VFW Post 305 Celebrates 100 Years of Fellowship, Service
daylong celebration slated for Sept. 18 aims to recognize veterans, support of community
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 305 in Eau Claire – which was founded in 1921 and is the second oldest VFW Post in Wisconsin – will hold a daylong gathering on Saturday, Sep. 18, to celebrate a century of service to the community.
The anniversary event will host Wisconsin State Commander Cory L. Geisler as guest speaker and will include the dedication of a memorial bench to honor the sacrifice of VFW members and their role in the community.
The bench will sit on the deck outside their historic dining room, overlooking Dells Pond.
“It was decided a few years ago to celebrate this 100 year milestone in a special way,” said VFW Post Quartermaster Clint Rudesill. “We have a great place to gather with a wonderful view.”
The post, 1300 Starr Ave., provides extensive support to community veterans organizations, including the Wisconsin Chippewa Valley Veterans Home, according to Rudesill. The post also lends a helping hand to a variety of community organizations, such as Girl Scouts of America, local high schools, and the Eau Claire Babe Ruth baseball organization.
“Post 305 has focused on community youth activities over the 100 years,” said Gary Culver, who has been a member since 1992 and active post commander for the past 10 years.
With more than 500 veterans as current members, Post 305 relies heavily on veteran participation to help with things like volunteering, raising funds, and recruiting.
“We have a great post facility that the veteran members have maintained and improved,” Culver said, “so it is a welcome place for many people and groups to come.”
Rudesill and Culver tip their hats to the Eau Claire community for keeping Post 305 profitable over the years.
Aside from being a place for people to enjoy food and conversation, Post 305 offers its Post Hall and Pavilion as a rental space for a nominal fee, acts as a verified voting site for Eau Claire residents, and grants community teams free access to its volleyball courts, Culver said.
On Sept. 18, Post 305 will serve a $5 lunch, and the anniversary program will run between 11am and noon.
Learn more about VFW Post 305 online at vfwpost305.com.
