On the night of Jan. 21, 2025, tragedy struck the Village of Ovid, New York. A devastating fire consumed a significant portion of the town’s Main Street, reducing to ashes the only grocery store, a beloved diner, a laundromat, an Italian restaurant, and the Seneca County STEPS office.

Apartments also were destroyed, displacing 16 residents and leaving nearly 50 individuals unemployed.

In the wake of this fire, the small but resilient community of Ovid faced an urgent crisis. At the heart of the relief efforts was the Ovid Veterans of Foreign Wars Arthur G. Depew Memorial Post 6200.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, VFW Post 6200 quickly transformed into the central hub for relief efforts. Recognizing the urgent needs of those affected, the Post organized a collection of donated goods, including clothing, furniture, household essentials, and toys.

Soon, the VFW was overflowing with donated items. As the need for essentials among the fire victims was met, the Post organized a bag sale, which not only helped redistribute excess donations but also raised more than $2,500 for the Ovid Fire Relief Fund, a charitable initiative started by the Ovid Federated Church.

Understanding the long-term financial strain on displaced residents and business owners, VFW took fundraising to the next level. Through a well-coordinated benefit event, they raised more than $20,000 for the Ovid Fire Relief Fund.

Beyond monetary and material aid, the fire created a new challenge for the town: The loss of three essential dining establishments. With nowhere for locals to gather for a meal, the VFW stepped up in an unexpected but crucial way.

The Post opened its own kitchen under the banner of the Depew Chow Hall, offering breakfast and lunch services Monday through Friday. The Depew Chow Hall employed three people who were unemployed by the fire. This initiative not only provided affordable meals but also reinstated a sense of normalcy and camaraderie for residents who had lost their familiar gathering places.

As Ovid continues its journey toward rebuilding, the contributions of VFW Post 6200 will be remembered as a testament to the power of community and the unwavering commitment of those who serve-not just in the armed forces, but in the heart of their hometown.

This article was written and submitted by VFW Post 6200 Quartermaster Kenny Fellers. It was edited for length.

This article is featured in the 2025 April issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Ryan Funeral Home, located in De Pere, Wisconsin, has been a longtime supporter of veterans. Since its inception in 1926, the Funeral Home has provided services to veterans and their families. However, owner Scott Baeten wanted to take their support a step further.

Baeten reached out to VFW Post 2113 to find the best way the funeral home could properly recognize all of those serving and who have served.

Post Quartermaster Randy Hansen and Baeten began brainstorming design concepts and eventually decided on an emblematic wall display, recognizing each branch of the military.

The display also has the emblems of the U.S. Merchant Marines, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“While it’s traditional for the VFW to support and recognize the primary combat branches of our military services, we must not forget the combat support branches or agencies that perform duties and actions that are critical to the successes of all our combat branches,” VFW Post 2113 Commander Pat Moran said.

Hansen agreed, adding that illustrating the “total force” is important. “It is the combined total force that is displayed on this wall that makes all of us veterans proud of what has been accomplished over the ages,” he said.

A local church donated a stained-glass window with each of the names of De Pere citizens who served in WW1 to Ryan Funeral Home, which also was included in the display.

“This display will be viewed on a daily basis by all who visit our funeral home,” Baeten said. “[Post 2113] did an amazing job with this project, and we are extremely proud of the finished product.”

VFW Post 2113 has worked with small businesses and local government to design similar projects in the past. Through these partnerships with the local community, the Post was able to fully fund a $15,000 monument to veterans in one of the city’s parks and a $17,000 monument to local De Pere firefighters and EMS personnel.

This article is featured in the 2025 April issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

For the last four years, one Post in Myrtle Beach has been partnering with the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOV) to award its members with handcrafted quilts designed to honor their service, as well as provide a source of healing.

Post 10804, located near one of the Quilts of Valor chapters in Myrtle Beach, awarded more than 120 quilts to its members last year.

“It means a lot,” said William “Bill” LaMonte, a member of the Post who was awarded a quilt. “You’ll see recipients crying when that quilt is draped on them.”

