Santee VFW Opens to the Public for Veterans Day, Will Join Forces With American Legion

American Legion Post 364 is looking to renew its Santee charter by joining forces with Santee Post 9327 and sharing facilities.  VFW Commander Christopher Hanson is looking forward to starting a new chapter for all local Santee Veterans. 

In order for the American Legion charter to be reactivated, they need ten new members to sign up and vote in their officers. They already have commitments from eight military veterans to get things started.  Once they are up and running, they have heard from dozens of other American Legion members who want to transfer back to Santee. 

To join the VFW, you need to have served in a foreign war. To join the American Legion, you had to have served in the military. The yearly dues for each are $35, but life membership is always encouraged to save money in the long run.  Affordable payment plans are available.

To showcase the local post, the VFW is opening the canteen up to the public on Saturday, November 10. They are allowed one open license each year and opt to use it on the closest Saturday of every Veteran's Day to showcase the community service they provide.

The VFW raises funds for cancer research, gives out scholarships to students with the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy competition, collects toys for Santee Santa's, buys school supplies for needy Santee children, sponsors families for the holidays and collects blanket and coats for the homeless, plus many, many more.

Saturday evening, they are having a "Red Solo Cup Poppy Fundraiser" to raise money for the relief fund.  Each year, the VFW passes out red poppies and hopes for donations. 100% of all the funds raised is put into the relief fund to help local veteran's and members on an as needed basis.  This year they will be out in front of Wal-Mart, Albertson's, and Von's both Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th.  The evening party starts at 8pm with Karaoke.  As an added bonus, Toby Keith has donated a signed CD of "Clancy's Tavern" to be raffled off to a lucky winner. Tickets are on sale at the post to everyone.

The Santee VFW is located at 8790 Cuyamaca Street, Suite F.  They serve dinners every Friday from 6-7:30pm and breakfast every Sunday from 8:30-11am that is always open to the public.  For additional information, check them out on Facebook:  Santee VFW 9327.