Serving Our Finest: The American Legion and the VFW

Story by Martha Lane

The men and women who belong to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are as patriotic as a parade on the 4th of July.

Buddy Hindle, who has been a member of Legion Post 82 in La Plata for 40 years and commander for the last five years, is one of those patriotic men. Tears filled his eyes as he said, "The American Legion is still serving America. Freedom is not free, but it is worth the price."

Gene Davies, a local businessman and Post 82 chaplain, proudly added, "This Post is an Institution which began in the 1940's where local officials and members gathered in the lounge to work out their political differences."

The Legion dates back to WWI. The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) serving in France needed a way to overcome low morale. The brilliant proposal for a veterans' organization came from Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., who was serving with the AEF in Paris. With the help of both officers and enlisted men the American Legion was born.

The first charter was issued to George Washington Post 1, on May 19, 1919, in Washington, D.C. Today there are more than 14,000 posts worldwide with 2.6 million members. Eligibility includes active duty in the United States or anywhere in the world during peace or war time or an honorable discharge after at least one day of service in the military.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) began in 1899. Veterans arriving home from the Spanish American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) were wounded and sick and had no medical care or veterans' pension.

For the veterans the time had come to stand together and fight a different battle. The "blood, sweat and tears" of those two wars became the catalyst for the VFW whose mission became, "honoring the dead by helping the living." By 1915 membership grew to 5,000 and by 1936 it reached 200,000. Today there are 2.2 million members with 8,100 Posts worldwide.

To become a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) requires combat service overseas, receiving a campaign medal, or receiving imminent danger or hostile fire pay, or an honorable discharge.

Both of these organizations were created to continue the bonds forged by experiences only those in the military could understand and to assist veterans and their families. The Legion and the VFW continue to serve our country with youth scholarships and patriotic writing contests, food banks, blood drives, aiding the community in times of disaster and helping veterans apply for benefits and health care.

Millions of Americans have bought homes and earned college educations with the help of the G.I. Bill-a vision that became a reality through the work of both the Legion and the VFW.

Neither the Legion, nor the VFW, receives funds from tax payers. Money to operate comes from fundraisers and contributions. Posts are available for wedding receptions, family reunions, parties and community events. Many of the Women's Axillaries offer dinners as well as catering services open to the public.

On Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010, our nation will honor American's military. Cheer the troops as they march in home town parades, salute the flag and sing our National Anthem. Then stand at a war memorial and give thanks for the brave men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms we live with everyday.

For more information, visit www.VFW.org and www.Legion.org.

Southern Maryland American Legion Posts

Calvert County

Legion Post #85
4290 Hunting Creek Rd., Huntingtown, 410-535-3341

Legion Post #170
4345 Livingston Rd., Indian Head, 240-377-8359

Legion Post #206
3330 Chesapeake Beach Rd.
Chesapeake Beach, 301-855-6466

Legion Post #220
2105 Sixes Rd., Prince Frederick, 401-535-1477

Legion Post #274
11820 HG Trueman Rd., Lusby, 410-326-3274

Charles County

Legion Post #82
6330 Crain Hwy., La Plata, 301-934-8221

Legion Post #170
4345 Livingston Rd., Indian Head, 240-377-8359

Legion Post #238
6265 Brandywine Rd., Hughesville, 301-274-3522

Legion Post #293
2400 Old Washington Rd., Waldorf, 301-932-5071

St. Mary's County

Legion Post #255
13390 Point Lookout Rd., Ridge, 301-872-5349

Legion Post #170
Avenue, 301-7694345

Southern Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Charles County

VFW Post #8810
Rt. 925, N. Waldorf, 301-645-6331

VFW Post #10081
Bel Alton, 301-934-8271

St. Mary's County

VFW Post #2632
23282 Three Notch Rd., California, 301-382-3247

This article appeared in the Fall 2010 edition of our magazine.