According to citymission.org, “research shows that veterans recover best when they are in the fellowship of other veterans,” and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization offers that fellowship. When asked what the best part of being a VFW member, Terry Hoyle Sr. says it’s the camaraderie and how good it is to spend time with people who have “been through similar things.” Terry most recently served in the reserves from 1972 through 1978 and was stationed many places during that time. The Hoyle family has deep ties with both the VFW and the Auxiliary. Terry’s son, Terry Hoyle Jr., is the district commander.
Waynesburg’s VFW Post 4793 and Auxiliary dedicate much of their time to helping their members and supporting the community. The VFW works with its members to help them get their benefits from the government and shows its support when something happens within their families. Recently, the VFW has even provided transportation to the hospital for their members’ doctor appointments.
The members of the VFW are also strong supporters of the community. Their fundraising and grants support those in need of help. They make monthly donations to a homeless shelter in Washington County and the Auxiliary hosts monthly fundraisers. Verona Allman, a member of the Auxiliary, says, “Currently we are involved in the Angel Tree project, [and] we will host a Halloween party, open to the public, on the 30th of October. We have a craft show twice a year to raise money for veteran projects. This year, we raised $6000 and donated those proceeds to The Crabtree-Kovacicek Veterans House at the City Mission in Washington, PA.”
The VFW and Auxiliary offer a lot to their community’s children as well. Scholarships, such as Patriot’s Pen, Patriotic Art, and Voice of Democracy, are offered to area students. During the fall, a veterans poster contest for grades Pre-K through 12 is held, with winners at different grade levels. The poster encourages students to explore patriotic themes honoring veterans through art and creativity. The contest concludes at the end of October. There are also awards for Auxiliary members to help with education and a cancer grant is available.
Members of the VFW and its Auxiliary participate in various veteran events and ceremonies in the area. Outside of the building, a monument stands, dedicated to the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice and served their country in their time of need.
Membership in the VFW and Auxiliary is connected to military service. To join the VFW, “a person must have served in the military in a foreign war, occupation or support of a foreign war. The veteran needs to have served during a designated time or received certain ribbons. To become a VFW Auxiliary member, you need to be a direct relative of the description above. Qualifying family is a grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse or step grandparent or parent,” Verona says.
When talking with several members of the VFW and one member of the Auxiliary, a recurring theme can be felt: loyalty, honor, and community. They honor the veterans, they serve their community, and they support each other.
The VFW and Auxiliary appreciate those willing to volunteer to help. Terry says that they are “more than happy” to have additional volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can come to the VFW office on Lincoln Street in Waynesburg and talk to them. FMI, visit the VFW’s website, vwf.org.