VFW struggles with membership and active volunteers

SANDPOINT — With few active members and volunteers, the local VFW post isn’t able to meet the needs of the community and veterans, said Julie Washburn Sandpoint VFW senior vice commander.

With many older VFW members and few available volunteers, the VFW was unable to organize a tribute for the 20th anniversary of 911, said Washburn. The local chapter also faced criticism for not being able to recognize the 13 U.S soldiers killed in Afghanistan in August.

The VFW wants to do these events and support the community, said Ken Hunt, Sandpoint VFW quartermaster adjutant but is unable to do so with the current lack of volunteers. He invited interested community members who want to organize events that support veterans or active military members to give the VFW because the group would like to partner with them.

“We support the community as well as veterans,” Washburn said. “If you're a veteran, whether you are a member or not and are in valid need of help, reach out to the VFW.”

Other veteran groups use the VFW Hall as well, from the Vietnam Veterans of America to the American Legion. Community groups and organizations such as the National Alliance of Mental Illness, a local soup kitchen, a local church and memorial services use the hall as well.

Groups and organizations can book the hall, the VFW just asks for a donation for using the space, said Hunt. Most of the funding for the hall comes from donations from reservations.

Washburn wanted it to be clear that the VFW is neutral in terms of politics and religious leanings. They are required to not align with any such groups. With that said, they do have to screen groups that wish to book the hall, due to safety and requirements for all VFWs to maintain terrorist insurance.

Bonner General Health reaches out to the VFW if there's a veteran in need who needs a wheelchair or other medical equipment, said Washburn. The VFW has some in storage and will loan equipment out in hopes to receive it back.

“If we do support a veteran, we generally support them by filling the need with an item directly,” said Hunt. “We don’t give out money.”

In addition to community services, the local VFW chapter gives scholarships to high school students throughout the county. Last year they doubled both the number of scholarships and amount given.

VFW is mainly a lobbyist group for veterans to ensure they are taken care of after their service, said Hunt. The big issue locally is how to get the younger generation of veterans involved and informed on the services the VFW provides.

The demographics of local veterans is only growing in Bonner County, said Hunt and Washburn. The local chapter is trying to meet the needs of the increasing number of veterans, but is also fighting for their attention and overcoming the disconnect in age differences.

“How do I get those vets interested in coming in and hanging out with veterans and not think they're alone,” said Hunt.

To support vets and recruit new members the local VFW chapter is setting up what they call “Base Camp.” It will be a space in the VFW for veterans to hang out and even do a little exercise.

To accommodate a new pool table, the VFW is looking to get couches and some work out equipment for the space.

The hope is that Base Camp will be open around Christmas time, said Hunt. It is geared toward younger men and women that the VFW hopes to attract.

Sandpoint VFW will bring back their Beer Fest event. In prior years they had done three a year.

The next Beer Fest is scheduled at the 219 Lounge on Sept. 25 from 5-8 p.m. This is a good time for veterans to meet up and enjoy local beer, Hunt said

VFW meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the VFW Hall, 1325 Pine St, Sandpoint ID. Their number is (208) 263-9613.