Huntingburg VFW celebrates 75 years of service
It’s hard for Jim Anderson to think about the Huntingburg VFW and the impact it has had in his life without shedding a few tears.
“When I came back, I wasn’t from this city and the guys that built this took me in and they were my buddies for a long time …,” Jim explained choking up. “They’re all gone.”
The camaraderie found between those with a common experience drives that emotion. The 179 veterans who are members of the Huntingburg VFW have each served in some capacity on foreign soil or in hostile waters during a conflict.
The Huntingburg VFW Post 2366 at 363 Geiger Street has been providing a place for veterans to gather, talk, build relationships, advocate for other veterans, honor those who have passed and strengthen the community since 1945. This Saturday, the public is invited to attend its 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Doors open at 2 p.m. and the public is invited to step in to peruse a large display of uniforms from the different services through several eras going back to World War II. The uniforms are on donation from the Dubois County Museum as well as local private collectors.
Additionally, there will be hundreds of photos on display spanning the 75 years the post had been open. Organizers are hoping visitors could help identify some of the people who at one time or another were a part of the Huntingburg VFW. There will be live music from Kevin Charles and appetizers for those visiting the displays.
At 5 p.m., the Post will begin serving steak and salad ($16). Dinner will be open to the public.
A planning committee comprised of members and the auxiliary has been working on the open house for about two months. Allen Fritz is a member and has been helping with the event. The Huntingburg native served in the Marines. He did a tour in Vietnam and several tours overseas before getting out. He joined the VFW soon after he returned home.
“It has been a place I can go to talk with other veterans who may have had the same experiences I had in the military,” he explained.
Allen and his wife, Pam, hold the distinction of being the first couple to host their wedding reception in the VFW’s current building. This building replaced the original building in 1969. It was a short move — the location of the original VFW building now serves as the parking lot for the Post.
Patty Leibering, the secretary for the Lady’s Auxiliary, also helped plan the event. She’s been a member for 50 years.
Her uncle, Francis Dittmer, was killed in World War II and her father, William, was a member of the VFW. “I had to follow suit. To honor his legacy, I have always been a member and very active,” Patty said.
That sense of homage to these service members conflict permeates the auxiliary.
Like many service organizations, the VFW is facing a loss of members as the older ones pass on and the younger generations haven’t filled their ranks.
“We are hoping that this is a moment the community can learn more about the VFW,” she said, pointing out that family members of service members and veterans who haven’t served in a conflict can join the VFW auxiliary. It is no longer limited to women, so men are beginning to join so they can also help with the many activities the VFW takes part in.
Marie Seibert is the president of the Huntingburg VFW Auxiliary. She has had several family members serve in the military.
Being part of the VFW has allowed her to be part of many veterans’ lives as well as experience some great friendships while serving them and the Huntingburg community.
“You really feel like you’ve done something for them all,” she said.
The community is invited to attend the celebration. Pandemic guidelines will be in place. Stories will probably be passed around between friends.
