Tuesday, July 27, 2021

VFW Post 805 Centennial!

 I had the absolute pleasure to attend this 100th Anniversary for a Post in my District over the weekend. This Post is an amazing poster child for all the things the VFW does right in its communities!

The Post itself is spotless and represents our military and veteran heritage well.  Outside, there was a band set up and plenty of shaded picnic tables.  Adjoining the Post was a plethora of re-enactors of our military past.  Even in the 90+ degree heat, these folks stayed in character in their toasty wool gear.  I even got to meet the 2020-2021 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Paulette Fryar.  Looking forward to possible partnering efforts with her this year.

Post 805 is a perennial All American Post and this year received the prestigious  VFW National Community Service Award.  It's clear they are loved in the community as they received plaques and proclamations from the Chamber of Commerce and the City Mayor.  Rounding out the accolades were Proclamations from the Governor as well as U.S. Representative Mike Bost.  The National VFW also provided a very nice 100th Anniversary citation.

I've known the members and community at Post 805 in O'Fallon Illinois for many years.  When I think of a model for veterans service and community service this Post immediately comes to mind.  I spent some time talking with the outgoing multi-term Post Commander, Ed Martinez, and he shared with me a few of the many "quiet" times he and the Post helped veterans.  Not done for fame or glory, not done as part of a program or campaign, but simply to help a fellow veteran in need.  Those are the moments we cherish, for those moments are what the Veterans of Foreign Wars is all about!


Charles Fricke VFW Post 805!  Beautiful Display!


Paulette Fryar, Military Spouse of the Year.  Her husband is currently in the Coast Guard.


Post 805 loves Mama Cass.  They prepared her own name card, bed, water dish, and her favorite snacks.  She didn't move at all during the ceremony.  Why would she!  Also, they placed a fan under my chair to keep her cool.  Did I get a fan?  Nope!


Found one!


"I've chased my last rabbit...."


Some hard working re-enactors.  Thank you!  Never mind that paratrooper hanging around in the background...








No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.