Part 1: “Veterans in the House”
JoAnne Rademacher, Northern Sentry Contributor
Founded on May 22, 1921, the Minot VFW Post 753 is the oldest active VFW Post in North Dakota. In the early years, the Minot Post received a provisional liquor license and held dances so members could gather with the ladies to relax and have fun together. Many a waltz and polka created an atmosphere of comradery for the veterans. Today, the Minot Post has grown into a thriving organization of veterans taking care of each other and their communities in Minot and the surrounding area.
Let’s take a little time to learn the origins of the VFW in the United States, leading to the Minot VFW Post. The Spanish-American War was a short-lived conflict between the United States and Spain. It effectively ended Spain’s colonial rule in the Americas while the United States gained territories in the western Pacific and Latin America.
It was July 1,1898. Nearing the end of the war, Teddy Roosevelt led the 1st Volunteer Cavalry, known as the “Rough Riders,” to victory against the Spanish in taking two hills sitting on the San Juan ridgeline overlooking Santiago de Cuba, the island’s 2nd largest city. After General Shafter’s initial plan involving the 1st and 2nd Divisions and the Dismounted Cavalry Division quickly fell apart, the Cavalry Division’s two brigades, led by Teddy Roosevelt and the famed Rough Riders, charged into unrelenting Spanish fire. San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill were fortified with entrenchments, blockhouses, barbed wire, and several canon, defended by an estimated 4,500 Spanish soldiers. Roosevelt and the Rough Riders suffered heavy casualties as they took Kettle Hill first, then crossed a valley to ultimately win both hills. Roosevelt was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor over a century later in 2001. A number of soldiers under his leadership also received the Medal of Honor.
American losses in the Spanish-American war totaled some 205 dead and 1,200 wounded. In President Abraham Lincoln’s March 4,1865 second inaugural address, he stated it is our nation’s responsibility “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” By the time the Rough Riders and other troops returned from Cuba over thirty years later, there was still no provision made by the U.S. government to care for them. Nor was there any support for the widows and children of fallen Soldiers.
In 1899, soon after the Spanish-American War, three war-veteran societies were founded to support the men whose lives were changed by war. They were The American Veterans of the Philippines in Denver, Colorado, The American Veterans of Foreign Service based in Columbus, Ohio, and The American Veterans of Foreign Service based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The three groups merged in a convention in Pittsburgh on August 1,1914, forming a single nationwide association known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Since its founding, eight U.S. presidents have been members of the VFW. The first was Teddy Roosevelt and the most recent was George H.W. Bush.
The VFW promises to “honor the dead by helping the living.” Toward that end, in 1925, a Michigan cattleman, Corey Spencer, donated 472 acres near Eaton Rapids, Michigan to provide for widows and children of fallen U.S. soldiers. Today, the VFW National Home has grown from a single farmhouse becoming home to a widow and her six children, to a vibrant community meeting the needs of and guiding veterans and families as they navigate through challenges unique to life dedicated to military service. For more information go to www.vfwnationalhome.org.
The VFW Post 753 club house is located at 1100 31st St. SE in Minot. In the 1960’s, the train depot from Aylmer, near Velva, was moved to this location and transformed into the Post club house. As membership grew, the Post’s mission in service to its members and the community expanded, and the club house followed suit.
The lower level was added in 1974. It contains the bar and canteen, gaming, restrooms, and event space. This level was further improved in recent years, with large windows to the south, and other improvements with a new ceiling and updated furnishings including custom tables.
Work began on a complete remodel of the old depot event/meeting space last January. A new steel roof was also added.
The south side of the building opens to 3.5 plus acres of park space with picnic shelters. The Post hosts the annual 2nd Story softball game and picnic in this beautiful park, also providing team shirts. Other events held there are the annual DAV picnic and a big car show and BBQ coming in September.
The Minot VFW is home to about 500 members plus the Auxiliary. Veterans moving into the area can transfer their membership from the Post they have left. While I was there, Rob Thieler, Post Commander, was approached by a young man who moved here from another state, wishing to transfer to the Minot Post.
The atmosphere I experienced at Post 753 was engaging and informative. They run a tight ship with emphasis on respect, service, and fun. These veterans are proud of their Post and the ongoing projects they implement for the benefit of fellow veterans and the community.
My gratitude to Post Commander Rob Theiler, Trustee Dustin Dezotell, members Jerry Darling and Loren Headrick for sharing their love of country, service, and community with me so I could share it with you. More thanks to Auxiliary State Scholarship Chairman Peggy Headrick and Post Auxiliary President and State Jr. VP Scott Paulson who shared about their work in the Auxiliary. Together, all of them are a great team spinning many plates!
Keep an Eye out for Part Two “Out and About” will include details about favorite projects like the meat raffles and spaghetti dinners, open to the public and beginning soon. It will also cover the many other projects and services put on by VFW Post 753 and its Auxiliary showing how the greater community benefits and is invited to participate.
A heads-up for your calendar: The Minot VFW Post will host the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 at 11:00 am in the Minot Auditorium.
