The 2025 S4V (Sweats for Vets) Distribution Ceremony on January 18th at the VAMC Martinsburg was a great success because of the efforts of the many volunteers from October to January. As this year’s AOH coordinator, I am reluctant to try to thank all of the volunteer groups and organizations that made Saturday’s ceremony possible as I know I will inadvertently omit some. But certainly a most sincere and heartfelt thank-you goes to the Knights of Columbus (Northern Virginia Councils and Assemblies), The Ancient Order of Hibernians – Col. Thomas J. Cunningham Division (Loudoun), Leesburg VFW Post 1177, LAOH – Daughter of Erin Division (Loudoun), the many churches, the numerous Virginia schools (St Joseph, St. Theresa and Our Lady of Hope Catholic Schools for their “Thank you for your Service” cards), Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Vistas at Lansdowne/Lansdowne Woods communities and of course Terry Stotler and his VAMC Team.
20 volunteers mustered at the VFW on Saturday, loaded 600 S4V sets and other garments into a 15 vehicle-caravan and then traveled to the VAMC Hospital. VAMC had 15 volunteers that made the facility ready for our arrival and provided guidance and assistance throughout the ceremony for the S4V distribution efforts that followed. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Colors by the Knights of Columbus Color Guard from JPll Assembly (Potomac Falls) that kick-off the ceremony. The 2025 S4V ceremony was the 18th (with about 50 volunteers in attendance) and we even had one of the original co-founders of the project in attendance, Brother Frank Nauer. Saturday’s ceremony was especially heartwarming to see all of the previous efforts come together.
The following are some of the statics for the 2025 S4Vs campaign:
– Collected and wrapped approximately 700 new-sweat outfits,
– Distributed 600 sweat-outfits to VAMC; the remainder will be distributed to the VAMC Washington, DC and to the National Medical Center Bethesda, MD at a later date,
– Collected, wrapped and distributed 1,000 plus pairs of socks,
– Distributed 20 new winter coats.
– Distributed over 1,200 “thank you for your service” cards to Veterans.
– Donated approximately $5,500 to the VAMC from various contributors to be used for VAMC Veterans’ essential needs at the facility.
Next year we are thinking of expanding our S4Vs collections to include hats and slippers. Thanks to Jay McCarthy, AOH VA PSP, I have attached some photos for your information/ use in the 2026 S4V campaign.
On behalf of a whole lot of people, I wish to once again graciously thank you for your time, support and generosity for the 2025 S4Vs Campaign.
Daniel Gillespie, Cunningham Division
