Around the World with Fritz: Oneida VFW Post 7784

Had the opportunity to visit this Post one evening while in Wisconsin and I'm so glad I did! Technically called the Robert Cornelius Post, it is commonly known as the Oneida VFW Warriors. The post resides on Oneida Indian Reservation land and certainly pays homage to its roots of the Oneida nation from the East Coast. The members that turned out are very proud of their heritage and the VFW. All potential members are welcome with open arms and they work hard at not being a "closed" post for Native Americans. That notwithstanding, there is clearly a proud history of Native Americana in this post. The post home was recently rebuilt about nine years ago and is a center of the community. And, this being Wisconsin, the draw isn't a fish fry or chicken dinner: Brat Tuesday brings out them out!

The post was chartered in November 1946. They are planning a big 75th anniversary celebration in 2021 and I've been invited. I will do all I can to honor that request as I am really drawn to this group. Being Native Americans, they have federal dispensation to use eagle feathers in their ceremonies and accouterments. The Native American comrades all have eagle feathers in their caps. Chaplain Ken told me the history of the tradition, going back to the old days when coming back from battle a feather was bestowed upon a warrior. In our modern times, when one comes home from their military service they receive the feather. It is attached to their VFW cap with a beadwork clasp. The beads are woven into a representation of whatever service medal they received. You can tell at a glance the war in which they served. Commander Cletus sports two feathers, one for Viet Nam and another with beadwork representing the Purple Heart he received there.

There is pride here. Pride in America, pride in the VFW, and pride in heritage. I'm am awed by this group. Chaplain Ken is in the process of writing a book on the history of the Oneida as he recalls it being passed on to him by elders back in the day. He's promised to send me a copy and I can't wait to read it. I was given a post pin and it has metallic feathers dangling from it. I'll cherish that!