Welcome to the best VFW Post in Louisiana! Old Stage Post 3106!
The VFW isn't just an organization-it's a family of warriors who've walked the same path. We know the weight of service and sacrifice, and we are here to make sure no one carries it alone. By joining the VFW, you are not only honoring your own service - you're standing shoulder to shoulder with those who came before you and lifting up the next generation. It's about camaraderie, advocacy, and continuing to serve with purpose. If you are looking for a place to belong, to be heard, and to make a difference - this is it. Welcome home!
About the VFW
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, and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The movement quickly gained momentum after chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. By 1915, membership had grown to 5,000; by 1936, it had almost doubled to almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW's voice has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, developing the national cemetery system, and fighting 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 by passing 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.
The VFW has also fought to improve 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. In 2005, the VFW 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 the elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the president's cabinet, the VFW is there.
Post 3106 Information
Membership & Background: The Post includes both men and women from all military branches, with service in Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Shared Identity: Members are united by a common military culture, shared language, mutual respect, and the desire to improve the quality of life in the veteran community.
Core Values: Pride in service and a strong commitment to supporting the community are central to the Post’s mission.
Public Perception: We must counter the stereotype that the VFW consists of older veterans reminiscing and drinking. We are not! Post 3106 is active, engaged in the community, and forward-looking.
Community Roles:
- Advocates for veteran-related issues.
- Provides support to local veterans and their families.
- Aims to bridge the civil-military divide.
- Seeks to increase public awareness and appreciation of veterans through active outreach and visible camaraderie.
Meeting Information:
2nd Wednesday of the Month at 1900 hrs (7 PM)
Will last approximately 1 hour to 90 minutes based on discussion and future events
It is held in the Post 3106 Hall at 205 E. Harriet St, Leesville, LA
The meetings follow the compressed agenda from the VFW Manual of Procedure.
Meeting Etiquette and Protocols
- Please remove all headgear upon entering the meeting, except for an official VFW cover (cap). There are several different styles, but all are authorized.
- No alcohol is permitted while attending the meeting.
- If you are eligible but not yet a member, you are welcome to attend as a guest.
- Two raps of the gavel signal everyone to stand; one rap signals you to sit.
- To speak during the meeting, stand, salute, and address the Commander by saying "Commander” before making your statement.
- You may not speak while seated or interrupt someone who currently has the floor.
- If you need to leave the room, proceed to the door, turn toward the Colors, salute, and then exit. Upon returning, enter, salute the Colors, and quietly return to your seat.
- To approach the stage where the officers are seated, go to the Colors first, salute, and then proceed to the Commander behind the table. Do not approach from the front or reach over the open Bible.
- When the Chaplain is called to deliver a prayer, stand, remove your cover, and hold it
- over your heart with the Cross of Malta facing outward.
- Please avoid sidebar conversations.
Online Resources
- Post Website: https://vfw3106.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VFW3106Canteen
- Email: osvfw3106@yahoo.com
- VFW Official Apparel: https://www.vfwstore.org/category/vfw
Programs
We’re committed to bridging the civil-military divide by actively participating in community events and
promoting veteran visibility. Some of the recognition programs we engage in are:
- Americanism (grades kindergarten-5)
- Patriot’s Pen (grades 6-8)
- Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12)
- Teacher of the Year awards in three grade categories
- Scout of the Year
- And more as the opportunities arise
Further information on these recognition programs can be found at https://vfw3106.org
These are all meaningful programs you may be interested in supporting.
In Closing
Once again, thank you for choosing to become a member of our VFW Post. You can be involved in as much or as little as you want; the important thing is that you are a member. The more members we have, the larger collective voice we have in the halls of the State and Federal bodies of Congress.
FOLLOW US