Veterans Continuing to Serve

A long time ago there was a “Great War”. It was called the war to end all wars. Later it was to be called World War I. At that war’s end, an Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The returning veterans, unlike their predecessors, were welcomed home with parades and glory. Even the injured and ill had a hospital or convalescent home to take them in. 

Not so for the veterans of the Spanish American War of 1896-1899. Those returning veterans were not paid after their injury or illness prevented them from duty. There were no benefits for health or compensation for loss of ability to work. These soldiers were forced to depend on family or resorted to begging.

Returning, the Spanish American War soldiers and veterans felt alone and had no support. Many were buried without ceremony or recognition; often times in an unmarked pauper’s grave. 

The surviving veterans began to band together in their cities, small towns and villages. As the bands grew and they joined together, the formation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars began. Together they managed, in just a few short years, to accomplish some of what was missing for them such as healthcare for their injuries, National cemeteries, compensation for inability to work, and support for widows and orphans of the lost soldiers and sailors. 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), all the while, supported their communities. World War II brought an increase to the membership of the VFW. Korea and Viet Nam also increased the membership of the VFW. 

Now, the newest veterans from Bosnia, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan Freedom are starting to join the ranks. Nationally there are over 1.7 million members, to include their auxiliaries, worldwide in the VFW. The VFW at the national level continues to serve their communities. 

The VFW assists veterans obtaining justice for their war injuries (66,913 military assisted). The VFW helps struggling military families, honors the fallen, and inspires patriotism in younger people. 

Nationally, the VFW spends over $72,000,000 in these endeavors. Locally, the VFW 1371 in Owego continues the tradition of service in the community. Yearly, money is given to many local charitable organizations to include Little League, softball teams, bowling leagues, Tioga Rural Ministry, Traci’s Hope, the Catfish Derby (totaling near $20,000), and “Kids Day” at Marvin Park in which the activities and food are free. The Christmas Party with free movies at the Tioga Theater in December is always a big hit. 

The Ritual Team has, this year alone, performed 34 final farewells (funerals), one change of command ceremony, five parades, and honor guards at the 9/11-memorial dedication, the monument relocation, and final placement for a veteran of the Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor in Broome County. 

The Ritual Team has also participated in the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Courthouse Square. 

In concert with the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of Legion, the VFW members held the POW/MIA vigil at the Courthouse Square. The POW/MIA watch was communitywide with members from the Legion in Owego and Candor participating, along with members from the VFW and their auxiliaries, Vietnam Veterans, and Veterans of Modern Warfare participating. All of Tioga was represented by these efforts. 

Monies are raised for these activities through VFW and Auxiliary dues and multiple fundraisers. The money from these activities supports the community the VFW serves. These fundraisers include golf tournaments; and chicken BBQ’s, Friday night dinners and Tuesday Wing night, which are open to VFW and auxiliary members and their guests. 

The VFW also has services available to the community. A newly renovated banquet hall is available for weddings, baby showers, retirements, anniversaries, birthdays and more. The ritual team is there for funerals, parades, retirements, and other community occasions. 

You can help the veterans in your community in several ways. If you are a veteran who has served in an area during a time of war (with DD214) or are active duty with deployments to a combat area, you can become a member. A family member is eligible for Auxiliary membership with the DD214 of the veteran. 

As a member of the community, support the fundraising activities of the American Legion and the VFW. Remember that Veterans Day is not just Nov. 11 – it is every day.