In case you’re wondering who Byron is, District 13’s VFWs have a continual contest going where Byron the Cat is toted in a poppy basket to all district meetings and taken home by the post who has the most members in attendance. Here at VFW Post 4174, we are proud to report he is happily back in our “house” overlooking the post and its members for another consecutive month.

Feb. 19 saw our District Meeting in the North Fort Myers Post and we were able to defeat their attendance by one person! They were happy with their 44 until our lost wanderer slunk in just in time for the count! We did have three more wander in, but they were too late to be counted. We were still happy to see them!

This month has been an important one for our Posts, as we procured a special sign for our Veteran’s Crisis line and thanks to Juan, we were able to have it posted on the parade route for the Edison Festival of Lights parade, which is one of the biggest annual February events. The wording states that “If you need a sign NOT to kill yourself today, please let This be it. And the number for the Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255. Press 1 when it is answered.”

As proof that our veterans and families work together for the good of our military heroes, the meeting was centered around much of the Combat Trauma Support Group which is currently holding its meetings at the VFW Post 4174 in Lehigh Acres. The address is 25 Homestead Road and a call to the post will give any information necessary. The phone number is 239-369-5100.

It amazed the Board members of the Combat Trauma Support Group that the donations and pledges from the attendees of the Feb. 19 meeting came to over $5,200, which is awesome, especially since it is a non-profit organization, as are all Posts. This is just one more way we are showing our support for veterans and are hoping to get more posts involved in this worthy venture.

There will be so many more events coming up in the future and the public is always welcome to participate. You will be glad you did!