Thursday, October 1, 2026
“Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.”
This creed is posted on a mantle that members of the East Rockaway Veterans of Foreign War walk under each and every time they enter their beloved VFW Post No. 3350.
With veterans from World War II, the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, along with those currently overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as members, the East Rockaway VFW has long been dedicated to providing assistance to all veterans, active military personnel and their families, along with being a foundation and support for the community.
Formed more than a century ago, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is considered one of the oldest and most recognized organizations in America today. The national organization currently has 1.5 million members belonging to 7,644 posts. It is the largest organization of combat veterans in America.
Robert F. Garrison Post, East Rockaway
The post was installed on July 18, 1935 at the East Rockaway Fire House on Main Street and was named after a local World War I casualty, Private Robert F. Garrison, U.S. Army, who was killed in France in November 1918. Garrison had attended the local public schools and was 19 years old at the time of his death. The Post (briefly named the Major General Tasker H. Bliss Post) initially met in the East Rockaway municipal building prior the donation of the present location at 164 Main Street by Garrison’s mother. She gave the building in memory of her son so that veterans of the Great War would have a clubhouse to gather.
Meeting at their hall on Main Street every day for breakfast, the members often sit around drinking coffee, eating bagels, telling stories and cracking jokes — sometimes at their own expense — in an effort to continue the camaraderie that formed when they were serving overseas in their units.
The veterans of Post 3350 are major contributors to the community. Whether it’s Memorial Day, the 9/11 observances or the near-and-dear-to-their-hearts Veteran’s Day ceremonies, among many other events, these vets who have already done so much for this nation are still giving of themselves to their neighbors.
These veterans are also taking steps to prepare the next generation in an effort to steer the young men and women of East Rockaway in the right direction. Often giving lectures at schools, telling stories about their time spent in the military, the veterans hope to pass down the wisdom they have learned through their experiences.
Their giving doesn’t stop there. Post 3350 members are especially caring for those who have fallen on hard times by organizing clothing and food drives. They also help to care for East Rockaway’s senior citizens, and often visit hospitals to spend time with their fellow veterans.
