NEW HAVEN, CONN (March 15, 2015)—Organizers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post forming in New Haven will be hosting information sessions throughout the city over the next month, recruiting new members and informing the public on how a VFW post in the Elm City will benefit military veterans and the New Haven community.
Local veterans and state VFW officers will be on hand for the five sessions located at the five branches of the New Haven Free Public Library.
March 21 11-1 p.m. Mitchell Branch Library (37 Harrison St.)
April 7 5-7 p.m. Ives Main Library (133 Elm St.)
April 9 4-6 p.m. Wilson Branch Library (303 Washington Ave.)
April 14 4-6 p.m. Stetson Branch Library (200 Dixwell Ave.)
April 16 2-4 p.m. Fair Haven Branch Library (182 Grand Ave.)
While Connecticut’s second largest city is blessed with a growing veteran population, up an estimated 4.4 percent from last year to 4,362 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Haven does not have a VFW or a DAV (Disabled American Veterans) post. Moreover, the American Legion Post 132 is only open to New Haven Firemen.
Charles M. Pickett, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), said the proposed post already has 13 charter members of the 35 needed. He said all but one served during the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and most are student veterans or from the 102nd Infantry Regiment.
Organizers can be reached through email (VFWNewHaven@gmail.com) or social media (Facebook.com/VFWNewHaven).
ABOUT THE VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a section 501(c)19 nonprofit combat and war veterans service organization. It is America’s oldest major veterans’ organization. The VFW brings veterans together, helps veterans take care of each other, and provides opportunities for continued service to our country and our communities.
