Here's what's happening at the Post:

Four local residents were presented with Honorary Guest Cards and framed Proclamations at the April 2008 General Membership meeting of Franklin Lakes, NJ VFW Post 5702.

“As a VFW post, how do you say thanks to people who are not members of the VFW, but have donated hours of their time and expertise on a consistent basis to help you in a variety of ways,” asked Post 5702 Commander Steve Vreeland. “The Honorary Guest Card is allowed under the By-Laws, and we think a very appropriate way to express our gratitude.”

Honored for their efforts on behalf of Post 5702 were Teresa Rissmeyer, Post 5702’s webmaster, Bill Gorton, a guidance counselor at the Franklin Avenue Middle School in Franklin Lakes whose Peer Leadership students have helped Post 5702 at numerous post-sponsored events, Ed Hauser, a jack-of-all-trades with many talents, and Mr. Jack Goudsward, a local historian who has helped Post 5702 improve its educational exhibits.

The honorees were surprised and moved by the presentation. In a message to Post 5702 regarding her Guest Card and proclamation, Teresa Rissmeyer expressed the following: “The heartfelt words and sentiments from all of you really meant a lot to me,” stated Teresa Rissmeyer. “I want to sincerely thank you all for your kindness in honoring me and my efforts to the Post. I look forward to our continued development of the website.” Jack Goudsward echoed those sentiments with the following statement: “Thank you again for a wonderful night. It was something I truly did not expect.”

Post 5702 plans to continue presenting Honorary Guest Cards to other local residents who help Post 5702 accomplish its mission. For additional information and to learn what Post 5702 is doing to accomplish its mission, log onto Post 5702’s award-winning website at: VFWPOST5702.org