Past EVENTS
Happy Hour Fitness September 16th, 0800-1700
Happy hour fitness will be on September 16th from 0800-1700 with the Irreverent Warriors group annual ruck/walk. More info here: https://irreverentwarriors.com/events/neworleans-la/
Please wear your VFW post shirt if you have one. The start is at Bayou Beer Garden in Mid City.
August 20th at 11am our first Fitness Happy Hour
August 20th at 11am our first Fitness Happy Hour will kick off at with a Brazilian Jujitsu Fundamentals class at NOLA BJJ at 4521 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115. This is a free class and all new students get a free week of classes. The class length is 90 minutes.
Info from their website https://www.nolabjj.com/
Do I need to be in shape?
If you are already in shape, we are going to push you to the limit and beyond. If you’re not - don’t worry! The majority of us aren’t on our first day of class or after a long layoff. Our instructors will tailor every movement to complement your skill level and before you know it, the improvements will be noticeable! The best way to get in shape for this... IS TO DO THIS!
Will I get hurt?
Like any physical activity, there is always risk of injury whether it's yoga, spinning, jogging, or boxing. We pride ourselves on conducting classes in a safe manner, never expecting students to do anything they aren't ready for, and keeping a low injury rate.
What do I wear?
For your first class or any No Gi/kickboxing classes, a t-shirt/rash guard (no tank tops during grappling classes), board shorts/athletic shorts/vale tudo shorts, spats and gi/sweat pants are all acceptable.
Do NOT wear anything with extra pockets, belt loops or baggy fabric. These are dangerous since fingers and toes can get caught in them. Baggy cargo shorts are a common example of what not to wear.
For all Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, a BJJ Gi is required with the corresponding belt. These are available for sale at the academy.
PLEASE NOTE: Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance! Make sure your finger and toe nails are well-groomed. If you have long hair, you’ll want to put it up in a ponytail or bun during class. You should also remove any piercings to prevent injuries. Please wash your training attire before using it again.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves or another against a bigger, stronger, heavier assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground, and then applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent.
Equipment needed. Attire from above, mouthpiece is optional.
We’ll probably go across the street to brothers 3 after class for a drink. Come join us!
US Coast Guard Birthday & Shrimp Boil
August 4th, 2023 at 1900 (7pm)
Since the U.S. Coast Guard inception in 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service, the U.S. Coast Guard has evolved to serve the nation by executing missions that only the U.S. Coast Guard can uniquely perform. Each time a new challenge or threat emerged, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to meet the country's needs. From domestic icebreaking and natural resource protection to drug interdiction and marine safety, the missions have broadened to firmly entrench U.S. Coast Guard service as a vital element of national defense and international security. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the history and continued success of the U.S. Coast Guard and it's birthday at the NOLA VFW Hall Friday August 4th, 2023 at 1900 (7pm). There will be a shrimp boil and drinks available. Semper Paratus!
FATHER’S DAY DINNER
Join us June 18th at the New Orleans VFW Post 8973 for Father's Day dinner being presented by local Eagle Scout Iden Leyton-High. Dinner will include blackened catfish, etouffee, macaroni, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. The event will start at 5:30pm. Free for Veterans.
FATHER’S DAY BEER TASTING
Join us at the New Orleans VFW Post 8973 for a beer tasting with Dan Stein from Stein’s Deli and a brewer from NOLA brewing. June 16, 7pm at the post 531 Lyons St. $50, pay at the door. Dan will provide some light snacks and bring enough beer for everyone. Help celebrate Dads and veterans by coming out and supporting the hall.
ARMY BIRTHDAY & FLAG DAY
We will be celebrating the Army's 248th birthday at the post June 14th. We will also be doing a flag retirement ceremony. So come join in the festivities. If you have a flag to retire, this would be a perfect time to do it.
On 14 June 1775, Congress "Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia… [and] as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army."
The delegates then prescribed an oath of enlistment that required the soldiers to swear:
“I have, this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as a soldier, in the American continental army, for one year, unless sooner discharged: And I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as are, or shall be, established for the government of the said. Army.”
The next day Congress voted to appoint George Washington “to command all the Continental forces” and began laying the foundation for "the American army."
NOLA PRIDE PARADE
June 10th NOLA Pride Parade is upon us! We will again march in the parade to show our fellow vets in the Pride community that we support them and we are here if they need us. Come help NOLA VFW support Veterans in New Orleans. Marching fee is only $15.00 per person. We will not have a vehicle while marching. If you'd like to bring throws or anything, you will need to handle them yourselves. A wagon may be a good idea, if you plan to bring a lot. Also, we would like to keep the drinking to a minimum at this event. If you are interested in marching, please send $15.00 to the post Venmo (QM@NOLAVFW.ORG) along with a pride parade note so we know it's for the parade. Dan Capps will be putting out all the needed information about the parade this Thursday (June 8th) at open house, so please come be informed.
NOLA VFW Day of Service
The NOLA VFW Day of Service will take place on May 6, 2023. We have two opportunities this year outlined below. Not only will this be an opportunity to help others but also a great day to build relationships with your fellow veterans. Please contact Gwen at 410-596-4319 or cgroby2003@gmail.com if you are able to participate.
Gwen Buchanan Bush - 410-596-4319
Opportunity 1: New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter, 2020 S Liberty St, New Orleans, LA 70113
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Participants Needed: 10-12
Our Mission: The NOLA VFW will take on a variety of tasks, to include outside gardening and clean-up, conducting an inside spring cleaning, and also arranging a children's library.
We were asking our volunteers – if possible – to bring a new towel, washcloth, and cleaning product as a donation. Children's books are also appreciated. The shelter is in dire need of these items. The VFW will also plan to bring cleaning products with us. We would also be delighted if anyone could donate some outdoor or indoor plants. The Women Warriors will also donate all of the women's menstrual products we collected last month during International Women's Month.
Opportunity 2: Grace at the Green Light, 330 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Time: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
Participants Needed: 10
Our Mission: Participants will need to arrive at 6:00 am to volunteer for serving breakfast for the shelter. After breakfast is complete, participants will help clean up and organize the kitchen area. This project will end around 8:00 am.
Five of these volunteers will then move on to the shelter’s lending closet to open the space from 7:30 – 8:00 am and then clean, rearrange, and organize the space. This project will last a few hours.
We were asking our volunteers – if possible – to bring gently used men’s shoes, pants, socks, and new underwear. The shelter is in need of these items. We will have a list of items needed for the lending closet makeover closer to the date.
NOLA VFW Rummage Sale Fundraiser
Please donate your gently used household items, books, working appliances ,furniture, and clothing. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit operational costs for the post.
Drop off your donations at the VFW or call us for a pick-up. Donations accepted on Thursdays between 6:00-8:00 pm or by contacting us for other arrangements. Items should be dripped off no later than Thursday, May 18th.
Rummage sale will take place on May 20-21.
SUPPORT LOCAL VETERANS THROUGH GIVE NOLA DAY
2ND ANNUAL BATTLE FOR THE PADDLE - ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAWFISH COOK-OFF
Join us at the New Orleans VFW Post 8973 for our 2nd annual Battle for the Paddle. May 13, 2022 12-5 pm at the post 531 Lyons St.
$30 in advance through eventbrite, $35 day of at the door. Not into crawfish? Learn about our sponsorship opportunities.