Local VFW Connecting Veterans and Community
Since 1955, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3057 has been a gathering spot for the South Beach Community. Located just a block from Montesano Street on East Pacific Avenue, the building serves as a hub for local VFW members, the Auxiliary, the American Legion, and various community events, including meetings, bazaars, parties, and receptions.
The VFW is located at 211 East Pacific Street in Westport
VFW History
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a non-profit organization founded in 1899 to advocate for the rights and benefits of veterans who served in overseas conflicts. Its mission is to provide camaraderie and support to those who served abroad. With over 1.4 million members nationwide, the VFW has played a crucial role in every major legislative victory for veterans in the 20th and 21st century.
Locally, Post #3057 was officially re-named in 1994 to honor General James H. Doolittle. A decorated Army Air Corps General, Doolittle earned the Medal of Honor for leading a World War 2 raid on Tokyo. A graduate of MIT with a doctorate in aeronautical engineering, Doolittle pioneered air and space technologies still used today. In 1989 he received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
According to Post #3057 history, in 1974, Doolittle attended a Medal of Honor recipients dinner hosted by the Altar Society of St. Paul Catholic Church. It was discovered Doolittle was not a VFW member. He was invited to join and accepted. Doolittle visited Westport many times over the years to go salmon fishing. After his passing, national headquarters allowed the Westport post to be re-named in his honor.
(You can read more about General James H. Doolittle here)
More Than Just a Veterans Hangout
While the VFW operates as a private club and safe space for veterans to forge connections, Master Commander Dennis Hall emphasizes it’s the Auxiliary members that really cultivate the community connection. Hall, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife Sally, have been working hard alongside the Auxiliary to spruce up the buildings interior, keep their Facebook page up to date, and provide more service to the community. Here’s what's on offer.
A recent Bingo night
Thursday Bingo Nights
Every Thursday at 4pm, the community is invited to the VFW for Bingo. A game card with 10 games costs $2. Winners receive prizes, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Friday Night Dinner, Music and More
On Friday nights at 5pm, the VFW cooks for the community. Meals cost $12-$14. Check their Facebook page for the rotating menu, or the sign display on Montesano Street. The night usually includes live music, karaoke, a 50/50 game and a meat raffle.
Community Events
The VFW holds various events at their hall and around the community throughout the year. Upcoming events include
Easter Egg Hunt - March 30th, 10am at the Ocosta Junior Senior High School.
1st Annual Paint The Town- A community/volunteer effort to help a local family with minor home repairs, yard work, or painting. You can nominate yourself or a neighbor by April 1st. If you have skills to help with these improvements please consider volunteering.
Spring Bazaar -April 20, 10am-4pm. Call Deena at 253-888-2817 if you’d like to have a table.
Other Events
Seahawks and Mariners Games- The VFW opens for all Seahawks and Mariners games, so you can cheer on your favorite team.
Fall Bazaar held in September or October.
Community Kids Christmas held every December.
Private Events
The VFW as well as the Youth Hall can also be rented out by private entities for for parties, wedding receptions, or any type of fun gathering.
On April 13th local rock and blues band Black Shepherd will be holding an album release party for their latest all acoustic album. Recorded in Aberdeen with fans in attendance, the CD will only be available to purchase locally. The all-ages show is $10 to enter but kids 12 and under are free. Music starts at 6pm with special guests Justin Kautzman, Honey Jo, and John Prentice III.
VFW National Scholarships
On a National level the VFW’s Youth Scholarship Program is open to middle and high school students. High school students can enter the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition to win a portion of more than $1 million in educational scholarships. Middle school students can enter the Patriots Pen youth essay contest, with each first place state winner receiving $500. If any local South Beach students wish to enter, Hall says the local post will support them in all ways possible. Applications are due by October 31, 2024.