The Cyrus R. Peters Memorial VFW Post 5956 has a mission of honoring military service while supporting the community. Now both the post and its commander, Craig Fisher, have been recognized for their efforts.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars highlights the top-performing posts through its All-American program at the VFW National Convention. For the second year in a row, the Manheim post received this honor, Fisher said.

"The distinction of All-American is conveyed upon those posts that stand out in recruiting, retaining and mentoring a stable membership base, covering all generations of combat veterans," Fisher said. "In addition, the posts must cultivate a membership that is well-versed in institutional knowledge and actively involved at all levels of the organization and in the local community."

Post 5956 was recognized at the convention in Phoenix, Ariz., earlier this summer. Fisher noted that of the 438 VFW posts in Pennsylvania, only 42 made All-American, with 10 ranking high enough to be invited to the convention.

"In addition to receiving the All-American Commanders Cap, an award certificate and a streamer for the post flag, post members are eligible to wear special membership caps or pins that acknowledge the honor," Fisher explained, adding that the post also received a sign designating the honor to place outside its location at 149 S. Charlotte St. in Manheim.

The Manheim post actively participates in community programs, including the Patriot's Pen essay contest for middle school students and the Voice of Democracy oratorial program for high school students. Fisher said the post was also honored for increasing its membership this past year by 10%.

"Additionally, participation in community activities, financial support of veterans' programs and the local community are considered," he remarked. "In demonstration of the hashtag 'still serving,' the post put in over 3,631 man hours of participation in many community activities. Through multiple fundraising activities, the post provided over $165,500 in financial assistance throughout the program year to veterans' programs and the local community through scholarships and charitable donations."

Post 5956 also earned the Veterans of Foreign Wars Outstanding Community Service award, which was presented to Fisher during a banquet at the national convention. The award recognized the post members' involvement in the local community, including participating in projects that impact veterans and youths.

As post commander, Fisher has worked hard not only to increase membership, but also to raise awareness of everything the VFW does. For the second year, he was selected to represent the Department of Pennsylvania on a special committee for legislative action. At the national convention, he participated on the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, working to determine veteran-related legislation at the state level.

Fisher encourages anyone who is interested in learning more to inquire about VFW membership. "If you are a veteran with qualifying service, the Cyrus R. Peters Memorial Post is looking for you and your voice," he said.

For more information, call the post at 717-665-9536, contact Fisher at 717-405-0980 or stop by the post, which is open daily at noon, and ask for an application to join.