35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca,
New York 14224
U.S.A.
American Legion
Post 735
Marine Corp. League
Detachment 239
Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW Post 8113
Navy Seabee Veterans
of America, Island X-5
AMVETS
Post 8113
82nd Airborne
West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee |
|
Member Information
American Legion Post 735
Marine Corps League - Detachment 239
Veterans of Foreign Wars
35 Legion Parkway P.O. Box 106 Post 8113 West Seneca, NY 14224 West Seneca, NY 14224 PO Box 119 Phone: 716-675-7613 Commandant - Jim Huntz West Seneca, NY 14224 Commander - Daniel Lagoda Phone: 716-681-5772 Phone: 716-675-8113 www.americanlegionpost735.org Commander - Joseph Valent
Click on Newsletter Icon for printable copy
Legion Post 735 Newsletter
Navy Seabee Veterans of
America, Island X-5Amvets Post 8113
94 Choate Avenue Box 433 Buffalo, NY 14220 West Seneca, NY 14224 Commander - Garnet Wood Phone: 716-662-2407 Phone: 716-829 9162 Commander - Robert Basher Click on Newsletter Icon for printable copy
AMVETS Post 8113 Newsletter
82nd Airborne
48 Lyman Street Buffalo, New York 14206 Chairman - Nathan Sull
ORDER OF SUCCESSION
2025 - AMVETS, Post 8113 2026 - 82nd Airborne 2027 - American Legion Post 735 2028 - Marine Corps. League, Detachment 239
Changing of the Colors Ceremony from January 1988.
Committee Chairmanship transferred from VFW 2940 to Amvets Post 8113
Monthly Member Meetings
Navy Seabee Veterans of America Island X-5
35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca, New York 14224
1st Monday after 2nd Tuesday of each month
7:00PM
American Legion Post 735
35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca, New York 14224
2nd Tuesday of each month
7:35PM
82nd Airborne
35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca, New York 14224
2nd Saturday of each month
12:00PM
Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 8113
35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca, New York 14224
1st Tuesday of each month
6:00PM
AMVETS, Post 8113
35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca, New York 14224
2nd Wednesday of each month
7:30PM
Marine Corps League - Detachment 239
35 Legion Parkway
West Seneca, New York 14224
4th Tuesday of each month
1:00PM
The Veteran's Creed
I am an American Veteran I proudly served my country I live the values I learned in the military I continue to serve my community, my country and my fellow veterans I maintain my physical and mental discipline I continue to lead and improve I make a difference I honor and remember my fallen comrades
History of Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW 8113 - The “Chicken Coop”
The VFW Post began its first reign of 25 years by 10 caring veterans. It was called the “West Seneca Veterans Social Club”. After four meetings, it was decided by unanimous vote to father more caring veterans and apply for a Charter in the “Veterans of Foreign Wars”. The Charter was granted on June 13, 1961. The new Post membership stood at 28 members.
The first meetings were held at Riedl’s Grand View Restaurant (4685 Seneca St. Ebenezer), compliments of Mr. and Mrs. Riedl. At that time, not only meetings but other Post functions were held at the Restaurant and Queen of Heaven Church Hall (Mill Road, West Seneca).
The dreams were many as the Post membership continued to grow. The veterans encouraged the installation of a Ladies Auxiliary in 1962. A marching unit was also formed and the active members made the Post known throughout the State.
With membership growing, the Post needed its own place to call “Home”. In 1965, the property at 299 Leydecker Road was purchased. The hard and exhausting work to build a place to call their own, began. The members worked and sweated as their dream was becoming a reality. Everyone worked with a common bond and goal in mind.
With the dismantling of the 12 alleys and bar equipment from the Central Bowling Lanes on Main Street, the Post Main Hall and Bar began to take shape. It was the first year for the Post to hold their regular meeting in their own Home. It was also the first year that they hosted a Memorial Day Service.
The following year was approached with much excitement because it was the first Fourth of July Independence Celebration. The Veterans marched through the New York State School which delighted the children and the Flag Ceremony was befitting of the day. Many other Veterans’ organizations and town residents attended.
The new VFW Home began to grow in size when, with the combined efforts of the membership, they moved an entire building from Mill Road and Seneca Street. The building was originally called the “Deli Room” and eventually changed to the “Commander Walsh Room”.
