Local VFW roster covers four generations

VFW Post #2243, which began in October 1931, is secure and will not be closing any time soon.

This is the news shared following a visit from State VFW officials Sept. 7-10. The officials came to the area to increase membership and activity at the local post.

According to lifetime VFW member, and longtime leader, Joe Hernandez, the leadership roles have been handed over to capable, young veterans.

“I am thankful and appreciate those people that wanted to join the post,” Hernandez said. “We have a new, young generation that are energetic and ambitious and they are committed.”

According to new Post Commander Andy Bremer, the younger generations are committed to stepping in to help revitalize the post.

Previously there were just more than 40 members, but after the most recent efforts, they added another eight.

“Almost everybody was in the 35-45 age range,” new Post Commander Bremer said. “The total age range in the VFW right now, I am guessing, ranges from 30 to 95, so we cover four generations. I am really proud about that.”

In addition to the increased membership of the post itself, new auxiliary members have joined as well.

“Auxiliary is open to men now as well,” Bremer said. “A lot of the older veteran’s sons have joined.”

The new board is considering opening the VFW post up to community events and for their own fundraisers, according to Matt Shoup.

“It would be another community organization,” Shoup said. “The community is shrinking and we have to find a way to keep it viable. If we can help somebody that would be my goal.”

Members of Post #2243 continue to look positively towards the future of the local VFW and they hope to encourage new members from neighboring communities to join the post as well.

“It’s going to be a slow process,” Bremer said.

Post Commander – Andy Bremer

Senior Vice Commander – Christopher (Butch) Nitz

Junior Vice Commander – Jay Thurin

Quartermaster – Matthew Shoup

Adjutant – Matthew Shoup

Chaplain – Don Olson

Surgeon – Christopher (Butch) Nitz

Sergeant of Arms – John (Mike) Beatty

Judge Advocate – Brian Howard

Service Officer - Austin Garner

Additionally, three trustees are appointed to oversee operations. Those trustees are, Brian Howard, Dan McGinnis and Dusty Schutz.