Returning home from active military duty can be a daunting endeavor for many veterans, but that’s where theVeterans of Foreign War (VFW) comes to help.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit organization that provides veterans service to all members including veterans and military service members from the active guard and reserve forces.
In South Utah County, there are two posts: Mt. Loafer Post 12061 in Payson, and Art City-Flonette Post 6395 in Spanish Fork. Each post provides resources to local veterans in the area.
While VFW is a national organization, the local posts operate on a community level with local leaders. There is also a state level VFW organization that operates within the state to provide necessary resources to veterans in need.
At the local level, each post has a host of programs and services all aimed at supporting veterans, service members and their families. Posts also organize community events that are aimed at benefiting local veterans.
One such event was a military family food drive that ran through most of November. The Art City-Flonette Post collected donations and provided them to the Spanish Fork Armory’s Soldier and Family Assistance Center.
Other events the VFW posts host include various social activities. Both local posts host an annual Christmas party that includes fundraisers and camaraderie.
Along with other activities, the posts also provide a support system for veterans who may be in need. Several months ago, the Mt. Loafer Post put a message on its Facebook reminding veterans to reach out to the post or its members if times get hard.
Each post also differs in size and what it offers.
The Art City-Flonette Post offers the Voice of Democracy scholarship program to youth in the area. This is an essay contest where high school students can earn various scholarship opportunities.
This post also puts on the Patriots Pen essay contest, which is aimed at youth in grades 6-8. Contestants in this contest can earn monetary prizes for their submissions.
Members of the Art City-Flonette Post also provide military honors at the funerals of veterans. This is a service unique to this post.
Each post has a monthly meeting for members that take place in Spanish Fork and Payson, respectively. Each post has a $35 annual membership fee.
The Art City-Flonette post, which is led by commander David Vincent and quartermaster Doug Drury, meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Spanish Fork Veterans Memorial Building at 380 N. Main St.
The Mt. Loafer Post is led by commander Brian Bell and quartermaster Darrell Moyer II, meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Payson City Municipal Building, 439 W. Utah Ave. in Payson.
Both posts have Facebook pages where each one highlights its ongoing activities and provides direction to needed resources for veterans.