As the Post continued to grow not only in strength but also in profits, it was realized that the Post needed better kitchen facilities. Dues were increased and with the Auxiliary donating $100 and in 1969, the first kitchen cabinets were built.
In the following year, 1970, the Auxiliary began serving Fish Frys. The dinners were a huge success. With the profit-making project, the kitchen was remodeled and furnished.
Also in 1970, the well-known “Chicken Collection” was started. Throughout the years, people donated all kinds of “Chicken” knick-knacks and special shelves had to be installed in various rooms of the Post to display them.
Another dream of the membership was fulfilled by the erection of the Stone Monument. It took time and money, but the Monument was finally put in place with sidewalks, grass, benches and flagpoles. With the initiative of its members, all of the Post functions were being held in the new Post Home. Also in 1970, the Amvets and its Auxiliary were welcomed into the VFW Post. With the help of the new organizations, the Post had more hard workers and supporters.
In the years 1973-74, the expansion of the Bar Room and the Main Hall began. The Hall was doubled in size and the Bar Room was tripled. It was quite a feat to complete the remodeling and keep the clubrooms in operation to continue generating revenue. With the know-how of its members and limited funds, the remodeling was accomplished. On 9 February 1974, the new Bar Room was officially opened.
Even after the expansion and the Monument finished, the Post members wanted to combine the separate Polish Day and German Day into one affair, ending the rivalry between the two events. In order to accomplish this combined event, the membership decided to add a Grove.
The work began as pavilions were constructed, concrete was poured, tables and benches constructed and a flagpole for the 3 countries (United States, Poland and Germany) were erected. A kitchen was formed with the help of its members by loaning or donating kitchen utensils and some things borrowed from the main Kitchen. After the Grove was completed, the new Foyer was completed and became the talk of the Post and the envy of many other VFW organizations. The Memorial Monument wad lighting installed which allowed the American Flag to be flown all the time.
Through the years, improvements and additions has been to the Post Home. More Grove improvements were made, including a better outdoor kitchen, a bigger dance floor and two more shelters – “Big Al’s” and a larger one built behind the dance area were added in October 1986. More storage areas were built and a new roof was added in the Spring of 1986, which joined all of the pavilions under one roof to protect the visitors from the rain and elements. Also in the Spring of 1986, a permanent Cross was added to the Memorial Monument.
More improvements were made later to the main building. Those improvements included the wallpapering of both halls, the enclosure of the outdoor entrance, the addition of a new kitchen and bathroom off of the Main Hall. A new dishwasher was also added through the efforts of the Fish Fry Committee. The last improvement was the replacement of the bowling alley dance floor. Each year brought constant painting and repairs of the buildings and grounds.
The Post supported three children’s groups in West Seneca, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Brownies. All troops or packs bore the number “8113”.
Situated on 8.7 acres of land with many trees and bordering on a stream, VFW 8113 “Chicken Coop” prospered for many years holding numerous activities throughout the year including weekly Bingo, Christmas parties, children’s Easter parties, steak roasts, PBA picnics, Polish-German Day activities, rummage sales, scouting events and countless other events.
As the age of its members grew older, there were less and less members to care for the Post Home. The Amvets and its Auxiliary moved to a new home, making it harder to maintain the day-to-day upkeep and repairs of the Post. As the years passed, with very few new members, membership declined and the number of active members slipped to a little over a handful. In 2018, with the realization that the Post could no longer be kept functional, the painful choice was made to sell the Post buildings and surrounding land. On 19 December 2018, VFW 8113 “Chicken Coop” was sold to Burke Development for $650,000. In 2021, luxury townhomes and apartments dominate the land that was so special to many of West Seneca’s finest veterans. Although the buildings are gone, the memories of the “Chicken Coop” will continue to live on.
The remaining members of VFW 8113 moved to 2683 Clinton Steet, West Seneca, sharing a building owned by Amvets Post 72. The building was the former home to the Deerhead Inn and Scharf’s German Restaurant. VFW 8113 continues to be an active member in the West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee.
Undated photo from early 2000's. VFW 8113 Post Officers.
