By Janice Sina
(March 5, 2025) — “Auxiliary, (n.) – An organization allied with, but subsidiary to, a main body of restricted membership, especially one composed of members’ relatives. A person or thing that gives aid; helper.” This dictionary definition only begins to describe the members of the Higganum-Haddam VFW Post 10690 Auxiliary, for they are an integral, vital force behind the organization; they are more than just helpers. The VFW Post itself directly helps veterans through state and federal programs, providing the money, health care, housing and rehabilitation services so necessary and supportive. But the Auxiliary, established in 1985, adds its touch by supporting the Post at a more personal level.
Over the years, its members have held bake sales, dinners and potlucks, and Bingo nights to raise funds for veterans and their families. They have given out information and countless poppies outside stores and regional fairs in exchange for donations. These funds have provided Christmas gifts for the veterans at the Rocky Hill Veterans Administration Hospital, goodie bags for the St. Vincent dePaul soup kitchen in Middletown, and phone cards sent overseas. Other community programs, run jointly by the Post and the Auxiliary, include Patriot’s Pen, a youth scholarship program, and other community involvement opportunities for young adults. Indeed, the VFW is not just for older veterans, though many people carry this image in their minds. According to District 6 VFW Commander Sheldon Potesak, teens who participate in its programs gain a unique perspective and appreciation for its family-oriented intergenerational approach, finding it useful in college applications and in learning to work with others.
The members put a considerable amount of their time, money, and heart and soul into this non-profit organization and its causes. But they are tired. The Auxiliary was chartered in 1985 and its membership has slowly dropped off to its current fifty-eight members. Claudette Sirois (photo above, left, with Paula Woodworth), a member since 1988, is the former President and current Secretary. She has recently sent official notices to all members of her intent to surrender the Auxiliary Charter on April 15, 2025 if no one is willing to take on the offices of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. “It’s hard to keep it going. We need a full slate of officers,” she says, also stating that the age range of the members is 53 to the mid-80s, with many in assisted living and/or with limited mobility.
Clearly, the Auxiliary needs an infusion of energetic new blood. So, who can join? It turns out anyone who is a relative of a veteran is eligible. See the VFW Auxiliary Eligibility Wheel below.
Dues are just $17.00 annually and in addition to community involvement, the opportunity to learn leadership skills as an officer is a bonus. “What can scare a lot of potential officers are the administrative duties and the time commitment,” says Sirois. But, with the expertise of the current officers and instruction booklets, it is not a daunting task. The time commitment for officers is a once-monthly Post meeting and a once-monthly district meeting, both of which are available through an online platform as well as in person. There is also a quarterly statewide meeting. According to longtime member Paula Woodworth, these meetings tend to business, but just as important, foster camaraderie with friendly conversation and snacks, adding to the community feel.
While members can transfer to other posts if the Auxiliary does close, Claudette and Paula maintain that many things will stay in place at this Post but it will be more of an individual effort. “We’re not going anywhere,” they say. And closing is not their first choice. The Auxiliary hopes that new members will step in as officers and maintain this vital connection to the veterans Post and its community. This goes for Post 10690 itself too.
Post 10690, with a declining membership, has been struggling for many of the same reasons as the Auxiliary. Its current membership is twenty-six Veterans, down from fifty members. According to an online July 2024 article from the New Haven Post 12150, since 2015, thirty VFW Posts in Connecticut have consolidated or closed (VFWnewhaven.org). “We need to increase membership across all age levels,” states Potesak. And with new members to the Post come spouses and children for the Auxiliary
The next Post meeting is March 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Haddam Community Center, 7 Candlewood Road in Higganum and the next Auxiliary meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. All eligible veterans and family members are encouraged to attend. Post and Auxiliary members will be on hand at the March 18th meeting to answer questions and help sign up new veterans and Auxiliary members. You can contact Quartermaster James Woodworth at 860-345-8132 with questions beforehand. Come see what this vital resource for our veterans, their families, and the community is all about and how you can become involved.
Photo by Janice Sina