The Post holds a ceremony to present quilts to members once a month for 10 months out of the year, with the other two months being reserved for quilt-making and distribution.

The ceremony is held at the Post where nearly 100 people join together to celebrate and enjoy a free lunch provided by the Post.

“The quilts are meant to be yours,” LaMonte said. “They aren’t meant to be sold or given away, unless of course it was to a family member.”

The Quilts of Valor come to homes and hospitals to hold ceremonies and present quilts for service members who are unable to attend the monthly ceremony at the Post.

With each of their unique quilts draped over their shoulders, Post 10804 and its members are instantly recognizable. “The QOV is greatly appreciated.”

This article is featured in the 2025 April issue of Checkpoint. If you’re a VFW member and don’t currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.

Raised between Scotland and Canada, Colin Anderson now lives in Hamburg, New York, with his wife, Sue. He has three grown daughters: Heather, Elizabeth and Colleen.

Anderson joined the U.S. Army after he moved to the United States in 1991. He served at eight duty stations, one of which was in Germany. Anderson also was deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Endeavor and completed two deployments in Iraq. During his 21 years of active duty service, Anderson earned the first sergeant rank.

He began working as a VFW Accredited Service Officer in December 2018. He also became a VFW All State county commander and All State Post quartermaster around that time. Today, Anderson is the VFW Department of New York State Veterans Service director.

Anderson begins most mornings around 6 a.m. so he can complete administrative tasks in quiet. Later in the day, he conducts appointments, files claims and assists other service officers with their questions. He also keeps VFW Headquarters updated on his department’s accomplishments and meets with other veteran service agencies.

Anderson explained that his greatest challenge in the service officer role was when he represented veterans during the pandemic. Connecting with people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities was especially difficult amid the restrictions.

“New York locked them down for many months, and the VA had a hard time understanding our limitations. But after some trial and error, we were able to create successful remote and hybrid procedures to address their claims,” he said.

Since the pandemic, Anderson and his team have increased the number of veterans and families they are able to serve. Today, he oversees five service officers but plans to gain six more in the next couple of months.

“Once our expansion is running and stable, I think that will be our biggest success,” Anderson said. “I’m proud of what we have done in New York.”

Anderson is a Bronze Legacy VFW Life member. He asks that other members continue to support and spread the word about how VFW Accredited Service Officers can provide help.

Learn more about the VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce the fourth annual VFW Day of Service – a dedicated day of service led by veterans throughout the country and the world – will kick off the first Saturday in May (May 3), marking the start of veteran-led community service projects to take place throughout the month.

“For the past three years, thousands of VFW members and veterans around the world have joined together for the VFW Day of Service, showcasing the myriad ways of ways they are #StillServing,” said Al Lipphardt, VFW national commander. “By fostering connections and supporting their communities, they have exemplified the strength of unity. We are excited to see Day of Service 2025 grow even larger from previous years, deepening our reach and making a stronger impact in the communities we serve.”

Launched in 2022, VFW Day of Service began as an outgrowth of the organization’s #StillServing campaign that launched in 2020 to recognize the ongoing dedication of veterans and service members who continue to serve their communities after their military service has ended.

Veterans are more likely than civilians to volunteer in their communities, according to a recent civic health survey¹ of veterans. The same study showed veterans donate to charities, register to vote and are involved in their communities and local government at a greater rate than their civilian counterparts.

The VFW is calling on all veterans across America and around the world to join in the VFW Day of Service to show that veterans never stop serving.

¹2021 Veterans Civic Health Index

The 2025 VFW Day of Service launches on May 3. As a part of the VFW’s #StillServing campaign, the Day of Service aims to unite VFW members to illustrate to the world the positive impact they make in their communities.

While the Day of Service officially kicks off on May 3, events are encouraged to take place throughout the remainder of the month.

Start planning today and visit www.vfw.org/DayofService to sign up, register your event and secure your place on the Day of Service map.

Being the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia is home to a vast number of sailors and Marines, and VFW’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) site on the base provides an essential service to those military members.

VFW National Pre-Discharge Claims Representative Abigail Heffernan said that a common concern among troops is how “daunting” the VA claims process is.

