A hope to raise awareness and membership has prompted VFW member and Post Adjutant Donna Monteleone to issue a notice calling for new veterans to join the organization.

"Are you a Veteran who served in a Combat Zone?" the notice asks.

Newtown VFW Post 308 welcomes new members to this active organization serving veterans, their families, our community and our schools," it states.

Members do not need to live in Newtown. The first year of membership is free.

Newtown's post was established in 1939, and 2015 marked 76 years of service to the community.

The VFW Post's activities include:

*Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy Essay Competition / Scholarships - Support writing and patriotism through local participation in this nationally sponsored student essay competition. Students receive local, district and state awards.

*Members place flags on graves, accept flags for flag retirement "for all flags that are no longer serviceable. This is a joint project with Newtown Scouts." Veterans Day and Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies.

*Support others by visiting elderly veterans at Masonicare of Newtown, supporting state outreach to Homeless veterans.

*Fundraising - The Buddy Poppy program generates proceeds to benefit the VFW National Home for Children. Other fundraising supports post 308 programs or the community including Sandy Hook relief funds for first responders, and other outreach.

*Scholarships for Children of Newtown Veterans - Each Spring the Newtown post holds an essay contest for children of VFW/Auxiliary members who are graduating seniors. Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded.

*Supporting units overseas through care packages, sending additional gifts and items to the state Veterans Hospital in Rocky Hill.

Monthly meetings for VFW members are the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. The Ladies Auxiliary meets the first Wednesday monthly at 7 pm, and the Men's Auxiliary meets the fourth Wednesday at 6 pm. Newtown's VFW post is on Freedom Defenders Way (use 18 Tinkerfield Road on GPS)[mappress mapid="24"].

Call the post at 203-426-9316. Reach out to post members at .vfwpost308newtown@gmail.com

For more information visit .vfwpost308.com