In June, VFW Post 2197 in Topsham, Maine, hosted a food drive for the Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention Program– a Maine food bank that has been helping those in need since 1983. This was just one of the six events the Post held for the VFW 125th Anniversary Post Community Program.
Posts were eligible for the title of “VFW 125th Anniversary Post Community” by organizing a committee of at least three Post members, completing at least four community engagement events and submitting an official application.
VFW Post 2197 Quartermaster Jonathan “Dale” Brown, left, issues a check of $1,475 to the Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention Program June 28, 2025. The Post managed to collect over 700 pounds of food and hopes to collect even more in their next food drive.“We’re still serving,” Post 2197 Senior Vice Commander Ed Harmon said. “We must make ourselves available for our brothers and sisters. We must be able to reach out and serve our community, our states and our nation.”
Post 2197 found other creative ways to engage with the local community. Last Halloween, the Post had a “trunk” at the local “Trick-a-Trunk" event in Topsham, Maine. Post members handed out VFW coloring books, crayons, candy and safety information to more than 340 families.
In December, the Post participated in a clothing drive for the Brunswick school district, collecting hats, gloves and scarves for students in need. Members also served as Salvation Army bell ringers and managed to raise over $1,400.
The Post has also sponsored local sports teams, including an American Legion Post 202 Winter Softball Classic team and the Bowdoin College men’s hockey team– the latter of which was for a fundraiser for the “Maine Paws for Veterans” organization.
Harmon credits Post Commander Roger Stevens for much of the positive culture surrounding Post 2197, claiming that each member is there for each other.
“Stevens is such a huge factor,” Harmon said. “We will follow Roger anywhere because he’s such a great leader.”
The Post is eager to continue serving the community, veterans and each other.
“It’s such a camaraderie,” Harmon said. “The VFW is the best organization out there.”
This article is featured in the 2025 September 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.