“Having BDD representatives on military bases can alleviate the stressor of getting VA claims done – and done right,” Heffernan said. “Filing a disability claim also provides supplemental income to service members during a very critical period in their transition from military life.”

Heffernan, a retired Navy career counselor, said that she mostly gets “word-of-mouth” referrals and gives briefings about the claims process during Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes. Heffernan added that, as one of VFW’s BDD representatives, she undergoes service officer training every six months, all while processing about five claims per day.

Heffernan said that, even as a career counselor, she quickly realized during her transition out of the military that it was going to be more difficult than she anticipated.

“While in the Navy, I was responsible for preparing sailors for separation out of the military,” Heffernan said. “I felt that I was pretty good at my job and that I was well-prepared for my transition. But there were so many things that needed to be done and very little direction on how to do it. This is an example why BDD sites are so important. It’s what service members need.”

This article is featured in the 2025 March/April issue of VFW magazine.

From honoring the legacy of its namesake, Robert Jack, to starting modern initiatives such as a monthly hiking program, a 100-year-old VFW Post in Arkansas continues to carry on Post traditions of community service and fellowship.

Founded on Feb. 13, 1925, VFW Post 1322 in Van Buren, Arkansas, is the oldest VFW Post in the state and in recent years has flourished into a hub for veterans and their families. Van Buren, a suburb of Fort Smith, is in western Arkansas near the Oklahoma state line.

Post 1322 Commander Matthew Hicks said that members focus on community activities, which he said has led to more engagement.

“We’re going into our third year with a project called Operation Daily,” said Hicks, currently a medic with the Army National Guard. “We now have our building open every day. Folks can come in, have a cup of coffee, eat a donut, play some games, watch TV, use one of our computers or have conversations with others. This Post is a community center – not a canteen.”

‘A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE NATURE’
Hicks said that one of the Post’s priorities is the Hiking for Mental Health program, which was established in 2019. He said it allows veterans to connect with nature and build camaraderie among other hikers. Hicks said that each month, hikers meet at the Post and then carpool to a hiking location.

“Arkansas is under rated when it comes to the beauty of the state,” Hicks said. “We don’t do hard hikes, so people of all ages are welcome to come, even if they are not veterans. We make sure everyone gets a chance to experience nature in their own way and deal with whatever thoughts they have.”

Other Post 1322 initiatives include donating to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, flag retirement ceremonies and adopting two Van Buren cemeteries – Gill Cemetery and Gracelawn Cemetery. Volunteers laid nearly 1,000 wreaths at the cemeteries in December.

“Public fundraising campaigns helped us purchase those wreaths,” Hicks said. “We laid them at the headstones of four of the Post’s founding members and all the other service members in those cemeteries.”

‘IT’S AMAZING WHAT THEY’VE DONE’
Hicks attributed the longevity of the Post to its strong community ties and active involvement. He added that if it were not for a few of the Post’s older members “holding it together,” the facility and its contribution to the community would not be here in the present day.

Korean War veteran Robert Layes was one of those members. The Navy veteran, who served aboard the USS Kearsarge (CVA-33), said the Post is a “completely different place” now that younger veterans have joined.

“It’s amazing what they’ve done with the place,” said Layes, who served from 1950 to 1954. “I don’t get to go as much anymore, but I still participate sometimes.”

Layes, 93, added that he appreciates newer members for growing the Post into what it is today.

“I am very proud to be a VFW member,” Layes said. “Our Post has changed for the better, and I’m happy it has.”

This article is featured in the 2025 March/April issue of VFW magazine.

When members of VFW Post 1828 and their families gathered at the Veterans Memorial in West Plains, Missouri, to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the end of Operation Desert Storm last year, it marked an historic first for the “Show-Me State” Post.

Led by Gulf War veteran and Post 1828 Junior Vice Commander David Scott Buennemeyer, the ceremony on Feb. 28, 2024, honored the poignant stories of two pilots from his unit who were killed in action. It also included the recitation of the names of 10 Missourians who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“I feel our war is the modern forgotten war, much like the Korean War,” said Buennemeyer, a retired Air Force master sergeant who led a ground combat unit during Desert Storm. “It is a story that I believe has been eclipsed by the Iraq and Afghanistan era, but there is so much to remember about the significance of our war.”

