By Nicole Falco
There was a time when Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 could boast that it had the largest membership in Nassau County. With more than 650 members, the Valley Stream post easily earned permanent possession of the Nassau County Council Charles Trench Membership Trophy for having the largest membership three years running - in 1962, 1963 and 1964.
Like many service organizations, Post 1790 does not have the numbers it once did. But its 240 members, and the 120 members of its Ladies Auxiliary, still maintain the same level of service they've always given to veterans' and Valley Stream communities - meeting monthly, visiting veterans hospitals and selling poppies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to raise money for disabled veterans.
"This place once had as high as 650 members," said Joe Marando, 72, post chaplain. "A lot of people ask, 'Where are all your members?' You can go out to Pinelawn and Calverton [cemeteries] and that's where you'll see them."
This year, Post 1790 is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Its first official meeting was held Feb. 11, 1930, in the old Village Hall building.
During this milestone year, the post is actively seeking new members. "We're trying to entice new members and get some young blood in here," said Eddie Yeznach, 72, senior vice commander. "As a member of the VFW, you're a part of an elite group. You're a combat veteran. Not everyone can join the VFW."
According to Marando, while many members are over 80, younger men have become more active in the post, including Ed Torres, a Persian Gulf veteran. At 35, he is the post's youngest member and its quartermaster. At 94, Pete Caruso is the post's oldest member. He just celebrated 45 years with the organization, although he hasn't always been a Valley Stream member. And he's still active, Marando said. Caruso will stand out in the cold or rain to sell poppies during the group's annual fund-raisers.
Being a veteran is a source of pride for the men of Post 1790. "I had a lady walk in here the other day and she said, 'Thank you,'" Yeznach recalled. "I said, 'For what?' and she said, 'For being a veteran.' I got chills."
In recognition of its anniversary, the post was presented with the Diamond Jubilee Award by John Furgess, national commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars. "This a very significant milestone for a VFW post," Furgess said in a press release. "This Diamond Jubilee Award recognizes dedication, determination, hard work and a lot of patriotism. 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."
Besides making regular visits to St. Alban's Veterans Hospital, Post 1790 regularly makes donations to the veterans hospital in Northport. The post co-sponsors the community's annual Memorial Day parade with American Legion Post 854. Last year, the VFW was the host post, and Yeznach served as grand marshal. Post 1790 awards scholarships each year, collects American flags for proper disposal, and makes donations to community groups, such as the Boy Scouts and the American Sea Rangers.
The post also assists veterans and their families in obtaining the entitlements and services they are due as former military personnel. Post 1790's honor guard participates in veterans' funeral services, and was present at the dedication ceremony of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in 1972 and the rededication ceremony of historic Valley Forge, Pa.
All of the post's work is done with the help of the Ladies Auxiliary.
"This post has served the community of Valley Stream for 75 years under the leadership of past commanders and the Ladies Auxiliary," said Greg Feist, a Vietnam War veteran and the post commander. "Our dedication has been to honor the memory of those who've made the supreme sacrifice and those still living in veterans hospitals. Our motto is to honor the dead by helping the living."
A brief history of Post 1790
Feb. 11, 1930 - A group of about 26 World War I veterans become the charter members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790. The post meets at the old Village Hall building.
May 1930 - The VFW's Ladies Auxiliary receives its charter. A dozen women make up the auxiliary's initial roster.
May 10, 1930 - A joint installation of officers is held. Fred Heffner is elected the post's first commander.
May 1931 - Post 1790 co-sponsors its first Memorial Day Parade with American Legion Andrew Fatscher Post 854.
March 6, 1934 - The post holds its first meeting at the Legion Hut, on Roosevelt Avenue at Second Street.
April 3, 1948 - The post now has a membership of 300, and a new, permanent hall is dedicated at 65 E. Merrick Road.
1964 - Post 1790 retains permanent possession of the Nassau County Council Charles Trench Membership Trophy for having the largest membership in the county three years in a row.
1970 - The post's Memorial Monument is dedicated.
2005 - The post celebrates its 75th anniversary under Commander Greg Feist.
Comments about this story? NFalco@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
