‘Brothers and sisters in arms’

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Smithfield Memorial VFW Post 2929 recently presented a $5,000 check to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, with funds being allocated to OSDRI’s food pantry and utility assistance program.

OSDRI’s food pantry, located at its 1010 Hartford Ave. headquarters, is available to veterans in need statewide and supported with private donations of food and funds. OSDRI also provides assistance to veterans with urgent utility needs when other programs are unavailable.

“The Smithfield VFW raised these funds through annual sales of Buddy Poppy’s,” VFW District 1 Commander Antonio Fonseca said. “The VFW was the first veterans’ organization to adopt the poppy and develop a national distribution campaign. For more than 75 years, the VFW’s Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans’ welfare and the well-being of their dependents.”

“This generous donation is another example of how our brother and sisters in arms band together in the time honored tradition of veterans helping fellow veterans,” Erik B. Wallin, executive director of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island said. “We are proud to have the support of the Smithfield VFW in serving our most in need local veterans.”

From left to right at the check presentation are Antonio Fonesca, VFW District 1 commander; John McDonough of OSDRI; George Edwards, VFW chaplain; Ron Beagan of the VFW; Erik B. Wallin of OSDRI; and Dave Nuttal of the VFW.

(Submitted photo)

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