History Channel article:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock

05/27/2026

If you or a neighbor has a worn, damaged, or faded flag, please consider bringing it to the VFW and deposit it here. Read more details below! Thank you!

🇺🇸🗽

🇺🇸 Flag Day – Honor the Flag 🇺🇸

On June 14th, we celebrate Flag Day—a time to honor the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of our nation’s freedom, unity, and the sacrifices made to protect it.

Do you have a worn, faded, or damaged American flag? Please don’t throw it away.

Our VFW Post proudly provides a Flag Disposal Drop Box to ensure that unserviceable flags are retired with the dignity and respect they deserve through a proper ceremonial process.

📍 Drop off your flags at our Post anytime
🎖️ All flags are respectfully retired according to the U.S. Flag Code

Join us in showing respect for our nation’s flag and everything it represents.

🇺🇸 Never forget what it stands for. 🇺🇸