VFW Post 654 celebrated 100th anniversary
The 100th anniversary of VFW Post 654 Webster/Dudley was recently celebrated at the VFW District 8 monthly meeting with a presentation from VFW National Commander Matthew “Fritz” Mihelcic. Past Massachusetts State Commander Russell Jobe awarded the citation and congratulations in person to VFW Post Commander, Stephen P. Rogerson. VFW Post 654 celebrated its 100th Anniversary in late March 2021. To gain an award for 100 continuous years of service to veterans of Webster and Dudley is an amazing accomplishment.
The Post is named after the late Charles R. Guenther of Webster who was killed in the performance of his duty during World War I with the US Army in the Field Artillery. He was awarded the Army Cross along with many other medals for his outstanding dedication to our country.
The VFW can trace their roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. In their grief and suffering, some of these veterans banded together and later formed organizations that would eventually become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
Today, the VFW has many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities nationwide. Please feel free to contact the VFW Post 654 in Webster for more information or if you may be interested in joining the ranks of the VFW. The VFW Post is located in the Veterans Home, 4 Veterans Way, Webster, adjacent to St. Louis Church on Lake Street. The VFW Post also holds monthly meetings at 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month and veterans are welcome to participate in meetings. You can also contact the Commander, Stephen Rogerson, by email at [email protected]. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprising veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
Stephen P. Rogerson
Director of Veterans’ Services
Veterans’ Services Officer