NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS

WORDS : TAMIE ZACCHEA PHOTOGRAPHY : AREA WOMAN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States is a nonpro t veterans’ service organization comprised of eligible combat veterans and military service members. Eligibility is based on military service on foreign soil, in any branch, reserve, or guard, in any theater.

The VFW was formed in 1899 by veterans of recent foreign wars. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension at the time, and they were le to fend for themselves. They formed local support organizations that would eventually band together and became known as the VFW.

Today, over 120 years later, there are more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary. The VFW continues its strong advocacy on behalf of veterans legislatively and was instrumental in the creation and expansion of the Veteran’s Administration (VA) system.

The VFW Post 762 in downtown Fargo is named in honor of Private Roy Chandler. Private Chandler served in the 18th Infantry, 1st Division of the American Expeditionary Forces. He was the rst soldier from Fargo killed in action in World War I.

Post 762 has been serving veterans and their families since 1938. They provide nancial and housing assistance, scholarships, education and opportunity to veterans and their families in the Fargo area. Assistance and programs are frequently delivered through the Auxiliary, which is open to the spouses or immediate family members of a VFW member.

The Post provides youth outreach with programs like the Voice of Democracy and Scout of the Year. They hold ongoing fundraising activities like the annual Pinewood Derby, the proceeds of which are donated to the VA Hospital in Fargo. They also maintain an honor guard, who recently appeared at a FargoMoorhead Red Hawks game for Military Recognition Night. The honor guard is available to serve at any veteran’s funeral.

If you’ve been downtown lately, you’ve probably noticed some goings-on on the corner of Broadway and Second Avenue. This is the current location of VFW Post 762. They have been upgrading and remodeling for several months, to better serve veterans, their families and the community. Proceeds from the operation of the Post’s various activities fund programs to improve the lives of our local veterans and their families.

So, what’s new? The original VFW Club has been refurbished and a larger space made available for live music every weekend. They have expanded into the space on the northwest corner of Second Avenue and Broadway and established The Upfront Bar and Grill which will be opening soon. The Post maintains charitable gaming licensed by the state of North Dakota, the proceeds of which bene t the local mission. Finally, the lower level has also been refurbished and is available to rent for private functions like birthdays, anniversaries, showers, and graduations. The kitchen is open and available for on-site catering.

The Post has been a busy job creator for downtown Fargo, hiring new and experienced sta . They are available to help book and coordinate special events or provide an enjoyable night out.

September 17 is National POW/MIA Day. Post 762 will be holding a Missing Man Ceremony in recognition of the service and sacri ce of those who never returned home. Additional details can be found on the Post’s website.

Membership in the VFW or its Auxiliary is not necessary to enjoy any of the facilities at the Post and help support the important work the VFW does in our area.