Welcome to POST 985

The Post in Goshen was formed on October 26th, 1922, and was named after the first commander, William A Books.  Bill only served one (1) term, but his legacy was instilled in the post forever.
 
As for the VFW, it all started on the evening of September 29th, 1899, thirteen men — veterans who had fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American War — gathered at a tailor shop in Columbus, Ohio. They shared their accounts of what was then the most popular war in America’s history, but further to discuss how they could assist their fellow veterans and the dependents of their fallen comrades.
 
These men could not have known then what would grow from such humble beginnings. The simple and selfless desire to care for those who share in the common bond forged by war laid the foundation for what has grown to become the multifaceted organization that is the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
 
Arguably the most recognized veterans service organization in America — and certainly the oldest and most accomplished — the VFW has evolved into nothing short of a powerhouse for veterans.
 
Before the VFW came into existence, veterans did not receive health care for wounds received in combat; most of them didn’t receive any treatment for any disease or illness acquired as a result of military service; pre-VFW veterans had no reasonable expectation of receiving compensation of any sort.
The men who founded the VFW challenged the status quo and by doing so helped shape the future of veterans forever.
 
It was the VFW that demanded America promise to graciously and appropriately care for those who bear the burden of war and put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and way of life.
 
One of the simple things in our veterans’ lives is wanting to be remembered and appreciated for their years of service and sacrifice. None want anything overbearing, just a simple service and to be remembered for all their efforts.  Having a place to gather is something we do so they can talk about and remember veterans of days gone by.  Those who have slipped away into the fabric of time, and who were the true heroes of their time.