Welcome Home, Brother & Sisters.
Visit our Post—your home for friendship and camaraderie.
A satirical reflection by Author/Artist Phil Fehrenbacher
Phil enlisted in the Army in 1965 where he served for years in Vietnam. He became a graphic designer and has worked for the state of Oregon for 26 years. He retired in 2003 and started the Cartoon "In-Country". The cartoons reflect his experiences during his tour of duty in South Vietnam.
There is a new cartoon everyday.
Commander Don Frias
As we move into September, the 2026–2027 VFW year is gaining momentum. The plans we began putting into action over the summer are now becoming opportunities to serve our veterans, support our community, strengthen our membership, and make a lasting difference.
September is an especially important month for the veteran community because it is Suicide Prevention Month. As veterans, family members, and friends, we must continue to look out for one another. Sometimes a phone call, a conversation, a visit, or simply asking someone, "Are you okay?” can make a difference.
No veteran should ever feel that they have to face a crisis alone. If you are a veteran in crisis—or you are concerned about a veteran—Dial 988 and Press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text 838255 for confidential support. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Be there. Reach out. Check on your fellow veterans. One conversation can make a difference.
September is also an important time to promote two of the VFW’s premier youth scholarship programs: Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen.
The 2026–2027 theme for both programs is:
"What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
Voice of Democracy is open to eligible students in grades 9–12 and is an audio-essay competition. The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
Patriot’s Pen is open to eligible students in grades 6–8 and is a written essay competition. The national first-place winner receives a $5,000 award.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2026
Entries for both programs must be submitted to a participating VFW Post by midnight on October 31, 2026.
I encourage our members to help us spread the word. Talk with your children, grandchildren, neighbors, teachers, counselors, schools, and youth organizations. These programs give us an opportunity to introduce young people to the VFW while encouraging patriotism, citizenship, and an appreciation for those who have served our nation.
Membership remains the foundation of our organization. Every new member strengthens our voice and helps ensure that the VFW will continue serving veterans for generations to come.
September is a great time to reach out to eligible veterans who may not yet know what the VFW has to offer. Invite someone to visit Post 401. Bring an eligible veteran to an event or meeting. Share our programs and activities and, most importantly, make new members feel welcome when they walk through our doors.
Recruiting members is important—but retaining and engaging our current members is just as important. A welcoming Post where veterans find camaraderie, fellowship, purpose, and a place to belong is one of our strongest membership tools.
Ask a veteran. Bring a veteran. Welcome a veteran.
During September, I ask our members to remember and recognize several important dates:
September 7 — Labor Day
We recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers.
September 11 — Patriot Day
We remember the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of our first responders, service members, veterans, and all who answered our nation's call in the years that followed.
September 17 — Constitution Day & Citizenship Day
We recognize the signing of the United States Constitution and reflect upon the rights, responsibilities, and freedoms it protects.
September 18 — United States Air Force Birthday
We honor the men and women, past and present, who have served in the United States Air Force.
September 18 — National POW/MIA Recognition Day
We pause to remember America's prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. We reaffirm the solemn promise:
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.
September 27 — Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day
We honor the mothers and families who have lost a loved one in service to our nation. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
As we move through September, I encourage every member of VFW Post 401 to find a way to participate. Attend a meeting. Volunteer at an event. Recruit an eligible veteran. Promote our youth scholarships. Check on a fellow veteran. Support our community. Every act of service, no matter how large or small, contributes to our mission.
Our Post is strongest when we work together. We have much to accomplish during the 2026–2027 year, and I am confident that through service, camaraderie, fellowship, membership, and teamwork, we will continue moving VFW Post 401 forward.
Thank you to our members, volunteers, families, Auxiliary, and community supporters for everything you do.
Together, we serve. Together, we remember. Together, we make a difference.
Fraternally,
Don Frias
Commander
VFW Post 401
Karaoke Every Wednesday 6-9 pmKaraoke-1st/3rd Sunday of the month-5-8 pmPool Night-Every Thursday 6-9 pmFood is available for purchase.
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...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.
WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.
to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.
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