West Seattle’s new VFW commander reaches out to community

Meet the newly elected commander of West Seattle’s VFW Post #2713, Morgan Junction resident Ron Zuber, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army. In the photo, he’s at left, receiving the gavel from past Commander Steve Strand. Ron says the VFW (whose hall is at 3601 SW Alaska in The Triangle) would like to be even more of “an active partner in the community” than it’s been, adding, “We welcome an opportunity to host your event for a modest fee. … Please let us know how we can help!” The VFW, in fact, is going to be a group site for the upcoming 7th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 14th) – 15 tables available at $10 donation (that goes to the VFW) per table; call them at 206-935-4352. Ron also notes that the VFW welcomes new members, including “all returning veterans that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. All it takes is a copy of their DD-214 paperwork.”

dawsonct April 17, 2011 (7:15 pm)

That’s just great.
When are Cold War veterans to be recognized Commander Zuber?

Sonoma April 17, 2011 (9:35 pm)

Thank you for your service, Ron and all other vets.

Sharonn April 17, 2011 (10:20 pm)

Good leaders keep serving and Ron is one of them. Welcome to our neighborhood.

cj April 17, 2011 (11:57 pm)

Good question dawsonct. How ever congratz on your post and I wish well with the community.

MB April 18, 2011 (9:02 am)

My brother in law has been attending meetings recently and my husband went last week (both Irag/Afghanistan vets). Im so glad to see them get involved! From what I understand, the turnout has been on the smaller side and they are really hoping to get some new things started and attract more vets to join. Not a jab at our older vets (I have the utmost respect for vets of all ages, being an Army wife myself) but it doesn’t have to be an organization only for older vets, as i think is often perceived. A good mix of ages would be ideal, and I think they have so much support and wisdom to all offer each other!

dawsonct April 18, 2011 (10:36 am)

That was the thought in the late 90’s MB, the most recent time I have heard of the VFW and American Legion considering inviting CW vets to join. Unfortunately, they now have a huge new pool of combat veterans, so they no longer need the CW vets to boost membership.
As long as they won’t have me and my fellow soldiers, I can at least insist they become much more visible and vocal in standing up for soldiers and veterans rights.

MB April 18, 2011 (12:14 pm)

I have to admit that I am too young to know the issues surrounding the CW and the VFW without research. I googled a bit after reading your comment, but need to read further to fully understand. I wasn’t aware that CW Vets would be turned away from joining. It sounds like that is the case and I agree that its crap! On a different note, I’m glad to see the beginning of a younger group with hopes of rejuvenating the VFW. There are a lot of them in the area, many just returning home and in need of support and understanding.

Mike April 18, 2011 (1:22 pm)

This is a great hall for low-impact activities and gatherings. Two different dance organizations currently use it. The VFW group are great hosts.

Jim April 18, 2011 (5:36 pm)

If I understand the situation correctly, and somebody please correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the membership criteria for these two organizations set by the US Congress.

Sorry, comment time is over.