“Daddy, did you know…?” was a frequent phrase from our military child at EVERY assignment, at EVERY age, and about EVERYTHING she learned along the way. This memory popped into my brain as I was thinking about how to share with others how they can be a part of helping our town’s VFW flourish again; a Place that is literally a cornerstone in our community.
So I begin with, “Kenyon, did you know?” “The VFW” is a place that supports not only our Veterans but our Community as well. It is the place where Blood Drives are held, Christmas in Kenyon is supported, Rose Fest Hog Roast/Bingo are enjoyed, Wedding and Funeral Receptions gather people together, People are fed well at School Fundraisers; and too many more to name them all. Our VFW is an integral hub in our community that brings us together. Anyone; member, veteran, or not is welcome anytime “The VFW” is open to gather with friends, enjoy something from the kitchen, or a beverage from the bar.
“Kenyon, did you know?” “The VFW” as most of us recognise it in our community is really 5 separate organizations: VFW Post 141, The VFW Post 141 Auxiliary, American Legion Post 78, Kenyon Veterans’ Color Guard, and the Veteran Support Group; each having different membership criteria. All working hard to create the “place” that anchors so many of the things important to our community. Perhaps one of these organizations is a good fit for you.
When I decided to support “The VFW”, I joined our Post 141 Auxiliary. I was surprised to learn who can join, and the benefits offered for a very reasonable lifetime membership. So… “Kenyon, did you know?” Anyone over age 16 can join the VFW Auxiliary if they are related to a Foreign-War Veteran: Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Grandparents, Grandchildren, Husband, Wife; Regardless if the Veteran is a VFW member. The Auxiliary meets monthly at “The VFW” and uses it as its base of operation for fund-raising, service projects, and socializing across the community.
Enrollment requirements for the American Legion have changed drastically over the years. “Kenyon, did you know?”, if you served honorably after Dec 7 1941, you are eligible to be a member of our local Legion Post, 78 which operates out of “The VFW”.
The Kenyon Veterans Color Guard was chartered to gather all vets regardless of date or location of service. “Kenyon, Did you know?” You do not have to be a VFW or Legion member to join the Color Guard. If you served in any military branch and would enjoy honoring Veterans in ceremonial settings, our Kenyon Color Guard would love to have you. The KVCG calls “The VFW” its home, where they meet once a month; and where they assemble to support funerals and other ceremonial events when a request is made; and socialize after.
Now you are thinking…I am not closely related to a Foreign War Veteran, or one myself, nor did I serve in the military, what can I do? Well, “Kenyon, did you know?” our amazing community has a Veterans Support Group. They are very active and committed to helping “The VFW” by integrating and coordinating with the VFW, Auxiliary, Legion, and Color Guard to provide essential additional volunteer support to the many fund-raising, Service Projects, and social functions of these groups. None of whom could do what they do without the Support Group doing their work quietly right next to them.
So why is this information important now? I think everyone in Kenyon knows “The VFW” had a tough summer and fall. Revenue was tight, several expensive facility improvement needs became apparent, and it had some untimely staff turnover. The VFW Post took some time to re-evaluate its operation and business model and implemented a few changes. Several recurring evening activities were suspended because they were negative revenue. Some of these perform better during the long, cold winter and will be brought back in the new year. The VFW Post tested the water with a high-prize raffle and a couple of significant community-wide, themed events which were all successful. The Post has hired a new Manager for “The VFW”, and more significant, themed events are planned for 2026. “The VFW” relies on your patronage to keep the doors to this important place in our community open for all to use and enjoy. Stay tuned to social media and event fliers posted throughout the community to participate… or get involved!
“Kenyon, did you know?” I stepped way out of my comfort zone writing my first op-ed ever. I knew I couldn’t be the only one in town unaware of all “The VFW” has to offer and what we can offer “The VFW” and the organizations that come together to make it work. I am confident in our community’s desire to keep us connected to each other through a space created to support Veterans which in turn connects us to the ability to do good in our community and World. Help honor all Veterans and their sacrifices by considering how you can contribute to the success of our town’s VFW.
