From Commander Scott Zilch

Hello Members, Auxiliary, families, and friends of VFW Post 4353

It has been a year since our uninvited guest Hurricane Ian darkened our doorways and changed our lives forever. The random destruction that either destroyed one home and left the neighbor standing, or left your home and destroyed your neighbors, had all of us appreciating any positive sign that we could derive from this.
The Members, Auxiliary, Friends, and Supporters of VFW Post 4353 that were impacted, had significant decisions to make in the aftermath, and are still making those decisions as they still have to decide whether to leave and never return, remain, and rebuild, or assist others in their efforts. Every one of us has had these conversations with our families, and friends. Thank God that we still have a building to have those conversations in.
One of the things that I have noticed is the comradeship that is becoming evident within our Post. People that have stepped into roles that they may not have thought about prior to this hundred-year event. Please express your thanks to those people that have again answered their call to duty, even in the darkest hour. Many of them still do not even have a home and are still reeling through the red tape that it takes to move forward. Also, do not forget the people that have taken on different roles within the Post. They are the backbone of this Post and organization, doing many things that have kept this facility open and profitable. I am proud to be shoulder to shoulder with them. There are new faces among us, and if I have not had the opportunity to get to know you please introduce yourself to me.
We have been able to finally get some of our improvements back on track, and the building is looking better every month. If you can afford a few moments of your time to help maintain the grounds, please let me know. It certainly could be easier on the staff than it currently is, with just a small amount of volunteering by a few more folks. Also, if you see something that you feel needs improvement, please look for a suggestion form. They should be near our printed calendars. These will be discussed at our house committee meeting that you are all invited to attend. I am also looking for more participation from our membership, to be voting members on the committee. Post 4353 is your Post, and your ideas, input, and enthusiasm are all needed. We are always looking for volunteers, even the smaller projects and for our events. If you have an idea for an event or fundraising, please share it. We are continually looking for events to add to the calendar.
Thanks to Ian, there have been new preparations and networking that have given us access to resources through organizations like The Greater Pine Island Alliance. I am grateful that we have organizations and neighbors that have come together not only to assist in recovery but prepare for the next significant event. Let’s support these local organizations and efforts. As we welcome the return of our friends from the north, can we expect an increase in our volunteering? Will we see an influx of new neighbors as properties change hands and are refurbished? Please treat each unknown visitor as a welcome friend when they visit Post 4353. Let us keep the cheerful outlook at the Post and share it with possible future members and supporters.
I look forward to seeing you at the post and around the community. Continue to remain Pine Island (Post 4353) Strong!

Scott Zilch
Commander