When the Raymond W. Biglow VFW Post 8062 in Elizabethtown met at 3:00 last Saturday for their regular monthly meeting, it seemed like a normal business meeting. However, it was a significant meeting because the Post was chartered fifty years ago in March 1966. The group was formed during the height of the Vietnam War.
John A. Biedrzycki, Jr., National Commander of the VFW of the U. S., has extended his thanks and appreciation to the membership for their record of service to the community, veterans, and nation over the past 50 years. The National VFW also just recognized the local Post for 100 percent participation which means all 32 members have renewed their membership.
Growing the membership is a major priority of the local group. Anyone who served in any branch of the military on any foreign soil is eligible to join. Although the main thrust of the Post is “veterans helping veterans”, the group also promotes national community VFW initiatives such as recognizing firefighters and EMS workers, law enforcement personnel, JROTC students, outstanding teachers, Patriot’s Pen, and Voice of Democracy.
The latter two are essay contests for students. The VFW is probably most well known for their bright red “Buddy Poppies” which are distributed locally during Veteran’s Day. Another “Buddy Poppy” Day is planned for Memorial Day weekend in May.
The second priority need of the Post is building maintenance. The building previously housed the National Guard in Elizabethtown. The facility needs to be painted inside and out and will soon need a new roof.
The second priority need of the Post is building maintenance. The building previously housed the National Guard in Elizabethtown. The facility needs to be painted inside and out and will soon need a new roof. The local Post meets the thirdSaturday of each month at their facility on Hill Street in Elizabethtown. Any questions can be directed to Post Commander Oliver Gause at 862-9543.
VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936 and it is the largest national organization of war veterans. Currently, there are almost 1.7 million members of the VFW and their auxiliaries in more than 6,700 posts all over the world.
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