2011 has been a banner year for Moore County Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 966.

I want to share some of the highlights of the year and thank everyone who made it possible — individuals, groups and businesses in the community who supported our fundraising efforts, and members of the chapter who gave selflessly of their time and resources.

During the year, VVA Chapter 966 conducted Memorial Day and POW/MIA ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial in Carthage; and laid wreaths on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, POW/MIA Remembrance Day and Veterans Day.

We marched in the “Welcome Home” parade in Fayetteville; and attended activities at Union Pines High School in support of their Navy Junior ROTC program and “Hats Off to Veterans” at New Century Middle School.

Quarterly, we supplied snacks and bingo prizes for veterans at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville; sponsored and help serve holiday dinner to 60 homeless veterans and their families; and supported the Warrior Transition Battalion by providing 53 food baskets for families in need.

We gave a $100 check to the family of the first baby born on Veterans Day at Womack Army Hospital and presented them with a flag that flew over the nation’s capital on Veterans Day.

We helped three different military families at Christmas, assisting in catching up with rents and utilities, and providing food baskets to help them have a merrier holiday.

Vietnam era veterans are invited to contact me at (910) 400-3056 or membership chairman Laud Pitt at (910)673-5521 for more information about Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 966. Associate membership is open to anyone who wishes to support our organization.

Thank you for your support as we continue our efforts to serve the needs of veterans and active military in 2012.

Mike Pusillo, President

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 966, West End