Malverne VFW celebrates 75 years

In addition to celebrating Independence Day, Veterans of Foreign Wars Malverne Post 1073, celebrated its 75th anniversary last weekend, when it was presented with a Diamond Jubilee Award.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, a nonprofit service organization for veterans and present day soldiers who have fought overseas, awarded the Post for reaching what National Commander Richard Eubank called a “significant milestone.”

“This Diamond Jubilee Award recognizes dedication, determination, hard work and a lot of patriotism,” he said. “And it recognizes 75 years of serving the needs of local veterans and their families, 75 years of service to the local community and 75 years of contributing to the strength, power and influence of our national organization.”

Since its foundation in 1899, the VFW organization has completed community service, provided student scholarships and worked towards expanding veteran benefits. In Malverne, Post 1073 Commander Louis Jaccino, who has served in his position for the last four years, said community service and student interaction is key.

“Twice a year we talk to St. Albans hospital and we bring games,” he said. “In the summertime, we have a picnic and various VFW posts contribute time. … We go to the Downing School and Davison and the kids entertain us and we are given a momentum.”

At the national level, the VFW’s efforts have also helped to establish the Veterans Administration, develop a national cemetery system and gain compensation for Vietnam vets who were exposed to Agent Orange and diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. The VFW has funded Vietnam, Korean War, WWII and Women in Military Service memorials and fought for GI bills, gaining additional educational benefits to help American soldiers serving in the present Iraq and Afghanistan wars.