The members of the Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars live by the motto
“Honor the dead by helping the living.”
The Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. While continuing to support the VFW and its causes, the Auxiliary has developed several of their own causes over the years. With the goal of helping families in distress, its members perform community service, fund cancer research, advocate for the rights of the elderly, and support the VFW National Home, and other worthy causes.
VFW 3617 Auxiliary Officers
2026-27
President: Shirley Lance
Senior Vice-President: Dee Johnson
Junior Vice-President: Blair Tamngin
Secretary: Bicky LaRoque
Treasurer: Angela Fillion
Chaplain: Judy Ebi
Conductress: Pam Reinfeld
Guard: Billie Reynolds
VFW Auxiliary Programs
- Community Service: Helping others by conducting various ongoing fundraising activities. VFW Post 3617 Auxiliary also makes and provides Veterans with quilts made by its members. They are distributed to Veterans and their families in the hospital in the Chelan and Douglas County area.
- Shared Meals: Our members provide several holiday dinners throughout the year, and a monthly Pot Luck Dinner for each monthly meeting of the VFW and its Auxiliary. We also host Celebration of Life receptions for veterans in our area.
- Veterans and Family Support: Serving our veterans at home and overseas, as well as supporting their families.
- Buddy Poppy: “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living” – Funds help needy veterans and their families, and help provide care at the VFW National Home for Children. Read more about the Buddy Poppy program.
- Cancer Aid and Research: Nationally, more than $3,000,000 is raised each year to help cancer-stricken members and to invest in research throughout the country.
- Hospitals & VA Retirement Homes: Nationally, adult and student volunteers cheer on patients in VA Medical Centers, as our Auxiliary does in our local hospitals and nursing homes, by serving snacks, reading to patients, assist in writing letters, and serving other needs of veterans and their family members.
- Americanism: Promote patriotism in our schools via distribution of flags and other supplies.
- Youth Activities: Sponsorship of Boys and Girl Scouts, 4-H, soccer or softball teams, and other youth groups are a few of the ways our organization provides opportunities for students, in addition to scholarships opportunities like Art contests.
- Legislative: On request, members send letters and emails to members of congress outlining the VFW and Auxiliary’s views on bills dealing with veterans and national security. The organization speaks out on legislation that affects the VA budget and future health care for veterans, veterans entitlements, resolution of the POW/MIA questions, investigation into the Persian Gulf illnesses, and enhancing the Active Duty GI Bill.
News and Updates from our Auxiliary
Illustrating America Art Contest winners announced
24 July 2025
The Auxiliary’s annual patriotic art contest for elementary and middle/junior high school students encourages students’ artistic abilities and rewards their hard work. It’s fun to see how our youth see the world through their drawings and paintings. On Friday, 11 July, Auxiliary members announced this year’s winners and distributed their
3rd Annual Veterans Picnic a Success!
3 September 2024
The 3rd Annual Wenatchee Valley Veteran’s Picnic was held on August 30th at Walla Walla Point Park. This joint picnic, hosted by VFW Post 3617 and American Legion Post 10, is open to all active duty military, first responders, and of course veterans and their families. This year, we saw
Refreshments and Conversation at Nason Creek Rest Area
31 August 2024
In something that has become a sort of annual tradition for our Auxiliary, we spend a few days each year offering coffee, snacks, and friendly conversation to travelers making their way over Stevens Pass that decide to stop at Nason Creek Rest Area. We don’t charge for these treats, but
Auxiliary Hosts Hospital Equipment Drive for KC Help
16 March 2024
On Saturday, March 23rd, the Auxiliary members of the Wenatchee Valley VFW will be accepting donations of durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower aids, bed tables, and toilet risers. We are collecting items that are vital to our community members as they transition from a hospital stay
Parade for Sgt Fred Holsonbake
6 May 2023
On April 17th, our Post & Auxiliary joined with other patriotic citizens as we gathered to wish Mr. Fred Holsonbake of Wenatchee a happy 100th birthday with a car parade in front of his home. A lineup of police cars and fire trucks led the parade with the Wenatchee High
