Kicking off the first VFW Post 308 Annual Auxiliary Poker Run, on Saturday, August 25, were men and women’s auxiliary members and supporters. Motorcycle riders and passengers gathered at the VFW at 18 Tinkerfield Road in Newtown, making their way to the Shelton American Legion Post 16, Prospect VFW Post 8075, Thomaston American Legion Post 22, and returned to VFW Post 308 by 4:30 pm.

Ride participants enjoyed bacon and eggs in the morning and a barbecue and raffle prizes in the evening.

Men’s and Women’s Auxiliary President Richard Frampton, Jr, said the event served as a fundraiser to support auxiliary functions.

To become an auxiliary member (The men’s and women’s auxiliaries are now combined), a person must have a relative such as a mother, father, grandparent, sibling, or husband or wife; or be a widow or widower, son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter of someone who has served in a conflict.

The auxiliary is intended “to improve lives of veterans, active military members and their families, and the community. Programs bring services information and assistance to these target groups,” Mr Frampton said in a statement he borrowed from the national auxiliary information. The local auxiliary is just a small part of the district, state, and national organization, he added.

Currently, “We are trying to build up the auxiliary members,” he commented.

The VFW’s mission statement per Post 308’s Facebook page: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. Learn more about the VFW at 203-426-9316.