CALABASH- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Calabash Post 7288 Sr. Vice Commander Jeff Puglisi and Auxiliary Jr. Vice President Mike Cullinan visited several area businesses on Thursday, August 6, 2026 and Thursday August 13, 2026 to thank them for their support in hosting VFW veterans distributing Poppies to the public.
Volunteers from the VFW chose several patriotic holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, to hand out poppies and remind community members of the importance of remembering the veterans within their community.
Recognition plaques were awarded to the Butcher of Brunswick, Food Lion of Calabash, and Ace Hardware of Calabash and BSRI thrift shop in Calabash. All are long time supporters of Veterans, the VFW and this program.
The VFW Buddy Poppy program began in 1922 as a way to support veterans and their families, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields." The poppies were originally assembled by disabled veterans.
The VFW and Auxiliary work hard to honor and a make a difference in the lives of veterans, service members and their families. One way they do this is through the VFW "Buddy”® Poppy Program. Poppies are distributed by Veterans at local businesses for free. Donations are accepted and are used to help fund the veterans relief program. These funds are used exclusively for the assistance of veterans in need in the community where they are collected.
"Let's be clear about what we mean by the Veterans relief program" said Commander Wayne Grigsby "all money goes into our relief fund which assists local veterans in need. It may mean help with a car payment or car maintenance. It could be paying for a baby sitter for a veteran in college. Sometimes a veteran struggles with their food budget or mortgage payment. This isn't welfare, it's a temporary helping hand when a veteran needs assistance."
The VFW Thanks these area businesses for allowing them to set up a table in front of their doors and hand out poppies. "We appreciate their ongoing support” said Navy Veteran Jeff Puglisi. Auxiliary member Mike Cullinan agreed saying "It is so amazing to see how in tune and generous the members of the local community are towards the veterans that live here. It makes our time spent on this project very rewarding.
Team VFW Post 7288 builds camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts and the Auxiliary in order to serve Veterans, the military, our community and advocates on behalf of all Veterans. If you are a veteran that served in a war zone you may be eligible to become a regular member. If you have a family member who served in a war zone you may become a member of the Post's Auxiliary. Come by the Post at 900 Carter Drive in Calabash to see what we are all about and pick up a membership form.
