Veterans of Foreign War Bernardsville Memorial Post 7858
Veterans of Foreign War Bernardsville Memorial Post 7858, also represents Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bedminster, Peapack and Gladstone and the surrounding towns.
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW’s voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members, and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
OFFICERS
“The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.”
Commander: Phil Heinold
Senior Vice Commander: Fred Buehler
Junior Vice Commander: Eric Ehrhart
Quartermaster: Bruce Murray
Chaplain: John Burns
Trustee: Mark Solomon
Trustee: Bruno Morra
Trustee: Al Green
Adjutant: Mike McClester
Surgeon: Dave Lai Len
Service Officer: Fred Buehler
Commander: Phil Heinold
Senior Vice Commander: Don Cunniff
Junior Vice Commander: Eric Ehrhart
Quartermaster: Bruce Murray
Chaplain: John Burns
Trustee: Bruno E. Morra
Trustee: Allen Green
Trustee: Dave Lai-Len
Adjutant: Mike McClester
Surgeon: Rob Sorbello
Service Officer: Fred Buehler
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans’ organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010.
Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.
From providing over $3 million in college scholarships and savings bonds to students every year, to encouraging elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president’s cabinet, the VFW is there.
Join Us
JOIN THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
As yesterday’s defenders of freedom, we want to welcome today’s military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group. Our common bond is the battlefield, whether it is service in the Persian Gulf, Korea, Kosovo, the Global War on Terrorism or peace-keeping expeditionary campaigns. Your courage and sacrifice have made a difference in preserving and defending world peace.
