OxfordPress.com

BUTLER COUNTY — Local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts are united in their efforts to ensure the volunteer armed forces fighting the war on terrorism are supported.

With Vietnam veterans in post leadership, today's servicemen and women find themselves benefitting from mistakes from another era. Key efforts of veteran organizations are extending a warm welcome and protecting the rights of those returning. With recent legislative changes, a two-year window exists for registration for veterans health care services when there are no service-connected disabilities, said Chris Haynes, VFW Post 7670 commander.

"A lot of veterans don't understand. It could take up to a year to get into the system. It's our job to let them know," said the Desert Storm veteran.

Wayne Twp. resident Bill McGeorge, quartermaster, said the Overpeck post also donates the use of the hall and volunteers for fundraisers for the Lebanon-based Thank You Foundation.

Kenneth E. Fields, quartermaster of Fairfield's Post 1069, said new members are advised of their entitlements available through the Veterans Affairs system. The Vietnam veteran said those joining the VFW find the benefit of a national organization representing them.

The national VFW headquarters encourages posts to adopt soldiers. Post 3809 in Middletown has been actively following that directive. Each month Rick Hart, quartermaster is allocated $300 to purchase and send items needed by the troops. When requests — e-mailed to Hart — exceed the budget, the extra money comes from fundraising and donations.

"Whatever they want, I send them. DVD players, boots, socks. It's all about morale," said Hart, a Vietnam veteran and retired Air Force master sergeant.

The coordinator of the post's military assistance program, Hart and his wife Linda Lou, a Navy veteran, open their Monroe home to host fundraisers twice a year in their NCO club-theme game room.

The room is decorated with photos of past visitors, including Army Staff Sgt. Jon Martin, 33, of Bellevue, who died Thanksgiving Day 2007 from injuries suffered when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb Nov. 9. Hundreds of photos of visitors, movie posters, flags flown in Iraq, memorabilia, and more cover the desert sand-painted walls and ceiling.

A complete bar with beer, soft drinks, candles, and soft lighting make a pleasant atmosphere for visiting soldiers to relax. Pinball machines, games, juke box, and other activities are geared to make it a fun place.

Upstairs, the Harts offer a guest room for traveling military to stay the night or a few days.

"I feel it is great to help somebody out when they need it," he said.

"This is our mission. So they aren't forgotten and they're taken care of," said Linda Lou Hart. "We (Vietnam veterans) didn't have that support."

Standing in the doorway of the cozy guest room, Rick Hart wears his heart on his sleeve as he explains his motivation.

"It's an honor."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2169 or pmccracken@coxohio.com.