History of Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW 2940 - The “Harvey D. Morin Post”
In the year of 1933, a group of mostly World War I veterans, all who were eligible to be called Veterans of Foreign Wars, made an application for a charter for the Seneca Trail Post, VFW. This charter was instituted on 10 January 1934 in the old Union Fire Hall on Clinton Street, near Union Road.
Approximately two weeks before the institution of the Charter, Chaplain-elect Harvey D. Morin passed away. Officers and members of this newly formed post, sent an urgent appeal to the National organization asking that the post be named in honor of Harvey D. Morin, instead of the Seneca Trail Post V.F.W. The request was granted and the Post was active for the next 88 years. For a Post to name its post after a person, the person must be deceased, a little known fact.
Older members remember the meetings which were held in the old Union Fire Hall until late 1947. At that time the fire hall was demolished, and all organization meetings had to find other facilities. Post 2940 then secured a building at 3601 Seneca Street and in April 1948, their first meeting was held. On 1 December 1948 the first license was issued and the club rooms were opened for the enjoyment of the members. The Post struggled through many difficult times for the next few years, but being veterans acquainted with difficulties, gave many hours of their time and managed to see the end of the tunnel. This was done by many, so that others who eventually became interested in the VFW could enjoy the beautiful facility.
In 1983, a facility was built at 965 Center Road in West Seneca and became the new home of the Harvey D. Morin, VFW Post 2940. The Harvey D. Morin Post Number 2940, Veterans of Foreign Wars became a New York Domestic Not-For-Profit Corporation on 6 July 1990.
After World War II, VFW Post 2940 carried 1,200 members. Unfortunately, as time marched on, illness and the passing of members brought the decline in membership. As the years went by, there were fewer and fewer active members to keep the Post active. With dwindling membership, the Post started membership drives in February 2020, seeking members to fulfill the mission of working in the community to support veterans and their families in hospitals, nursing homes and the homeless, as well as teaching youth about patriotism and supporting veterans who have been in combat overseas.
Membership drives did not raise the level of membership to keep the Post viable. Down to just seven or eight active members in 2018, it just wasn't feasible to maintain their large property on Center Road. In 2018 the few remaining members sold the Post home at 965 Center Road, which also included 5 acres of land.
With its Post home sold, the Harvey D. Morin VFW held their general meetings at the American Legion Post 735, 35 Legion Parkway, West Seneca, with its new office headquarters located at Southgate Plaza, 940-A Union Road. As the Post began making its transition from its former Center Road headquarters, members continued to work to serve veterans through collaboration with the schools in scholarship programs, working with VA health care and at assisted living homes, informing the community on legislation for veterans and seeking new members to serve area veterans.
By 2022, it became inevitable that the Post could not survive. Only a handful of members attended the monthly meetings. Although members looked for a new location to call home, the writing was on the wall. After 88 years, the end of the Harvey D. Morin, VFW Post 2940 was imminent. In May of 2022, membership decided to donate the proceeds of the 2018 building's sale to local non-profits in the area. $385,000 was donated to organizations that benefitted Western New York veterans. In June 2022, the charter was turned into the National VFW Headquarters, officially ending the Harvey D. Morin, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 2940.
Past VFW 2940 Commanders on 50th Anniversary
VFW Post 2940, 3601 Seneca Street (circa 1969)
Veterans Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), formally the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, is an organization of United States war veterans who fought in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign land, waters, or airspace as military service members. Established on 29 September 1899, in Columbus, Ohio, the VFW is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri and was federally chartered in 1936.
The purpose of the VFW is to speed rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans’ widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities. The organization maintains both its legislative service and central office of its national rehabilitation service in Washington, D.C. The latter nationwide program serves disabled veterans of all wars, members and nonmembers alike, in matters of government compensation and pension claims, hospitalization, civil-service employment preference, etc.
American Legion
The American Legion, commonly known as the Legion, is an organization of U.S. veterans headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It comprises state, U.S. territory, and overseas departments, in turn made up of local posts. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at over 1.6 million in more than 12,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Latin America and the Philippines.
The Legion played the leading role in drafting and passing the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the “G.I. Bill”. In addition to organizing commemorative events, members assist at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics. It is active in issue–oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of veterans and service members, including for benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration.
