I would like to tell you about a group of veterans from VFW Post 1739, in Belleville, IL; particularly the veterans, who are members of the RSVP program, that supports St. Clair and Madison Counties.  Commander Daniel W. Joergensen, Howard Bateman, Daniel Buentgen, Robert Simonds and Auxiliary member Grace Moon are all vital and active members of RSVP, who support former and current servicemen and women in Illinois, as well as serving the needs of the community through education, environmental causes, transportation and the Home Delivered Meal program.

    The fella’s just happen to be Vietnam Vets, who have dedicated their retirement years to helping less fortunate veterans and active service members regardless of the branch of service they represent.  All are equal under VFW Post 1739.    The group has hosted a weekly bingo for over twenty-five years donating the profits to purchase essential personal supplies for veterans at both John Cochran Hospital and Jefferson Barracks Hospital in St. Louis, MO.  They host activities for the veteran residents at Jefferson Barracks twice a month, giving away prizes along with food and fruit.   In addition to that the group donates cash and supplies to the veteran’s home in Anna, IL twice a year.  In conjunction with RSVP, VFW Post 1739 is collecting used cell phones that are in turn sent to the “Cell Phones for Soldiers program”.  Proceeds from this “Green” initiative supply pre-purchased phone cards so soldiers can call home.  This dedicated team also works with the Veterans Assistance Relief Fund; helping returning military with employment and housing assistance.  

Transportation is an issue for many seniors.  VFW Post 1739 provides veterans with needed trips to the doctor, often transporting the veterans to Missouri for care. 

Another area of support is the new Parole Officers that mentor former servicemen in Veteran’s Court.  Supporting veterans’ needs is not the only commitment to the community these volunteers offer.   RSVP member Howard B. serves as a Veteran’s Counselor, the Commander of Disabled American Veterans local chapter 24, and works with the veterans within Department of Veterans Affairs, he also volunteers at the information desk at Cahokia Mounds Museum and World Heritage Center.    Dan J. teaches computer classes to mature adults at the senior center, and is a member of the RSVP Advisory Board.   Bob S. delivered meals twice a week to the home bound elderly.   Grace M. sends care packages overseas to service members stationed all over the world, serves desserts at local nursing homes for their birthday parties and volunteers at a local hospital.     Dan B. donates additional time each month to provide activities to the veterans at Jefferson Barracks Hospital and Home.

 This group of veteran’s is an exemplary example of people supporting their communities through RSVP, making the world a better place to live, one day at a time.  They never ask for recognition and are quick to respond to any RSVP need.   Each and every one of them embodies the spirit of a public servant.