VFW Post 477, along with Department and National Headquarters’ help to protect veterans’ entitlements and as an organization, it works closely within the community through various service, safety, and educational programs. ALL ABOUT US:
WHO WE ARE (Post 477)
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was created on August 1, 1914, in the merger of three national war-veteran societies that were founded in 1899, shortly after the Spanish-American War. The American Veterans of Foreign Service, based in Columbus, Ohio, the Colorado Society of the Army of the Philippines, based in Denver, Colorado, and another society also known as the American Veterans of Foreign Service but based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, merged in a convention in Pittsburgh to become the single nationwide association known since then as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The mission of the VFW, in its own words, is to “foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts”; to “serve our veterans, the military and our communities”; and to “advocate on behalf of all veterans.” The organization also works to “ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made” on behalf of their country. THE STORY OF THE SOLDIER FOR WHOM THE POST IS NAMED
It has been a tradition past and present for veterans' organizations to name local posts after native sons who paid the ultimate price. Newcomer, born in Carlisle on Nov. 13, 1896, was baptized 16 Jun 1901 at the German Reformed Church, Carlisle. He enlisted June 4, 1917, part of the 8th Pennsylvania National Guard; sailed to France aboard the Aquitania, leaving Hoboken, New Jersey, on May 7, 1918, arriving in Calais, France on May 16, 1918, nine days later. Corporal Newcomer was deployed to the front on July 7, 1918 in charge of an automatic rifle company, Co. G, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Allied Expeditionary Force. A corporal in charge of an automatic rifle squad, Newcomer was deployed to the front on July 7, 1918 and was killed in action just two days later at Hill 204 near Chateau Thierry. An account of his death states: "Killed instantaneously by machine gun fire on July 9, 1918 while attacking Hill #204, Chateau Thierry.” Hill #204 is where the Chateau-Thierry American Monument now sits. WHO WE ARE (Post 477 Auxiliary)
Established in 1914, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who served in a location of foreign conflict. Our Post 477 Auxiliary is more than 3,500 Auxiliaries. Our volunteer members give of their time and fundraising needed dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIPS
Post 477
Membership in the VFW is open to any individual who meets all three of the following requirements. The individual must:
(1) be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national,
(2) be currently serving in the armed forces of the United States or have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions, and
(3) be currently serving in or have completed service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. The VFW recognizes as proof of such service the issuance of a qualifying campaign medal, the receipt of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay (as verified by a military pay statement), or service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days. Auxiliary 477
Membership in the VFW Auxiliary is open to any relative of service personnel who are members of the VFW or are eligible to become members of the VFW. Relatives eligible for membership, who must be at least 16 years old, include:
Husband/Wife
Widower/Widow
Father/Mother
Grandfathers/Grandmothers
Sons/Daughters
Grandsons/Granddaughters
Brothers/Sisters
Social Member
Membership is open to men and women at least 21 years of age. Applicants must agree to a background check. Any felony conviction will make him/her
ineligible for membership. All other violations of the law will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must be recommended by two life/regular members in good standing of the Post.
