In 1947, a group of veterans who had returned from places like Omaha Beach, Japan, Italy, Africa, Normandy, and various other places around the world. Their objective was in forming a VFW to help themselves and many more veterans in the community. This would give them the help and support that they needed to get the rights and benefits they had fought for. This included things like the ability to buy a home, return to school or get the medical help they needed.
These meeting consisted of men like Wilson Harper, Garnett and Gifford Turner, Alonzo Yankey and Forest ‘Speck’ Fulk, just to name a couple, who wanted the VA benefits they earned while fighting for world peace. These men came from communities like Bergton, Criders, Fulks Run, Broadway, Timberville and all the little communities in between. Speck Fulk is the only surviving member of the post charter. He turned 104 in October.
On November 13, 1947, 160 brave and determined Vets met to sign their charter forming the Chimney Rock VFW Post 9660 in the then little community of Brocks Gap. Image that took place 75 years ago and the Post and Auxiliary still work to help and support ALL vets.
Example of that work is of George Lange who is a life member and retired from the US Navy. Before Covid his membership was revoked by National, because according to his records at that time he was not eligible to be a member. Then commander Spence White went to work trying to help George. The process was slow going due to Covid, but in time Spence got his answers with help from Congressman Ben Cline. George’s DD214 was then updated and the medals that was earned 56 years earlier was finally presented, and his membership reinstated to date of removal.
The VFW and Auxiliary are always looking for new members to join them in the work to help and support veterans. That help can be something as simple as listening or helping in getting their benefits.
Welcome Home and Thanks You for Your Service.
Congratulations on your 75 years of helping others.
