Overton County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post has added four new members meaning the organization will continue to operate.
Commander Jerry Greer said the post held two open houses to recruit younger veterans after fears of having to shut down.
“Before, most of our membership were older veterans that have life membership, so they do not pay due any longer,” Greer said. “We have to get new younger members in to support the post.”
Greer said the additional members help but the post still needs more to create a stable future. However, COVID has added challenges to recruiting members. Since majority of the members are considered at-risk, a lower numbers of veterans have been attending meetings and events.
“It is hard right now, because of this coronavirus,” Greer said. “It is hard to get any participation going. The events we used to have going each year like the Buddy Poppy and the other events we did have been cancelled this year.”
Overton’s VFW next meeting is Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Greer said all COVID guidelines are followed for any concerned veterans thinking about attending. The post now has about 12 active members with about 90 overall.
Greer first took the position as commander in July in hopes to save the organization. The post will be forced to turn in its charter to the state headquarters if recruiting issues continue. The organization is also selling its first and second floor offices on West Henson Street due to lack of funds.
