Rosemount VFW Strives to be More Family-Friendly

In the past several years, Rosemount VFW Post 9433 has faced its share of challenges. 

The post, once primarily a watering hole for World War II veterans, has lost many of its core members in recent years, while much sought after younger veterans have yet to step in and fill their shoes. 

“Most of our membership is Vietnam Vets,” said Steve Poppler, manager of the Rosemount VFW. 

Poppler also commented on the absence of younger veterans.

“I think it’s hard for them to come here,” he said.

However, VFW house committee member and former post commander Mark Monson is an exception to this trend.

Monson served in the army reserve and was deployed to Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Endeavor from 1995 to 1996. He is the father of three daughters, ages 10, 12 and 15, and he is on a mission to make the VFW a family-friendly place where veterans who are also parents can bring their spouses and children.

“We’re there to support the families,” said Monson. “It’s not the old guys' drinking club anymore.”

But Monson’s goal is hardly easily accomplished. 

Statistically, VFW membership has suffered at both the state and national level. Minnesota VFW membership decreased to 45,288 in 2011, down from 51,116—or more than 12 percent—the previous year, according to the VFW membership statistics website. Minnesota's VFW clubs has welcomed only 318 new members this year.

Out of the state's 242 VFWs, only five posts saw any increase in membership, while six maintained membership. The rest declined in membership.

For the VFW as a whole, the numbers are worse. Last year, there were 1,445,550 VFW members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and 19 foreign countries. As of Sunday, there were 1,190,214, down nearly 18 percent.

The Rosemount VFW is fairing better than many—in the past year, membership declined only 9.5 percent, decreasing from 211 to 190 members. However, out of the nearly 200 members, Monson states that only approximately 50 are active.

Neverthelss, Monson remains confident that his post can grow and become more accessible to Rosemount’s military families.

The VFW hosts many events that are geared specifically toward parents and children, such as Christmas and Easter parties, taco nights, benefits and monthly trips to play bingo at the veteran’s home in Minneapolis. The post has tried to make itself more accessible to younger veterans by utilizing facebook and the Rosemount VFW website. Post 9433 also holds charitable gambling every Wednesday night and donates the funds raised to local charities and programs, such as food shelves, Meals on Wheels and community sports.

“We all work together,” said Monson. “We’re trying to make ourselves more visible for the community.”

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE VFW

Origins:  
In 1899, the American Veterans of Foreign Service (Columbus, Ohio) and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines (Denver, Colo.) were organized to secure rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippines War (1899-1902). These two organizations merged in 1914, creating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. VFW was chartered by Congress in 1936.

Organizational Structure:  Thousands convene each August at VFW’s national convention to elect officers, adopt resolutions and discuss business affairs. Leading the organization are the elected commander-in-chief, senior vice commander-in-chief and junior vice commander-in-chief. The National Council of Administration serves as the VFW’s board of directors. More than 7,600 Posts comprise 54 Departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Latin America, the Pacific Areas and Europe. Posts form the basic local chapter.

Membership Eligibility  Those serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces in a foreign war or overseas operation recognized by a campaign medal, in Korea after June 30, 1949, and recipients of hostile-fire or imminent danger pay. Veterans of World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Iraq wars, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Afghanistan and other expeditionary campaigns, as well as occupation duty, also qualify.

Source: VFW