A Unique Way to Assist American Troops

Denise Bell
Post Managing Editor

June 30, 2009

With July 4th quickly approaching several Forney families gathered Sunday afternoon at Forney’s VFW to participate in the Cards for Heroes program.

Approximately twenty five Forney men, women and children gathered to participate in the event that was organized and hosted by Forney local and longtime Army wife, Diane Brush with the gracious support of Forney VFW Post 9180.

Diane Brush stated “I joined with a few friends and Letters Home was created when we found a way to combine our talents as scrap bookers with the means to get hand-made cards to our troops.”

Brush further explained “buying a card to mail home for a loved ones’ birthday is a luxury our soldiers don’t have on the battlefield. Letters Home provides the solders free birthday, anniversary, miss you and all kinds of other cards.”

Brush approached newly appointed VFW Post Commander Chuck Kelly and requested his support with holding an event where the goal would be to “deliver 1000 custom made greeting cards to be delivered to and then distributed by, the national Cards for Heroes organization.”

Holding the event on a hot Sunday afternoon, Diane Brush and Forney resident and fellow scrap booker Shelli Rogers turned the VFW dance hall into a virtual workshop of talented scrap bookers who worked right along side husbands and kids interested in trying their skills at the highly popular and creative craft.

Although closed for business on Sundays, Forney’s only VFW was open to patriotism and community spirit as tables overflowing with craft materials were transformed into an endless assortment of unique cards of all shapes and sizes.

Raffling away prizes and just generally having a good time, the families who participated in this community event left feeling good about their heartfelt and unique contributions to the American troops still serving in war zones, and even better about reaching their 1000 card goal!

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9180 is located at 13300 FM 1641, next to Country Smokehouse and is open to the public, without need of membership.