The 21 March 2026 edition of CVB’s Weekly Connecticut Veterans Calendar honors the first United States Marine Corps officer to achieve the rank of four-star general, Alexander A. Vandegrift. Born on March 13, 1887, Vandegrift earned distinction for his leadership of the 1st Marine Division during the Guadalcanal campaign and later as the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps. On 21 March 1945, the President authorized his promotion to four-star general, marking him as the first active-duty Marine to hold this rank, a historic milestone reflecting his extraordinary leadership and the growing prominence of the Marine Corps in World War II operations.

This edition consolidates events for Connecticut veterans across the state, including Volume One (current month events), Volume Two (future events April–September 2026), and Volume Three (recurring programs and Veteran-Owned Business directory). Veterans and their families can find opportunities for meals, social gatherings, wellness programs, fundraising events, and recreational activities statewide.

Historical Sidebar: General Alexander A. Vandegrift

Career Milestones:

• 1887: Born in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• 1909: Commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
• WWII Leadership: Commanded the 1st Marine Division during the Guadalcanal campaign, earning the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism.
• 1944–1947: Served as the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps, modernizing training and operations.
• 21 March 1945: Promoted to four-star general, first Marine in history to achieve this rank.

Vandegrift’s legacy exemplifies valor, strategic leadership, and dedication to service, setting the standard for generations of Marines and veterans.

Volume One (Current Month Events)

Volume One focuses on events 14–31 March 2026, emphasizing commemoration, community engagement, and veteran support:

• Commemorative and Recognition Events:
  • Programs honoring women veterans with “She Served Too.”
  • Iwo Jima commemorative presentations and film screenings.
  • Welcome Home ceremonies for Vietnam veterans, including brunches.
  • Vietnam Veterans Day events on 29 March with free meals and community gatherings.
• Community and Social Activities:
  • Friday-night karaoke at American Legion posts.
  • Nine Ball Pool tournaments at American Legion Post 22.
  • Fundraisers and dinners supporting veteran programs.
• Educational Programs:
  • Presentations such as “Sammy’s Story” featuring WWII Marine veterans.
  • PTSD, TBI, and mental health awareness sessions hosted by Willow Clauson and others.
• Resource and Support Events:
  • Veteran fairs with VA representatives and support organizations.
  • Free breakfast events at VFW posts for Vietnam veterans.
  • Outreach programs from VFW, American Legion, and local veteran groups.
• Mental Health and Well-Being Initiatives:
  • PTSD workshops, suicide prevention programs, and wellness sessions.

Volume One serves as a comprehensive guide to Connecticut veteran events during March, connecting veterans to social, educational, and support resources.

Volume Two (Future Events, April – September 2026)

Volume Two covers events from 1 April through 15 August 2026, including recurring and one-time activities:

• Dining and Fundraising Events:
  • Weekly spaghetti dinners at American Legion posts, fish & chips nights at VFW posts, steak nights at VFW Post 2138, and Easterseals Rally Point fundraising meals.
• Gaming and Social Activities:
  • Nine Ball Pool, Texas Hold ’Em, darts, bingo nights, line dancing, and music bingo.
• Entertainment Events:
  • Friday-night karaoke at posts including American Legion Post 128 (Niantic) and VFW Post 5095 (East Hampton).
• Special Fundraisers:
  • Departmental dinners such as American Legion National Commander’s Dinner.
  • Community fundraising events at participating restaurants supporting veteran programs.

Volume Two allows veterans to plan participation in Connecticut events for spring and summer, promoting community fellowship, fundraising, and engagement.

Volume Three (Recurring Programs & Veteran-Owned Business Directory)

Volume Three catalogs ongoing programs and resources for Connecticut veterans:

• Recurring Programs & Directories (Pages 5–8) – Veterans Coffee Houses, support networks.
• Donations Needed (Pages 9–10) – Care Package Drive, Easterseals Veterans Rally Point Legacy Bricks.
• Food & Dining (Pages 11–25) – Weekly meals including breakfast, brunch, pasta, pizza, and steak nights.
• Fun & Social Activities (Pages 26–45) – Music bingo, pool, ping pong, karaoke, line dancing, family bingo, trivia nights.
• Meetings & Membership (Pages 46–50) – Sign-ups and recruitment for veteran organizations.
• Programs & Services (Pages 51–74) – Veteran education, peer support, equine therapy, entrepreneurship programs, oral health initiatives, publications, community services.

Volume Three ensures veterans remain connected, engaged, and informed year-round.

The 21 March 2026 edition honors General Alexander A. Vandegrift, highlights veterans’ events statewide, and serves as a centralized weekly guide to social, commemorative, and educational activities. Veterans are encouraged to participate in events, commemorate service, and connect with fellow veterans and community programs across Connecticut.

Event and Volume Access