PFC actions; Don’t overreact For pity’s sake people, get a grip! We on the PFC were made aware of the Meriter billing issue for the first time at the November meeting. Having no time to weigh the pros and cons, or implications of payment/non-payment of the invoices, we voted to hold them in abeyance for the moment. We are not refusing to pay these invoices. In these very uncertain fiscal times, it certainly appears to be worth investigating why so many communities do not pay these charges. If they’re not being pursued for payment by Meriter, why not? Is this truly a bill for services rendered? Why would you even issue an invoice if you were never expecting payment? There are many questions that remain to be answered, and they will be. The sky is not falling because the PFC chose to hold these bill in abeyance until we get the rest of the story. In hindsight, the issue should have been tabled. But hindsight is always 20/20. In the meantime, take deep breaths. – Casey Carney Kris Boucher PFC members VFW makes a difference In 1899, some veterans from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Inserection met in Columbus, Ohio, and formed the American Veterans of Foreign Wars. The precise purpose of our organization is to assist veterans and their families. While many organizations are collecting creature comfort items and other items for our service personnel serving our country all over the world, we must not forget about our soldier and their family right here at home. This person could be our neighbor, a friend, a family member or even yourself. Today we must reach out to touch the lives of our veterans guaranteeing them the opportunity toward a positive and productive quality of life. One very successful activity that the Voss-Philipsky Post 8057 and its ladies auxiliary of Horicon has undertaken in the past several years is the annual Food Drive For Needy Veterans. Seven years ago, Post Commander Jason Stearns had the idea for a food drive. This was to collect non-perishable food items to help needy veterans to have a feast of food for their holiday sharing. With the assistance of the ladies auxiliary, the needs of 12 families were met that first year. Last year, more than 60 units of groceries were handed out. That was close to 2,000 pounds of food. Each unit contains a well-rounded variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items with several cans of soup and vegetables. There are always snack and dessert items included. You may ask, "how do we know who is in need?" Our first contact is Mark Grams, the Dodge County veterans service officer. He lets us know how many families would need groceries. We never know the name of the recipient, just that they are in need. The other way we know of the veteran’s need is by word of mouth. Many of our fellow comrades and auxiliary sisters know of other veteran families that could use a little help. We address the need wherever it exists; not just in Dodge County. That is just where it began seven years ago. The annual food drive is more than just a veterans and family support project. The collection and distribution of the nonperishable foods "Make A Difference" as we touch the lives of our veterans and their families in the community. Containers for collection have now been placed in area grocery stores and in some businesses in Mayville, Juneau, Iron Ridge and Beaver Dam. If you know of a veteran or their family who may need a grocery bag, contact me at (920) 485-4352 afternoon or evening. We understand that these economic times are rough for many people. We ask that those who have much share with those who have little or none. Thank you to all who have contributed in the past. We also say "thank you" to the generous communities in the area for making this activity so successful. This Veterans’ Day, as we salute the brave men and women who are fighting in harm’s way while keeping us safe at home, let us also salute all veterans and remember to say, "thank you for serving." — Helen Stearns Horicon