About Post 1647 | Brainerd Minnesota

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1647. Duty, Honor, and Country.
Since 1929, this post is open to all VFW members and guests.

OUR MISSION: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve veterans, the military, and our community.

It's a friendly place. Stop in and see for yourself.

A big thanks to the volunteers who help at this VFW post and club. These volunteers work in food service, as bartenders, and other duties. They are not paid. Everyone is encouraged to thank and tip them. It's the right thing to do.

Veterans helping veterans. That's what we're here for.

FAQ:
Am I eligible to join the VFW? Answer: If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you're eligible to join our ranks. More information.

What does it cost to be a VFW member? Answer: $35 per year.

What do I get for my money? Answer: As a member of the VFW, you are a part of an organization that lobbies to the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress in Washington, D.C. The higher the membership number, the more influence the group has to pass veteran favorable legislation. Lack of VFW support will result in lower veteran benefits. You also receive the National VFW Magazine, the state Gopher Overseer Magazine, and Post 1647's Vet's Gazette monthly newsletter.

How do I join? Answer: Ask Post 1647 Quartermaster Pat Wing for an application.

General Irving Hale

A bit of history:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded by General Irving Hale, back in 1899. The purpose was to speed rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans. Also to assist veterans’ widows and orphans along with dependents of needy or disabled veterans. The VFW promotes Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities.

John M. Mahlum

Nick Hanson

Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1647 was formed March 23, 1929, with 18 charter members. It was named Mahlum-Hanson Post in tribute to the first two Brainerd men killed in World War I, John Mahlum and Nick Hanson. Charter members included: William Osthy, Maurice Anderson, Alfred Hames, Antone M. Anderson, Phillip Holzman, E. J. Hanson, Turner Erickson, Ray J. Hall, Carol Ray, Martin Iverson, Charles Mitchell, Carl Benedix, Oliver Thomason, Carl Jacobson, James Hagin, J. J. Anderson, Frank Potter and Jens Yde.

James Hagin was first commander. Among activities of the VFW have been the purchase of hospital beds, crutches, wheel chairs and walkers for loan to the public as needed free of charge; sponsorship of lite-a-bike safety campaign, Bantam hockey and Colt league baseball; donating American flags to various groups, sponsorship of Voice of Democracy, sale of poppies and other projects.

The VFW has a drill team which assists at parades and funerals. The Auxiliary to Mahlum-Hanson Post was started April 2, 1931, with 29 charter members and Rose Potter named first president.

In 1936, the Post Auxiliary had a 15-member drill team, and a Daughters of the VFW was organized in 1937 with 20 members. The Auxiliary has been active assisting the Post in its activities, as well as carrying out many of their own.

The organization has made sizeable donations to civic programs, works and provides items for hospitals and nursing homes, holds a letter writing campaign to servicemen in the field and other activities. The VFW sponsored the establishing of a monument in Evergreen Cemetery at the burial site for veterans without families in Brainerd . The monument, costing $2,300, was dedicated July 4, 1940.

The Post purchased a building on South Sixth Street in 1946 and moved there for its meetings and activities.

Brainerd VFW Post 1647, 309 South 6th Street, Brainerd, MN, USA