Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Local VFW Post 2243 suffers low numbers, participation

Kimball’s VFW Post #2243 has been a Veteran’s of Foreign War member, chartered by congress, since October 1931. This long-lived and loved organization is in dire need of active members.

Though the post has many members, the majority of those are inactive, according to Post Commander Joe Hernandez.

“We don’t really even have meetings anymore,” he said. “You have to have a quorum of five guys to have a meeting.”

Several posts in the area have closed, including one in Scottsbluff, which joined in the Gering post, and the Bridgeport post also closed.

In efforts to prevent something similar from happening locally, the Veterans of Foreign Wars State membership team will be visiting Kimball Wednesday, Sept. 7 through Saturday, Sept. 10.

State officials including, John Liebsack and Jim Pierce, will conduct a membership drive with goals for recruitment, retainment and increased member activity.

The team will contact current and past post members, others associated with the VFW and all who are interested in learning about them and/or joining.

Veterans who served in any conflict overseas, ever drew hostile for or imminent danger pay, served in Korea at any time, or Navy SSBN patrol is eligible for membership.

Anyone interested in speaking with the membership team can contact Liebsack at 402-210-5198 to request an appointment or can visit with the team at the Post 2243 Home, located at 227 E. Chestnut St., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The drive will conclude with a new member introduction and induction on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Post 2243 Home.