To: Franklin Lakes Desk, Suburban News
Fm: Steve Vreeland, Commander VFW 5702, Franklin Lakes
201-523-0995

Date: April 20, 2006

FAMS Visits VFW 5702

What's the mission of the VFW, and what happens at a VFW Post? On Friday, April 7, 2006, 25 students from Mrs. Milano's Franklin Avenue Middle School ACE Program crossed the street and visited VFW Post 5702. During their two and one-half hour stay, they learned the answers to those questions and a great deal more.

In preparation for their field trip, the students read an original short story entitled A Visit to the VFW , written by a Post member, educator, and author Doug Neralich. During their stay, the students learned a bit of history by participating in a Fact Scavenger Hunt that required them to scour the many permanent exhibits in the Post for specific information. A special exhibit composed of detailed scale wooden models of the USS Constellation and the USS Constitution were brought in by VFW Post 5702 Post Commander Steve Vreeland.

Students also watched a video that presented information concerning the history, care and respect for the American Flag. Additionally, students learned about military cuisine by participating in an activity that allowed them to sample the contents of military style Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). They were also introduced to an exercise called Tank Math. Their experience was enriched and punctuated by input and stories from Post members Joe Schrieber and Jim Sweeney.

The students found the visit “fun, informative, interesting,” and “a good experience,” and many of them really enjoyed sampling the MREs as well as the Fact Scavenger Hunt. Additional visits involving other groups of students are planned. If you wish to know more about the VFW and Post 5702 in particular, or if you wish to read the short story A Visit to the VFW, please visit the Post website at www.vfwpost5702.org

This site was built by and is maintained by troseDesign http://www.troseDesign.com .Please send any comments or requests for information to Teresa.