Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

 

GANDY-GRIFFIN

VFW POST 4262

5821 North Main Street

Columbia, SC 29203

PHONE:  803 754-1614

 

 

 

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

 

 

  Commander’s Breakfast; the first Saturday each month-Please bring a friend

 

 

  Membership Meeting; the third Tuesday each month 7 p.m. at Post

 

 

  Memorial Day Service 30 May 09

 

 

  State Convention – Columbia, SC

26-28 June, 2009

 

 

  VFW National Convention – Phoenix, AZ 15-20 Aug 09

 

 

Who We Are

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a fraternal organization who’s most important role and objective is dedicated to serving our veterans. Of all active veterans’ organizations, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, founded in 1899, is the oldest of all Veterans organizations. Membership is over two million. Our organization has fought for the passing of important legislation through Congress on behalf of veterans and their dependents. Our motto is “We Honor the Dead By Serving The Living.” The Cross of Malta; the emblem, was also the emblem of the Knights of Saint John. Through your membership, the Veterans of Foreign Wars can continue its unbroken record of being the Nation’s Number One Community Service Organization.

 

 

How We Got Started

In 1935 twelve World War I Veterans met at Manigult Funeral Home in Columbia to discuss veteran’s rights and to organize a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Columbia, South Carolina. The post was named for Charles Gandy Jr., of Greenville South Carolina and Samuel Griffin of Columbia, South Carolina, who were killed during World War I. Lincoln C. Jenkins Sr. was elected the first post commander.

The post with thirty-one charter members, however, did not receive its charter until 29 July 1945 and was designated Post 4262. Throughout the early years the post experienced slow growth and programs were limited. However in 1 9 7 9 , the po St was rejuvenated under the leadership of Post Commander Paul L. Ross; a building committee was formed to raise funds and to develop plans for a new post home. On 25 May 1979, the post moved into a newly renovated building on 1.5 acres of land at 582 1 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina...its current location.

 

 

How We Work For You

Post 4262 has contributed financially to community activities and programs such as Aid to Cancer Research, Sickle Cell Anemia, Scholarships, food to the needy, educational grants, swim teams, volunteer service at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Annual Picnic, Halloween Party, Buddy Poppy Sales, Voice of Democracy Contest. The post also has a very active Building Fund Program and numerous other activities for the membership and their families. In addition, the post worked with programs that help make our community a better place in which to live.

With the current trend of enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership, the post should continue to grow in membership and programs and will surely remain one of the top posts in the state and nation

 

 

How To Become A Member

Any veteran or active duty military person who has served in any foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service warrants the issuance of a campaign badge or ribbon by the Government of the United States shall be eligible for active membership. Contact any member of the post and complete an application form for membership. Qualifying documentation must be presented (a copy of DD Form 214, etc.).

 

 

Sons And Daughters Of The VFW

Sons, daughters and grandchildren of members of the post between the ages of 6 and 16 years old are eligible to join the Sons of the VFW or the Junior Girls Unit

 

 

Social Activities

During the year, the post sponsors several social functions for the entertainment of our members and guest. The Commander’s Ball, Awards Banquet, Christmas Party, New Year’s Ball Celebration, 4TH ~ July Cookout are a few. The Ladies Auxiliary sponsors the President’s Ball and Fashion Shows.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Disco Music is enjoyed by all. Thursday nights the post is also open for other activities. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guest while in the Post home.

 

 

Ladies Auxiliary

The Ladies Auxiliary of Gandy Griffin VFW Post 4262 received its Charter on 23 June 1 947 for ladies, who are the mothers, wives, sisters and daughters of men whose combat service made them eligible for member ship in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed with fourteen chartered members and its current membership is in excess of one hundred and fifty six. The Ladies Auxiliary has performed many notable acts, deeds and services in assisting the VFW post in its work, growth and accomplishments.

 

 

Chaplain's Corner

When sickness, death or distress occurs with a member we will respond. Call the post at 754-1614. Please leave a message and a telephone number where you can be reached.

 

When Do We Meet

VFW  Post 4262 meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

 

 

 

COMMANDER-MATTHEW D. GOODEN

 

SENIOR VICE- JOSEPH WILLIAMS

 

JUNIOR VICE- JAMES GROCE

 

ADJUTANT- ELAINE WILSON

 

QUARTERMASTER-CORNELIUS DRAKE

 

JUDGE ADVOCATE- GARFIELD STUART

 

CHAPLAIN- OLIVER SMITH

 

SURGEON-DR. ALBERT REED

 

SERVICE OFFICER-JAMES JORDAN

 

1st YR TRUSTEE- GB WILLIAMS

 

2ND YR TRUSTEE- AUGUSTUS SINGLETON

 

3RD YR TRUSTEE- DANIEL THOMPSON

 

 

 

 

 

SENIOR VICE

JOSEPH WILLIAMS

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Comrades!  Once again membership is one of our biggest goals at the VFW.

We need to obtain and sustain our membership.  As of November 2008 we are currently

at 67.81 % which equates to about 300 members short of our 100%  goal.  Currently we

are last in the state.   I challenge each and every one of you to renew your membership

after the Veteran’s Day Parade at the post as you know 31 December 2008 is the expiration

date for last year membership cards.  Comrades, Post 4262 has always put its best foot

forward in all we do. The Commander really and truly needs your support.  We do a lot of

functions here at the post, but it’s the same members all the time, I know this is an volunteer

organization so please just volunteer and participate in meetings.  Remember comrades,

strength comes in numbers.  We have the second largest Post in the State so lets come out

Nov 11 in mass numbers for the Veteran’s Day Parade.  Comrades can march or ride in the post Van.

 

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR VICE

JAMES GROCE 

 

 

Hello Comrades!  I first like to give thanks to those helping with the Buddy poppy sales on Oct 25, 2008. We have raised over $1, 000 this year in poppy sales. The proceeds are going to the relief fund!!

I still need your support in the upcoming Year. 

POPPY SALES EVENTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR:

FEB, MAR, and APR.  Come to the meetings to get the exact confirmed dates.   I would like to give special thanks to the Blythewood High School ROTC for their big contribution in distributing the Poppies.

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

 

 

 

Commander’s Breakfast; the first Saturday each month-Please bring a friend

 

 

Membership Meeting; the third Tuesday each month 7 p.m. at Post

 

 

District II Meeting/Convention — Lake Murray Post —

             Eat at 1:00—Meet at 2:00

 

 

Memorial Day Service 30 May 09

 

 

State Convention – Columbia, SC 26-28 June, 2009

 

 

VFW National Convention – Phoenix, AZ 15-20 Aug 09

 

 

Social Activities

 

During the year, the post sponsors several social functions for the

entertainment of our members and guest.

 

The Commander’s Ball

 Awards Banquet

Christmas Party

New Year’s Ball Celebration

4TH of July Cookout

And Many other events

 

 

The Ladies Auxiliary sponsors the President’s Ball and Fashion Shows.

 

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Disco Music is enjoyed by all.

 

Thursday nights the post is also open for other activities.

 

Members are responsible for the conduct of their guest while in the Post home.

 

 

 

There is a common bond between the men and women who

have shared the military experience in battle:

a shared sense of duty;

a common belief in a cause higher than self.

Our nations' veterans serve willingly and assume the risks

of maintaining America's freedom for all.

 

VFW members uniquely understand individual liberty,

our American ideals and beliefs,

and the price paid to preserve them.

 

The VFW is exclusively Veterans who served our Country

under actual Combat Situations, and is the

only Veterans organization

where those qualifications apply.

 

Our eligibility extends to United States Combat Veterans of all

foreign wars and conflicts involving all the American Armed Forces.