New VFW commander in charge

From the beaches of Cuba to the deserts of Afghanistan, there have been countless numbers of men and women who have served to protect the rights those who call the United States of America their home.

Indeed, those who sign their name on what seems to most a simple piece of paper know in their hearts, they are unquestionably signing what is tantamount to a blank check on their lives. Should the call come, they are willing to pack up, leave their families, and fly to places unknown. Places where they don’t even speak the language. Places where they feel light years away from those they love. Places where they may never return from.

Those who do return, return broken, battered, bruised, and scarred by things those around them may never be able to comprehend. In 1899, a group of veterans from the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection banded together to form a few local groups that would later become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States or VFW. Their mission is simple, to advocate on behalf of all veterans. Simply put, they are veterans giving back to veterans.

However, they are so much more than that. Beyond their work with fellow veterans, the VFW is well known for its work with the nation’s youth. As has been said before, the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

Combat veterans can offer a rare insight into the principles and ideals upon which America was founded and indeed providing an important glimpse at the sacrifices made by the service members to maintain one’s freedoms.

That is why, when Jered Graham became Commander for Linden VFW Post 6968, he took up his post with a sort of stoic exuberance. That may seem to most to be contradictory but, upon meeting him, one will understand. He is sure of his goals for the VFW, humble in his approach. Graham served ten years as an Infantryman with the 1 ^st Ranger Battalion in the ARMY with tours in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

With a new Commander comes big new plans. It is of no question that Graham plans to update the outdated interior with new paint, a new kitchen, and even an arcade area for kids. His goal for the VFW, a place for everyone. Graham would even like to work with Linden-Kildar Schools to provide a unique place for the schools to host dances and events. No date has been set for a grand reopening of the VFW.

Graham is supported by Quarter Master Caleb Goebel who is former US Air Force, 27 ^th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron Cannon AFB with 6 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan twice, Thumrite Oman, and Al Dhafra Dubai twice. He is also supported by Senior Vice Commander Ronnie Cole, who served with the US Navy from 1965 to 1993 and did four tours in Vietnam and one tour in Desert Storm. Junior Vice Commander William Casey, who served with the US Air Force from 1968 to 1982 and did a tour in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.

Also supporting Graham is Chaplain Larry Blake and Judge Advocate Robert Miller. Graham started his tour as Commander of Post 6968 with the task of clearing off trees that had fallen onto the post from storms that hit on May 4. He did so with help from his friend, Rocky Snyder, whose father was an Army Ranger.

Snyder owns A Time to Help Vets, which is a free handyman service designed to help veterans.

It is those who seem the strongest, those who are always seeming there to lend a helping hand, those who are willing to fight for the good and the right that deserve the most and somehow receive the least.

To give back, to help those whose freedoms they fought for, even after they are home and their time of service is finished? That is the mark of a true hero.