Clinton VFW Post 9918 Makes History Forming New Auxiliary

CLINTON---A long held vision became a reality on May 28 in Clinton, with the institution of the Clinton VFW Auxiliary 9918.

“Thirty-five years ago, Clinton founded this Veterans of Foreign Wars Post,” said Post Commander Sheldon Potesak, noting many past commanders had worked toward establishing an Auxiliary.

Twenty founding members were formally welcomed at the evening dinner event sponsored by the Post, 12 being installed as officers or into other positions of responsibility. Judy Barnes, VFW district 6 president and department chief of staff presided over much of program, supported by department President Laura Allen and other state VFW officials.

Newly elected or appointed to lead Auxiliary #9918 are Clinton residents President Bethany Greeley Knight, Senior Vice President Carolyn Fleischauer Grusse, Junior Vice President Haley Potesak, Secretary Cheryl Voelker, Treasurer Megan Humphrey, Chaplain Carole Kehoe, Conductress Andrea Onofrio, Guard Deborah McKernan, Trustee (3 Year) Mary Cortright, Trustee (2 Year), Crystal Norrie Trustee (1 Year)Susan Lowe and Patriotic Instructor, Sheldon T. Potesak.

Auxiliaries, once only open to women, now include men as members. Commander Potesak’s son, Sheldon T., is one of the three men to join last month. The Commander’s daughter Haley is the youngest member at 16.

“We are here to support the Post and veterans,” said President Knight. “We want to grow our group and make a difference in the lives of Connecticut veterans.”

The Auxiliary’s July 1 meeting will include a special presentation by Elizabeth Gorenbergh from Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport. Homes for the Brave offers help and housing to homeless women veterans.

Auxiliary 9918 meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month, at the American Legion Post, 82 West Main, Clinton, Ct.

The mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflict, to serve veterans, the military, and communities and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.

Membership is open to close relatives of veterans who honorably served in a branch of the US military during a time of foreign war. For more information, contact ClintonVFWAuxiliary9918@gmail.com

PHOTO CUTLINE: VFW District 6 president and department chief of staff Judy Barnes swears in Clinton VFW Auxiliary 9918 members L-R Patti MacKenzie, Carole Kehoe, Cheryl Voelker, Crystal Norrie, Deborah McKernan, Bethany Knight, Carolyn Fleischauer Grusse (obscured), Mary Cortright, Mark Kehoe, Susan Lowe, Sheila McKinley Bell, Andrea Onofrio, Angela Potesak, Haley Potesak, Sheldon T. Potesak.