Lincoln Veterans of Foreign Wars in danger of closing

Lincoln Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3010 membership has declined over the years, putting the organization at risk for closure, according to Post 3010 Senior Vice Commander Gary Burns. To remain open, the local post's bylaws require a quorum of at least five members at each monthly meeting. But many of the active members are elderly and have medical conditions that prevent them from attending so the quorum isn't met some months, according to Burns. "We need to bolster our membership. As of now, when it comes to our post, we're lacking in membership. If we can't get veterans into VFW, we might have to close doors," Burns said. "If we go three months in a row without meeting the quorum qualifications, we'll have to shut down," Burns said. "It's not an old folks group who drinks beer and tells war stories. We're a brotherhood who serves both veterans and the community. It's really important that we stay open." A few years ago, the Lincoln Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3010 had more than 120 members. Now, the post has 80 members, who have served in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraq and/or Afghanistan era. Post 3010 was founded in 1934. According to its website, the mission is to "foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans." Burns said the post helps veterans and community members in need. Burns has been with the organization for three years and said that the Veterans of Foreign Wars helped six veterans last month with financial assistance, laboring, food and other resources. The Lincoln Veterans of Foreign Wars will be a part of the Veterans Day celebration, Visit with the Vets, at McBean Park at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11. Veterans can receive information about the group and sign up for membership. Burns said they're willing to waive membership fees if necessary. He hopes the event will bring the community together and help bring awareness to the Lincoln Veterans of Foreign Wars post. "It would be very heartbreaking if we had to close," said Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Dennis Reynolds. "I'm very dedicated to VFW and the veterans. To think they would close because of lack of community participation would be very sad." Reynolds served 29 years in naval services and has been with the Lincoln post for 29 years.When younger, Reynolds said, he "couldn't wait for the opportunity to join a post but times have changed." Reynolds said young people now don't see the benefit of military services but he's hoping to change that. "Five to six years ago, we had at least 15 to 20 people at each meeting. Some of our members moved," Reynolds said. "Some passed away. We're doing everything in our power to make sure we stay open." Reynolds said efforts to improve membership include recruiting at local events and on social media. The post also makes its presence known in the community by sponsoring groups, including the Boy Scouts. The post recently helped raise thousands of dollars for the Lincoln Rodeo, according to Reynolds. Reynolds hopes "to garner some interest and get more people signed up" during the Nov. 11 Visit with the Vets event. For more information about the local Veterans of Foreign Wars group, visit vfw3010.org.