Post 411's location in close proximity to Islip Town Hall affords us a perfect location for interacting with local government and involving ourselves with organizations that do the same. One such group is the Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for the Town of Islip.
Non-affiliated with political parties or branches of government, this independent roundtable unites veteran, service member and family support organizations in group-wide common cause. The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, AMVETS, Marine Corps League, VFW, DAV, Korean War Vets and Blue Star
Mothers count themselves amongst those represented on the panel.
Through the VSO, elected officials have opportunity to get directly involved in active forum discussion to ensure they're attuned to pressing needs of local veterans. When and where possible, government cooperation is sought out and enlisted for common good. Our mutually beneficial partnership facilitates projects, achieves better, faster results and provides a clearinghouse for coordinating information flows between groups. A teamwork approach permits the VSO to more effectively deliver support and mentoring to members and organizations who need assistance.
The VSO also fulfills key liason roles that connect the Islip community, local veterans organizations and service personnel deployed or returning from overseas. We are a prime mover behind many welcome home activities and care package drives. The VSO mans the local veterans phone bank and maintains a close working relationship with the administration of Calverton Memorial Cemetary, helping to orchestrate county-wide flag retirements and burial ceremonies for deceased veterans whose families can't be located.