The Elvis Presley Whitehaven VFW Post 4935, is greatly in need of your help and support. We have kicked off our fundraiser! Every single penny goes to them.
The VFW was founded for one, single purpose: to assure those who’ve protected our country are protected in return. This protection comes in the form of programs, standing up for veterans rights in Washington, D.C., and reaching out with help in communities across America. The hard truth is, we can’t do this without your generosity. Thanks in advance for your consideration. "I ain't no saint, but I
've tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God...I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feeling, I would believe I had contributed something to the world."
-Elvis commenting to a reporter, 1950's. INFORMATION TO CONTRIBUTORS
Our Elvis Presley Whitehaven VFW Post 4935 in Memphis, Tennessee is a tax-exempt, non-profit veterans group. Our elected officers, appointed officers, committeemen, and all of our other volunteers work and serve without pay or financial incentive. One-hundred percent of all contributed money is applied to further the work described above, and/or for whatever other financial or material needs or services that a veteran or his or her family may have. We rely upon the good will of our own members and of those who know of and support our worth while local and national programs. Much of our money, a very good-sized chunk of it, comes from contributions from among our own post membership, Auxiliaries, support members and from a number of other local and outside individuals who all support our goal of supporting our local veterans and their families. All donations to the post fully qualify as charitable contributions under the federal tax code and Federal and State IRS rules. You will be given a receipt for any and all money, equipment, materials, etc that you may donate. We Know What's Important
OUR MISSION:To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. OUR VISION: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country. OUR CORE VALUES:
Always put the interests of our members first
Treat donors as partners in our cause
Promote patriotism
Honor military service
Ensure the care of veterans and their families
Serve our communities
Promote a positive image of the VFW
Respect the diversity of veteran opinions
The History of the VFW
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans. Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there. There are an array of things that VFWs do to raise funds for altruistic purposes. By continuing to allocate money worthy causes, the VFW does its part to help make America a better place to live and to honor others who have sacrificed their lives to ensure America's continued prosperity. The Elvis Presley Memorial VFW Post 4935 is located just 2 Miles from Graceland! Please see this article to find out how the Elvis Presley Whitehaven Memorial VFW Post 4935 got its name! VFW post pays own tribute to Elvis in name
By June Robertson, Special to Whitehaven Appeal August 22, 2004 via the Elvis Information Network, www.elvisinfonet.com
During last year's Elvis Tribute Week, Ted Harris, a singer/songwriter from Georgia and a lifelong Elvis fan (he remembers watching the '68 comeback special on television even though he was only 3 years old), thought he would like to do something different to honor Memphis's most famous resident. A Marine Corps and Navy veteran with 22 years of service, Harris is proud that Elvis Presley served in the armed forces and is impressed with the way he conducted himself during the two years he spent in the Army, refusing all special treatment offered to him. "He just wanted to be one of the guys, a regular soldier and I don't think that at the time his service was as appreciated as it should have been, nor has it really been acknowledged since," said Harris. "When Elvis passed away, I understand there was a military honor guard standing by his coffin at the visitation but he should have had a full veteran's funeral service, he earned it." As Whitehaven VFW Post 4935 junior vice commander, Harris received no opposition when he decided to pitch the idea to the almost 300 members to rename the post the Elvis Presley Whitehaven Memorial 4935. The result was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Aug. 7 attended by Elvis's first drummer, the legendary D.J. Fontana. Harris's own newly formed band, The EP Express, gave a show at 3 to continue the daylong dedication. The 10-member band of seasoned and talented musicians includes Harris' wife, Cathy, who is a veteran of 21 years. Harris hopes to bring in new and younger veterans as members, and the public is also welcome. "Elvis Presley was a great patriot who gave unselfishly to his country and the world," said Harris. "This is giving him a little bit back, we are proud to do this for him." Planned as a further tribute, Harris wants the members of Post 4935 to present Lisa Marie Presley and Graceland with an American flag on March 24, the anniversary of Elvis's induction into the Army. "I think Elvis would be pleased," Harris said. VFW Programs & Projects
Since its founding, VFW has been a staple in the community. Troop support, youth activities, volunteering and scholarship programs are a few of the ways VFW shines in the many communities and cities where Posts are located.
Our mission is to preserve and defend the Old Forest and open spaces of Overton Park for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. We offer free nat...
Providing high-quality healthcare to the underserved in the context of distinctively Christian service. We recognize that Jesus Christ is the true healer of individuals and their c...