Mitchell VFW Post 9107 Seeking New Members

(MITCHELL) – The Mitchell VFW Post 9107 is in search of new members. Currently, they have more than 116 members who are active in the organization. But, with three VFW posts closing in their district this year, the group wants to be proactive.

Mitchell VFW Post 9107 was established on March 1947

The posts closed because they didn’t have enough members to fill the officer’s roles. And the rules have changed to accommodate new members.

Marvin Davis display at VFW Post 9107

There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in the By-Laws. An individual must meet all three in order to become a member. They are as follows:

  1. Citizenship – Must be  U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
  2.  Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable Service or General ( Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
  3. Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. This can be proven by the following: – An authorized campaign medal ( see list of qualifying medals and badges)
  4. Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay ( verified by military pay statement)
  5. Service in Korea for 30 Consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

This information is usually available through a Veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran DD-214 is not complete they can contact the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800. Or online at http://www.archives.gov//veterans/evetrecs/ to request more information.

Officials say it is imperative they verify the eligibility of every member that signs up for the VFW, not only to comply with the Bylaws but also to maintain the integrity of the organization.

If you have questions concerning membership eligibility, please contact the National Headquarters at 1-888-JOIN VFW or via email at membership@vfw.org.

The VFW Post donated towards a van to transport Veterans to various Dr. appointments, the van is parked at American Legion Post 33 in Bedford.

If a veteran DD-214 or other military documentation confirms they have been awarded one of these campaign medals and they have served honorably, then they are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Marvin Davis
  • China Service Medal
  • American Defense Service Medal
  • Europen-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
  • American Campaign Medal
  • Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
  • Army of Occupation Medal
  • Navy Occupation Medal
  • Korean Service Medal
  • Navy Expeditionary Medal
  • Vietnam Service Medal
  • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
  • Southwest Asia Service Medal
  • Kosovo Campaign Medal
  • Combat Action Badge
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Air Force Combat Action Medal
  • SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia
  • Korean Defense Service Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Irag Campaign Medal
  • Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal
  • Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon WITH GOLD BORDER
  • Korea Duty ( Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days)
  • Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay.
A memorial outside VFW Post 9107

The average age of membership is over the age of 60 to 70 years of age. Officials are trying to target the younger age group to be able to sustain the organization.

The VFW itself was founded on September 29, 1899, not too long after the Spanish/American War.  The VFW Post 9107 started in March of 1947.

The Mitchell VFW Post 9107 is very active in various caused throughout the area. The local post donates an average of $7,600 a month, winning numerous awards for their efforts to support the community.

Some of the causes include Wreaths Across America, Grayson Burnette Cancer Support, Mitchell High School Athletics, and Boy Scouts Troops 348.

They have steak night on the first Friday of the month serving either T-Bone steaks, or ribeyes, with potato. They begin serving the meal at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The Bike Rider Group serves pork on the third Friday of the month. On Saturday, October 12, 2019 Coyote 5.0 will be performing starting at 9 p.m.

“Right now, the younger military veterans are busy with the children’s activities and do not have the time yet to volunteer. Which have been attributed to low membership in other posts. We are trying to get a jump on recruiting new members so we can continue to grow our organization and sustain it,” said Henry Dersch, a member of VFW Post 9107.