09/09/2026
Thank you for the recognition of our VFW Auxiliary Post 2913 Senior Vice President Jeslie Alvarado and Post Sr. Vice Commander Eric D'Arce. The family was well surprised during the legislative hearing that took place prior to the game with a proclamation from the Legislator.
In the August 27 VFW Auxiliary National E-Newsletter, we introduced you to our new feature, Celebration Corner, in which we recognize our incredible members. Our first celebration was for Jeslie Alvarado, Senior Vice-President of Auxiliary 2913 in the Department of New York.
Last month, Alvarado collaborated with Suffolk County Legislator and Purple Heart recipient Lt. Colonel Chad Lennon and New York Jets' Military Liaison Steven Castleton to surprise VFW Post 2913 Senior Vice Commander and Marine Corps veteran Eric D’Arce with a special recognition during the NY Jets game. D'Arce knew he was headed to see the Jets play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it caught him off-guard when he was called to the field to stand at the podium with his family and learned he'd even been nominated for Jets Veteran of the Game.
"I had not a clue," writes D'Arce, who shared photos to Instagram thanking Alvarado and tagging the Auxiliary. The couple, who are currently expecting a baby, brought their two children and represented the VFW Post and Auxiliary by wearing their caps.
Alvarado "has been a beacon in my life and in our community and I believe wholeheartedly that is exactly the mission and purpose of the Auxiliary," writes D'Arce. "To provide support when needed and aid to those who are underserved and underprivileged - she embodies that mission unlike anyone else that I have seen... even with a baby belly."
To read the full article and see more photos, check out the August 27th E-Newsletter, which was emailed to members last Thursday.
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