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South Fayette VFW welcomes veterans and community
South Fayette VFW welcomes veterans and community
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 586 welcomes military service members and public to join the club
By Andrea Iglar
You can be a veteran to join the club, but you don’t need to be.
The South Fayette Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 586 welcomes war veterans, military service members and the public to join the club in the Cuddy neighborhood.
With membership support, the VFW can continue to offer resources to veterans, while also supporting the local community.
Life member Daryn Heaps said the public is welcome to stop and see the place.
“It is geared toward veterans, but the club itself is very much meant to serve the public,” he said.
Last year, the post placed American flags and wreaths at cemeteries, hosted a toy drive and visit with Santa Claus over the holidays, and awarded a Voice of Democracy scholarship to South Fayette High School freshman Della Endy.
In general, social and service clubs such as the VFW have been struggling with membership decline. Post leaders said that with a boost in awareness and support, the group can continue to provide valuable services in South Fayette.
More membership revenue will help the post expand community service efforts, said quartermaster Ted Gielarowski, who is part of a new leadership team that took office last spring.
“As we continue to grow, I want to be more impactful in the community,” he said.
Eligible adults 21 and older can join the post as a combat veteran, a military service member or a social member. Dues range from $25 to $35 a year.
The club rents a banquet room for 60 to 75 people, and members enjoy a discount.
The club has a bar, kitchen, pool table and games, and the post hosts bingo, sports watch parties and other events. During Lent, Fish Fridays are open to the public. A Hall of Honor will recognize veterans with wall plaques.
“I feel like as soon as somebody comes in, they’ll love it down here,” bar manager Brandi Dewey said.
VFW leaders especially encourage younger members and newer veterans to join to keep the organization sustainable.
Post commander Sham Dhonde-Keeler said the club isn’t just for older men as some think; it’s family friendly, multigenerational and welcoming to women.
“It’s important to know we’re culturally diverse,” he added.
For veterans and their families, the club offers benefit claim assistance and other services—plus camaraderie among people with common experiences, no matter where or when they served.
“All veterans are welcome to be members of our club,” trustee Sam Tornabene said.
The VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
