Who
We Are
The
Veterans of Foreign Wars is a fraternal organization whose 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.
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How
We Got Started
In 1935 twelve
World War I Veterans met at Manigult Funeral Home in Columbia to
discuss veterans 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.
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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.
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