Buennemeyer, who served during the Gulf War with Echo Flight of the 50th Security Police Group out of Hahn Air Base in Germany, decided to organize Missouri’s first Desert Storm ceremony following his arrival to the state in 2022.

A former District 9 commander for the VFW Department of Illinois, Buennemeyer participated for nearly a decade in the state’s annual Desert Storm Remembrance ceremony, which takes place each February at the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda in Springfield to commemorate its 17 service members killed in combat.

“I was involved with state political leaders and state veterans’ affairs leaders at every ceremony for over eight years,” said Buennemeyer, a former member of VFW Post 5506 in Marseilles, Illinois. “I also held annual Post and District-level Desert Storm ceremonies at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, the only memorial built while the wars were being fought.”

Buennemeyer believes the inaugural ceremony last year, which was concluded with a rendition of Taps by Post 1828 Commander Dan Brown, also provided others in the state with a model for how Posts and towns can honor and celebrate their Gulf War veterans.

Buennemeyer intended to host a second annual ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in West Plains this Feb. 28. As of the completion of this article in January, his goal was to expand public coverage and invite state VFW leadership, congressmen and senators.

“I want my new state to know and honor the sacrifice of its citizens and to hold annual remembrance ceremonies,” Buennemeyer said. “We can never forget each and every person who paid the ultimate price. We need to read their names out loud and remember them.”

This article is featured in the 2025 March/April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., associate editor for VFW magazine.

VFW Post 4337 in Inverness, Florida, is being led by a husband-and-wife team. Post Commander Jesus (Joe) Acosta and Auxiliary President Lorinda (Lori) Acosta lead the Post and its Auxiliary in community endeavors.

A Vietnam veteran, Joe was based at Long Thanh North from 1969-1971 with the 210th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. He joined the VFW in 1977 while he was stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Now in his third non-consecutive term as Post commander, Joe said having Lori serving alongside him has been the easiest term thus far.

“During our morning breakfast, we just chit-chat about how we can help each other’s organization,” said Joe, who has been married to Lori for seven years. “But we respect each other’s position. The Auxiliary is always willing to assist and lend a hand with planning, promoting and with the execution of our events. In reality, they are our cornerstone.”

Lori, who joined the VFW Auxiliary in 2020, was an EMT with the Flanders Fire Department Rescue Squad. She was one of the many who responded to the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

As the immediate and past Post Auxiliary president, she said serving next to Joe has been nothing but positive.

“We trust each other in decision-making for the betterment of the Post and membership of both organizations,” Lori said. “If there are problems, we work together to resolve any issues. The role of the Auxiliary is to help our veterans to the best of our ability.”

Among the many Post activities, the Auxiliary support is weekly bingo, food drives, potluck dinners and representing the Post in the Buddy Poppy contest at the fall conference.

“In general, the Auxiliary members are here to be a helping hand whenever we can be of service,” Lori said. “Or a friendly shoulder or ear if someone just needs to vent.”

The duo channels the membership’s efforts in providing scholarships to high school students, recognizing first responders and helping needy veterans who need a hand up. Most of all, Joe said, they “delight in the camaraderie” of the VFW community.

“Members of the VFW join to mingle with people who understand them and respect those boundaries,” Joe added. “On the other hand, the people who join the VFW Auxiliary join as a tribute to their spouse or a loved one who has endowed them with the privilege of membership.”

Joe is quick to commend his wife, a two-time cancer survivor, for being an inspiration to other women who are just beginning their own cancer journeys. He said Lori plays softball and has been a bowler for 26 years, including competing twice in Reno, Nevada, in the national championship games.

“A significant milestone for our Post was the conversion to a non-smoking establishment,” Joe said. “Despite nay sayers stating otherwise, our Post is thriving and is a hub of camaraderie.”

This article is featured in the 2025 March/April issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.