VFW serves veterans, community
Harold Bargeron echoes the organization’s national motto when he says, “No one does more for veterans,” as he talks about the work of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Bargeron, commander of VFW Post 6570 in Blue Ridge, recently explained the work of the local post, its principles and core values, mission and vision.
“Serving our communities” is one of the core values, Bargeron said.
Post 6570 members have contributed to numerous local organizations including; Her Hope Pregnancy Center, Fannin County Family Connection, Mountain Area Christian Academy’s (MACA) Christian Junior ROTC program, the Art Department at MACA, Fannin County Shop With A Cop and the Boy Scouts of America.
The VFW post has also responded to, “Every veteran in need,” Bargeron said. “We will never leave a veteran behind.”
Other core values members exhibit include:
•Always put the interests of our members first;
•Treat donors as partners in our cause;
•Promote patriotism;
•Honor military service; and,
•Ensure the care of veterans and their families.
Members of the local post, as well as VFW members nationwide, work to ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive the entitlements they have earned, and are recognized for the sacrifices themselves and their families made on behalf “of this great country,” Bargeron said.
A unique organization, VFW membership is limited to those who have served in a foreign war or conflict. Military service members from active, guard and reserve forces are also eligible to join the nonprofit veterans service organization.
The VFW traces its roots to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick, and faced no medical care or pension. They were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, these veterans banded together, their local groups eventually growing into the VFW. Membership today stands at 1.4 million in the VFW and its auxiliary.
The voice of the VFW was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration and the national cemetery system. The organization’s work did not stop as it was at the forefront of the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.
In 2008, the VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The VFW was the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fights for improved services at VA medical centers for women veterans.
The VFW’s legislative advocacy efforts were behind the passage of the 2019 Blue Water Navy Veteran Act, and the passage of the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act, which the VFW considers one of the most significant pieces of veteran’s legislation in history.
The work of the organization does not stop as members stand by the core value of honoring veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, the VFW became the first supporter of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial which broke ground in July of 2022.
VFW national officers visit European and Asian countries to meet with officials in order to stress the importance of conducting investigations and recovery efforts for Americans listed as Missing in Action (MIA). They also seek access to documents and archival research facilities.
Through scholarship programs, the VFW awards $4.2 million to students nationwide every year.
An active organization, Post 6570 is always looking to grow its membership. The group meets the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Fannin County Senior Center, which is located at 440 West First Street in Blue Ridge.
Bargeron says, “Please come and join us. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, bring in your DD214 and we can check.”
Membership applications are always on hand at the meetings.