Last summer, when renovating VFW Post 2608 in Dwight, Illinois, Post Commander Adam Goetsch thought to dedicate a piece of their Post to all service members. The result was a mural painted on one of the outside walls, facing part of historic Route 66.
Goetsch had reached out to Stephan “Conman” Connors, a local artist who had completed several pieces around Dwight, Illinois, many of which include Route 66 aesthetics.
Members of VFW Post 2608 and its Auxiliary gather in May at the Dwight, Illinois, Post in front of a new mural Stephan “Conman” Connors painted. The mural, which faces historic Route 66, draws visitors into the Post. “I’m the mural guy,” Connors said when asked about his work as an artist. “This is probably my favorite piece that I’ve done.”
The mural includes the insignias of each branch of the military, as well as the Post’s byname “The Beachhead.” Goetsch believes the name is a homage to WW2 veterans.
“I wanted something that would honor all branches of service, and I let Steve have the freedom to bring it to life,” Goetsch said.
Post 2608 sits along a stretch of Route 66 and the mural is easily visible to travelers driving down the historic highway, as well as members of the local community.
“The mural helps remind us of our service and helps us get the conversation started about service in general,” Goetsch said. “It’s also a great way to help membership. People see the mural and stop in to ask questions. It gives us a chance to talk about the mural and the VFW itself.”
VFW Post 2608 was officially established on June 12th, 1932, and was named after WW1 veteran Albert Tuneberg, who was killed in action. To help assist veterans and members of the community, the Post provides medical equipment to those in need.
This article is featured in the 2025 May issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.