The VFW 8703 Ladies Auxiliary serves the Carlsbad New Mexico Community and surrounding area. The following information was provided by the National Ladies Auxiliary.

About the Ladies Auxiliary:

Since 1914 the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has worked to ensure that America's veterans will not be forgotten and those who need assistance will get it. To help achieve those goals, each year donations are made to help make life better for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families, and America's communities. With nearly 600,000 members in the United States, Guam and Panama, the Ladies Auxiliary VFW actively supports our troops as well as veterans and their families.

The Programs:

• Americanism: Celebrating our heritage of freedom with the Statue of Liberty's Birthday Celebration, working towards a resolution of the POW/MIA situation, promoting pride in America, and ensuring that the public will never forget the sacrifices of America's soldiers who protect our freedom.

• Buddy Poppy: "To honor the Dead by Helping the Living" - Helping needy and disabled veterans and honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedom by wearing a Buddy Poppy, the VFW's official flower.

• Cancer Aid & Research: Providing grants to members with cancer, helping in the educational effort to make the public aware of the importance of early detection, and supporting research throughout the country are the activities involved in this program.

• Community Service: Cooperating with other organizations to meet the needs in our communities.

• Hospital & Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services: Volunteering in hospitals around the country.

• Junior Girls Units: Teaching the daughters and sisters of veterans about the sacrifices made for freedom, the debt we owe veterans, the importance of volunteering in the community, and helping others.

• Legislative: Keeping members up-to-date on all bills affecting veterans and their families and the national defense. Making legislators aware of our positions.

• Patriotic Art/Voice of Democracy: Two of the scholarships offered for students. By participating in the contests students have the opportunity to express their own patriotism.

• Veterans & Family Support: Assisting veterans as they return from active duty or from the hospital as they try to return to civilian life. Helping veterans and their families with transportation, childcare, and other services as needed.

• VFW National Home for Children: Educating members about the mission, purpose, and programs of the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. www.vfwnationalhome.org

• Youth Activities: Providing opportunities for youth and educating them about our American heritage.