WAYNESBORO—Veterans have a way of coming to service when called and that was demonstrated this week at Waynesboro VFW Post 695.
Last week, Post officials announced it was in danger of losing its charter if veterans didn’t step up to be involved.
According to Post officials, many who have served the community in officer positions are no longer able, or after decades of doing so, need to pass the torch.
“Our VFW risks losing its charter if we cannot field a team of officers,” said Mark Spangler, post commander last week. “In addition to losing an active part of the community, we employ 20 people and risk losing our property.”
After the call went out, veterans stepped forward to volunteers, with a crowd of nearly 50 turning out to this week’s meeting.
As role after role came up for nominations, hands went up to serve.
With a new slate of officers on board, Spangler said the next challenge is to get back into the community to bring awareness to the public of what the organization has to offer.
For nearly 90 years VFW Post 695 and its members have been supporting veterans and the Waynesboro area. The VFW’s mission is, “to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts, to serve our veterans, the military and our communities and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.”
They provide assistance via VA claims and separation benefits, financial grants, student veteran support and mental wellness. They also provide advocacy for legislative priorities, national security and foreign affairs, women veterans, grassroots efforts and VA Healthcare Watch.
The next meeting of the Post 695 board will be May 15, at 7 p.m.
