Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 539: Serving Henryetta’s Heroes and Community

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 539: Serving Henryetta's Heroes and Community

To Left: Commander Bill Goodner and Auxiliary President Teresa Stevenson
Above: Volunteers giving time at food drive

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 539, located in Henryetta, Oklahoma, stands as one of the oldest posts in the state, having been founded in 1921. Originally established to assist combat veterans who were seriously injured and to support the widows and children of soldiers killed in action, its mission has since expanded to encompass all veterans and their families.

Located in the old county medical building behind Loves and across from the football field, VFW Post 539 plays an active role in both veteran support and community involvement. Its members, alongside the Auxiliary, work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of veterans while also giving back to those in need within the local area. Their services include feeding veterans and needy families quarterly, distributing food baskets to over 125 families in collaboration with Disabled Veterans, and providing free access to vital hospital equipment, such as beds, wheelchairs, walkers, and more.

In addition to this, the post takes pride in their contributions to local sports, having sponsored and purchased uniforms for the Dingers, a youth baseball team. They also assist veterans in navigating the often-complex process of applying for disability benefits.

The members of VFW Post 539 are also dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans. They maintain the Doughboy statue, ensure that the plaque listing the names of local soldiers killed in action is up to date, and place over 2,800 flags on veterans’ graves at Westlawn Cemetery and 11 other local cemeteries each Memorial Day weekend.

Their community outreach extends further with educational initiatives like the Patriots Pen competition for middle school students and the Voice of Democracy competition for high school students, both of which encourage patriotism through essay writing. The post also nominates teachers who promote civic responsibility and patriotism for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. In fact, their nominee, Justin Been, won the state title for his exceptional work.

Post 539’s commitment to community service doesn’t stop there. They actively participate in local events such as the Labor Day and Christmas parades, maintain US and military flags on Main Street, and support the Lions Club’s Christmas Basket program.

In short, VFW Post 539 is an integral part of Henryetta’s community, providing invaluable support to veterans and their families while also engaging in various community-building activities. Commander Bill Goodner, Auxiliary President Teresa Stevenson, and other dedicated members are always looking for new ways to help their community and welcome any eligible veterans or interested individuals to join their efforts.