Marine Corps League
The Marine Corps League is the only congressionally chartered United States Marine Corps-related Veterans Service Organization in the United States. Its congressional charter was approved by the 75th U.S. Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The organization credits Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Marine Corps commandant, as one of its founding members. The League holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.
The mission of the Marine Corps League is to promote the interest and to preserve traditions of the United States Marine Corps; strengthen the fraternity of Marines and their families; serve Marines and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Servicemembers who wear or who have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor; and foster the ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism. The League is the only federally chartered Marine Corps-related Veterans Service Organization in the country. Since its earliest days, the League has enjoyed the support and encouragement of the active duty and reserve establishments of the Marine Corps. The League boasts a membership of more than 50,000 men and women, officer and enlisted, active duty, reserve Marines, honorably discharged Marine veterans, and qualified Navy FMF servicemembers.
AMVETS (American Veterans)
In December 1944, twelve small groups of World War II veterans met in Kansas City and formed AMVETS. A year later there were 20,000 memberships and 200 Amvets posts. AMVETS (American Veterans) is the nation’s most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, representing the interests of 20 million veterans. AMVETS is open to and fighting for all who honorably served in the United States military, including the Reserve and Guard. With more than 250,000 members nationwide, we are veterans serving veterans. Founded in 1944 and chartered by an act of Congress, the AMVETS organization has more than 250,000 members nationwide. AMVETS exists to enhance the quality of life for all veterans, their families and survivors. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who honorably served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.
The mission of AMVETS is to support our veterans and their families, and to raise crucial funds for our programs. AMVETS has made a long-term economic impact by providing assistance, jobs, and services to veterans and their communities for more nearly 80 years.
82nd Airborne Division Association
The 82nd Airborne Division Association was formed in 1944 in England by pioneer paratroopers and Glidermen to keep the bond together even after the war. This historical establishment before the Normandy landings make the Association a historical one, and its founders are real visionaries, besides being the greatest generation in the modern history of America. The vision was establishing an Airborne fraternity for life; however, the Association almost perished several years later. But, just like in many battles, the All Americans rose to the occasion and ensured that the Association would be run by the highest standards. The goals of the organization are:
- Establish a permanent organization to further nurture the bonds between all those who served under the 82nd Airborne Division Patch and other Airborne units.
- To serve as a catalyst for maintaining and publishing the successes and historical significance of the Association.
- To honor and preserve the memory of the fallen heroes of the 82nd.
- To maintain close contact with all the members of the 82nd who have become disabled serving their country.
- To provide help and support in matters about Veteran benefits.
- To maintain close connection and liaison with the active 82nd Airborne Division.
Navy Seabees of Veterans of America
The Navy Seabee Veterans of America Inc., is a National Organization, perpetually incorporated in the State of Illinois under the “General Not For Profit Corporation Act”. The Navy S.V.A. is organized for the purpose that “We, the Veterans of the Naval Construction Forces and the Civil Engineer Corps of the United States Navy, who have Honorably served our Country during time of war and peace, recognizing that service to God and Country is the foundation on which our Nation was founded, do hereby rededicate ourselves to that service, and further pledge our lives and actions to preserve the fundamental ideals of American Government, which we believe are Justice, Freedom, and Equality for all”. Navy Seabee Veterans wish to continue their service to our Country, and in continuing to do so, have developed certain Objectives which is actively pursued:
- To preserve, and encourage constant interest in, and support of the National Defense and maintain for our country an adequate Military posture.
- To promote within our Nation, increased love of Country, Patriotism, and respect for our Nations Flag.
- To foster, and strengthen comradeship, and camaraderie among members of the various Islands.
- To stimulate, and inspire interests in all fraternal, patriotic, historical, and educational activities of the Navy Seabees.
- To perform such charitable work as may be deemed appropriate and assist worthy comrades, their widows, widowers, and orphans in their time of distress.
- To promote, and instill interest in, and respect for the professions, trades, crafts, and occupations of our members.
- To assist in the rehabilitation, and welfare of the Veterans who have served in the United States military forces in time of war, and peace.
- To advocate the enlightenment, and education of all our American Citizens in the principals and values of true democracy, and true Americanism.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is an organization created in 1920 by World War I veterans for disabled military veterans of the United States Armed Forces that helps them and their families through various means. It was issued a federal charter by Congress in 1932.
