By James Schippers, Commander
Vicksburg VFW Post 5189 is seeking new members. The post’s emphasis has always been service to veterans and community. Post membership has been too small to establish a canteen or club, so meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Kline’s Resort Clubhouse. Chartered in 1946, the post was named for Captain Charles Osborne, a medical doctor who served in the South Pacific in WWII.
James Schippers, who served in Vietnam as an infantry soldier, is the new post commander. Senior Vice Commander is Mel Kuis, who also served in Vietnam. Commander Schippers oversees business and organizes post meetings and Honor Guard services. Senior Vice Commander Kuis and Commander Schippers organize Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day activities. Senior Vice Commander Kuis also commands the Honor Guard that provides military honors and rifle salutes for deceased veterans at the request of family.
Significant dates for veterans and activities include: Buddy Poppy donations during the month of May; Memorial Day Ceremony at Vicksburg Cemetery; June 14 Flag Day; July 4, Independence Day; and November 11. Veteran’s Day. The Post’s biggest challenge today is an aging and declining membership.
The VFW Post 5189 is seeking eligible veterans who would like to serve other veterans and the community. The post will pay an individual’s first year membership dues and will share the cost of an official VFW jacket. We want to continue building our VFW membership to help veterans get the Veteran’s Administration benefits that they deserve. Anyone interested in joining our post can contact Commander Schippers at 269-760-7391 or email at bjschippers@comcast.net.