VFW Recognizes local Pastor's Generosity
Posted on Dec 17 2007 at 1:10 PM
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Maricopa VFW recognizes local churches support

There is a traditional military cadence that sings of a girl who wears a yellow ribbon in her hair in remembrance of her soldier that has left for war.

The yellow ribbon has grown in popularity as it has made its way into the commercial realm of bumper stickers. But when it comes to supporting the troops, often times that support stops at the bumper.

The Maricopa VFW has been looking for a place to call home since its birth in 2003. And finding a place to hold meetings has been as difficult as trying to resell your Maricopa home for profit in today's market.

However as many doors shut in the faces of local veterans, a couple stayed open to include that of the 1st Baptist Church of Maricopa.

Thursday, the Maricopa VFW recognized minister Jim Johnson at the Chamber or Commerce for allowing the vets to use the church in previous months for annual meetings and special events like Christmas dinners. This has allowed these former war fighters to organize events like Buddy Poppy drives that raise money to support disabled vets, family members in need and the National Children's home – an orphanage in Washington D.C.

"This is what it means to be a part of a community," said Johnson, acknowledging the importance of supporting other community building organizations like the VFW.

Other VFW supporters have been the Maricopa Native New Yorker and the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce.

Photo and text courtesy of the Maricopa VFW

From left to right: Jr. Vice Commander Gene Wood,  Post Commander Bud Ryan, Jim Johnson, Bernie Crouse and District 10 Commander Dean Wyse.