Disabled American Veterans is a non-profit advocacy and service organization supporting veterans of all generations and their families. Its mission is to provide a lifetime of support, ensuring veterans access the full range of benefits and services earned through their military service. The organization empowers veterans by advocating for their interests on Capitol Hill and educating the public about their needs. With over one million members, DAV serves as a powerful voice, advocating for legislative changes that protect and enhance veterans’ rights and benefits at local, state, and federal levels.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
The Paralyzed Veterans of America, a congressionally chartered veterans service organization, was founded in 1946 by a band of service members who came home from World War II with spinal cord injuries.
The mission of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is to change lives and build brighter futures for seriously injured veterans. PVA is dedicated to veterans service, medical research and civil rights for people with disabilities. There are 72 National Service offices and 32 chapters that help empower veterans.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. (VVA) is a national non-profit corporation founded in 1978 in the United States that is committed to serving the needs of all veterans. It is funded without any contribution from any branch of government. VVA is the only such organization chartered by the United States Congress and dedicated to Vietnam War veterans and their families.
VVA aims to campaign on issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to improve public perception of Vietnam veterans. The organization's main efforts concern:
- Government Relations Advocacy on veterans’ issues
- National Task Force for Homeless Veterans
- Health care for veterans, including disabled veterans
- Issues pertaining to women and minority veterans
- National scholarship fund
- Assisting veterans seeking benefits/services from the government
- Organizing "Stand Downs" for the hard–to–reach homeless veteran in need of services
VVA has organizing councils in 43 states, some 650 local chapters, and more than 85,000 individual members.
American Ex-Prisoners of War
American Ex-Prisoners of War is a non-profit service organization that aims to assist the surviving U.S. military and Civilian prisoner of war (POWs), particularly those who are elderly and those who have medical problems. Based in Arlington, Texas, the American Ex–Prisoners of War was founded on 14 April 1942. The organization received a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code in 1982 and claims a membership of 12,000 members nationwide.
The group is open to former American POWs of all wars and their immediate families. Its service officers have assisted POW veterans in securing medical services and other entitlements. Former POWs may be eligible for special veterans benefits, including medical care in Veterans Affairs hospitals and disability compensation for injuries and diseases caused by internment. These benefits are in addition to regular veterans' benefits and services to which they are also entitled. Widows and minor children of former POWs may qualify for special benefits and compensation.
Forty and Eight (40 and 8)
La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux (English: “The Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses”), commonly known as the Forty and Eight, is a patriotic organization of U.S. veterans headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Forty and Eight was founded in March, 1920, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when World War I veteran Joseph Breen and 15 other members of The American Legion came together and organized it as an honor society for the Legion. They envisioned a new and different level of elite membership and camaraderie for leaders of the Legion. The organization derives its name from the French Army box cars used to transport American soldiers to the western front during World War I. Each car had “40–8” stenciled on the side, which meant that it could carry 40 men or 8 horses. The cars were known as “forty and eights” and viewed by the men as a miserable way to travel. The new organization was thus called the Forty and Eight in an attempt to make light of the common misery they had all shared.
In 1959 the Forty and Eight became independent of The American Legion when National Commander Martin B. McKneally discontinued it as an organization within the Legion for having racially discriminatory membership requirements. In 1973 the Forty and Eight modified their membership rules to prohibit discrimination. The organization required its members to also be members of the Legion until 2008. Membership is by invitation only and open to honorably discharged veterans and active members of the Armed Forces of the United States per a 2008 change to Article IV of the national constitution. Wartime service is not required. From the beginning, the Forty and Eight only allowed men into its ranks, even though many women were veterans in their own right and thus, could have been eligible. But that changed at the promenade nationale in 2006, when the majority of delegates present voted to allow women into the ranks for the first time. Although the Forty and Eight is not a secret society, much of the ritual is a secret to non-members. A voyageur can disclose that they belong to said organization, but not all of what goes on at its meetings. The Forty and Eight meeting is known as a promenade and has its own set ritual. The ceremony to initiate a new member, known as a P.G. for Poor Goof or Prisoner de Gare into the 40 & 8 is known as a "wreck". Anyone wishing to enter The Forty and Eight must be wrecked, after which the initiate has earned the right to be referred to as a “voyageur militair” and a full member
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