To Our Community, Families, Friends, and Neighbors
The rumors of our demise are somewhat exaggerated. On August 31, 2023, the Woodstock VFW Post 5040 will cease to operate our bar/ canteen operation located at 240 Throop St. In addition, we will vacate this location. Understandably, this is a disappointment to many. This operation was a distraction to our Pillars on which we were founded. However, rest assured that our Post 5040 will continue, and continue it will. Our efforts will return to our patriotism, education, and veteran support.
Some in the community ask who we are, or what do we contribute to the community? Let us share with you.
Today, we represent approximately 171 members in our local Post. We are your grandparents, we are your parents, we are your aunts and uncles, we are your brothers and sisters, and yes, we are your children: present and future. We stand for our flag and salute it as our respect demands it.
Our members have traveled overseas with our flag as our guidon. They have seen the atrocities of war, have endured, and have survived to return home. Most are combat veterans; most are religious and spiritual. Once home, their service did not stop. With over 500 hours per year, our VFW Post 5040 documents many types of community service. This is a minimum for documentation purposes (not the actual service to our community). Our members provide much much more. In fact, for over 77 years, we have been in Woodstock serving our veterans and our community.
In a volunteer military of today, about 1% of our population will serve our country and military, while only about 10% of those serving will have the honor and ability to go and defend freedoms across the globe.
So in the coming months, please remember our VFW Post 5040 and its members as we transition to a new focus. Remember who we are and that we are still here serving our community.
VFW Post 5040 meetings are held at 7pm, the 3rd Monday of the month at the Dorr Township Bldg, 1039 Lake Ave, Woodstock, IL. You may contact us at VFW5040.org.
Sincerely yours,
Ed Chambers
Woodstock VFW Post 5040
Sr. Vice Commander
