VFW, a Haven for Veterans
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Sr. Vice Commander Louis Russo of VFW Post 5948 takes a moment to explain the Table of Honor which is found just inside the doors. The round table shows the everlasting concern for our soldiers who are still missing. The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty. The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, awaiting answers. The vase is tied with a red ribbon symbolizing our continued determination to account for our missing. A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers. The inverted glass symbolizes their inability to share in a toast. The chair at the table is empty – they are missing but not forgotten.
If a community has a local VFW, it truly is a haven for veterans from all foreign wars. Tehachapi is one of those lucky communities which is blessed with two posts: Post 12114, and Post 5948 on Tehachapi Blvd.
Post 5948 was chartered in May of 1960 and has been at its current location on Tehachapi Blvd. since 2000.
veterans come in all sizes and ages these days, and currently there are 240 members who call Post 5948 their home away from home. "We have members who served in WWII, Iraq, Afghanistan, some from the Gulf War, but the bulk of our members came home from Viet Nam," shared Louis Russo, Sr., vice commander. "The VFW is a place they can come to share experiences, find resources and just spend time with someone who has been through what they've been through," he added. "A lot of veterans are looking for 'comrades-in-arms' – it's a comfort zone – and the VFW is here for them. They can talk about whatever they need to talk about. It's not just all war stories."
If a veteran comes home with physical injuries, those are easily detectible. It's the psychological injuries that are difficult for most to discern, Russo explained.
"It's called PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder. It's been around for a long time, but it's only recently that they came up with a name for it," he explained. "Our vets from WWII came home with it, but they didn't know what it was or what to do about it. Some called it 'shell shocked', but no one knew how to deal with it from a medical standpoint. The vets were on their own pretty much and just did the best they could. Some survived and some didn't. Now the veterans Administration can and does help with PTSD."
Post 5948 is a pretty active post, according to Russo. "We have several planned events, and programs going on all the time. The annual bike run, events for Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Pearl Harbor Day, and even Oktoberfest."
A Board of Health mandate converted Post 5948 to a non-smoking establishment in March of this year. "We're trying to get our patio area closed in before winter to provide a place for our smokers," he said. "Home Depot has donated $600 toward the costs and we figure the total will be about $1,100, so we're almost there," he said smiling. "We're open seven days a week, 365 days a year from 11 a.m. until close. Closing isn't a set time – it's just whenever things slow way down. The bartender makes that call on a day-to-day basis."
As you might imagine, keeping the doors open for most VFW posts is a challenge. "We have come close to closing our doors on many occasions," Russo explained. "We pay the railroad for the space and have a mortgage to boot. We don't get any federal funding, so it's donations to the post that keep us going. Our bartenders are all volunteers and only get their tips, but they are dedicated and are appreciated by all who come through the doors. Our bar manager, Brenda Nemilla, has been here for about two years and does a great job."
VFW Posts are a treasure trove of resources. Russo explained, "We almost always can direct an individual member to where he or she needs to go for whatever services they may require. We've been there and had to find them on our own, so we are in a good place to point them in the right direction. We do have some relief funding available from sources for homeless and financial situations, as well."
Most of the veterans in the local area get medical services from the Veterans' Administration facility in West Los Angeles. "There is an out-patient clinic in Bakersfield, too. Most of the vets I know have received really good care from the VA hospital in West LA. They are really on the ball – not like VA hospitals used to be," he shared. "The VA has come a long way from years ago and they finally are recognizing PTSD and are providing the help we vets need in that area."
Everything in Post 5948 pretty much has been donated, according to Russo. "The big flag inside was put up at Home Depot and customers and staff made a donation when they signed it and it was then donated to the Post. We've got pictures and flags from lots of places and each one of them comes with a story from the person who donated it. We're grateful for all the memories."
Post 5948 has a general meeting on the second Wednesday of every month. "Our house committee meets at 6 p.m. and then the general meeting begins at 7 p.m.
Several uniforms are proudly displayed on the wall in the gathering room – just one way that memories of those who served are shared.
Donations are always welcome to help with expenses, Russo shared. "We are not a 501(c)3 organization, but folks help out from time to time, anyway."
If you'd like more information about VFW Post 5948 or would like to make a donation, please call the Post at (661) 822-7500.
(I would like to apologize for not being able to connect with Gary Guy at VFW Post 12114 in time to add information and comments from him for this article, but if you'd like information about that Post, you can give Gary a call at (661) 822-5688. Thank you for your understanding. ~Mary Clyde.)
If you enjoy your freedom, remember it wasn't free. A veteran paid (and continues to pay) it forward. Please remember to thank them at every opportunity you get. A simple "thank you for serving" is something they truly cherish.
Happy veterans Day!
