Illinois VFW Posts Serving Community Needs

May 02, 2025

This month, VFW magazine continues its “Destination Post Series.” The series features 125 Posts located in sought-after tourist destinations. Featured VFW Posts are those that make a real difference in the communities in which the Posts are located. This month’s article takes VFW magazine readers to two Posts located near “Chi-Town.”

A little more than 30 miles south of Chicago is VFW Post 311 in Richton Park. Not only is the Post a favorite spot in town to gather for a little fun, but it also is a community advocate.

VFW Post 311 Commander Aretha Spurlock said helping homeless vets is something of which the Post members are especially proud. The Post hosts an annual Veterans Stand Down and also supports the Midwest Shelter for Homeless veterans through clothing drives.

“We find ourselves in a great position to support our veterans through stand downs and resource fairs,” Spurlock said. “Thanks to a local woman, we provide equine therapy at the stand downs. She brings her horse for the vets to experience. We are very proud to be able to offer this.”

Spurlock said the Post also provides scholarships for high school students and supports career days at schools. For the past nine years, VFW Post 311’s emphasis on higher education has led to more than $30,000 in scholarships awarded to high school seniors with family ties to veterans in Richton Park.

What began in August 2014 with three $1,000 scholarships, the Benjamin O. Davis Post 311 Commander’s Scholarship program has since awarded up to six $1,000 scholarships a year to more than 30 recipients.

On the second and fourth Fridays at the Post, veterans and military affiliates are invited to attend “Coffee Chats.”

Spurlock, who is the first female Post commander in her District, said these twice monthly events are hosted by VFW member Nekohl Johnson.

Coffee is provided by VFW member and Army vet Melissa Farmer Hill, who has her own coffee company, Sip Nation.

Spurlock said that several of the Post’s older veterans have died throughout the past year. A member asked the commander about having professional grief counseling for VFW members. That led to a “Grief and Loss” series at the Post presented by Dr. Renee Dickerson. The series focused on understanding the effects of grief on the mind, body and spirit, among other topics.

“I take my position as Post commander seriously,” said Spurlock, who is in her third year in that role. “We are a service organization, and we are here to serve veterans and the community. If they walk in, hopefully they will want to join us or support us in some sort of way.”

WORKING ‘HARD AT SERVING’
Among the good times had at VFW Post 311 are First Friday events. Food trucks and live music are two of the ways the Post celebrates the first Friday of each month.

In February, the community turned out for a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration with a catered meal and live entertainment.

Movie nights are held at the Post on a monthly basis. It is one of many free-of-charge events at the Post.

Spurlock said the Post markets its events on Facebook and also by text message chains. For those who are regulars to the Post, but not eligible for membership, there is a Friends of Post 311 group she texts. This group of supporters had a cornhole tournament in April to raise funds for the Post.

Spurlock likens entering the doors of Post 311 to entering the bar “Cheers” from the TV sitcom. She said everyone seems to know everyone, and if they don’t, they make sure to “warmly welcome” all visitors.

“The goal is that we work hard at serving,” Spurlock said. “So we want to enjoy ourselves just as hard. After all, tomorrow is not promised.”

COMMUNITY IS KEY AT BATAVIA POST
Just outside downtown Batavia, Illinois, on the banks of the Fox River is a picturesque six-plus acres resembling a park. VFW Post 1197 owns the park-like property.

VFW Post 1197 Commander Steve Hunter said the Post is “heavily” involved in the community, and likewise, the community supports the Post.

“Being out and visible in the community will make or break your Post,” Hunter said. “A few short years ago, our parking lot was in disrepair, and we were on the verge of closing. But with the past couple of commanders and our quartermaster, we have revitalized this place and pushed a real youth community.”

At nearly 300 members strong, Post 1197 hosts twice-a-year blood drives to benefit the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois.

“The blood bus comes to our parking lot, and we make it a huge success,” Hunter said.

A Persian Gulf War veteran, Hunter said that most events planned at the Post are aimed at families, which, he added, has helped in overall recruiting.

“Iraq and Afghanistan members are getting very involved,” Hunter said. “Families and young kids come hang out at the Post.”

At all levels, the Boy Scouts have a partnership with Post 1197. They annually camp out on the Post grounds on the weekend closest to Veterans Day in November. During the weekend, the Scouts, alongside Post members, retire U.S. flags.

“Our members teach the Scouts how to properly dispose of flags,” Hunter said. “In doing this, we also are instilling patriotism in these youngsters. We have a true partnership with the Scouts.”

Another way Post 1197 supports its community youth is by issuing a community service award to a member of the Bulldog Moving Company. The Bulldogs are high school football players who help out at the Post when the need arises. During the school’s Military Appreciation Night in the fall, the Post awards a trophy to a Bulldog for his commitment to service. Inside the trophy case in the school, there is a plaque for this award, and each year, the new winner’s name is added.

Each spring, around Easter, Post 1197 Auxiliary plans and executes a Touch-A-Truck event at the Post. From fire trucks to garbage trucks, kids get an opportunity to get up close and personal. Given the holiday, the Easter bunny shows up to help spearhead the hunt for thousands of Easter eggs.

“The kids really love this,” Hunter said. “We have gift certificates in some of the eggs, and of course, candy. After the hunt, they come inside for more fun.”

In addition to the Batavia American Legion that meets at the VFW Post, a fly-fishing group uses the Post given its proximity to the river.

TRIVIA, ART AND MUSIC
The Post is open every day except Monday. There is a full-service bar complete with multiple billiard tables and dart boards.

On the fourth Friday of each month, everyone shows up to hear live music. When the weather cooperates, an outdoor patio with picnic tables and umbrellas can be enjoyed.

The Post has monthly trivia. One month you might test your knowledge of all things related to “Friends” (sitcom) and the next share your smarts about 80s music.

If trivia is not your thing, the Post has paint nights where for a fee, guests come to the Post and get creative. Supplies are provided.

Hunter said the Post offers a bit of something for everyone. Due to the Post’s high visibility in Batavia, recruiting is usually successful.

“We know that when we bring in a new member, it is important to give them a little responsibility,” Hunter said. “Find out what their interests are and give them a chance to continue serving, but in an area they enjoy. When new members get involved, they stick around.”

This article is featured in the May/June 2025 issue of VFW magazine, and was written by Janie Dyhouse, senior editor for VFW magazine.