Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC
VFW Post 1545
Last week I gave a bit of history of our Post. In the years following Commander Ron DeLong, we proceeded with rebuilding as I mentioned.
At that time, we had WWII and Korean veterans pitching in. Amazing how, at the age they were, here they were carrying our debris from the building to a waiting dumpster. One board at a time I may add.
After the debris was cleared, we were fortunate to have Joseph Charbonneau and his crew come to our aid and put an addition on the building above our mechanical room which added space to our meeting room.
Then James Word stopped by and asked if he could lend a hand with our work. He worked tirelessly putting sheetrock up and spackling. He built our POW/MIA tribute area in our hall.
He was a great craftsman and unfortunately passed away. He also installed our ceiling in Freedom Hall that looks outstanding. The amazing part is he did not want to get paid for any of his work.
We forced him to take a payment, although it was nowhere near what he was worth. I just want to let everyone know how appreciative we are of all these men’s labor. Our community has always been support of our Post.
The entire building was rewired from the main panel throughout the building under the supervision of Thomas Bristol, a WWII veteran and member of our Post. He was a licensed electrician in NJ. He was in his late 80’s at the time, which was amazing.
After that work we decided to rebuild our kitchen. After we removed the linoleum off the floor that was installed long ago, we found the floor joists were no good which was a setback.
Nick, the owner of the Windham Diner at the time, came to us and donated the tile for the floor, a stove, a griddle, a stainless-steel table, a freezer and refrigerator to complete the rebuild.
We now have a building that, at the beginning of our rebuild, was to have a building for the community to use. For many of the not-for-profit organizations we do not charge. For a member of the community that would like to use the building, we accommodate them for a small fee.
This work, for many of us, was a labor of love. In the years to come, I hope that veterans will proceed with our mission in the community.
We need new members to be a part of our work. I know that in these times it is very hard to recruit. As a member, you continue your service by helping your fellow veterans and the community that you live in.
Please consider joining our Post and help us move forward. I am personally proud of what we have accomplished over the last 96 years of our existence, and with new members, we will continue.
We will hold a pancake breakfast on Saturday February 17th. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee and juice. Cost is a good will offering, so join us.
Stay warm as this is one cold week. Remember our troops still serving throughout the world for our freedoms and keep them safe. God bless America.
Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander Post 1545.
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