Swansea VFW Post 2045

To Vets and the friends and family of vets living in and around Swansea, MA,

Recently, while home on leave, my brother (who is a Marine) and I went to the local VFW to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. At first I was genuinely pleased to see a crowd – this was clearly a well-attended VFW! Unfortunately, I soon learned that my brother and I were the only vets in the room: It turns out that the vast majority of Swansea VFW patrons aren’t vets. After a while, a few more vets arrived and we swapped stories, shared advice, and raised a glass to those who served before us. While we had a great night, I couldn’t help but notice that in our entire time there, not one of the other patrons stopped by to raise a glass with us.

VFWs are crucial for vets. There are a place where we can go to share stories with people who understand the sacrifice, the service, and the lifestyle. VFWs are a place where young vets can meet not-so-young vets and learn valuable lessons about how to deal with life and work challenges. VFWs create a support network that is the closest thing to active duty a vet can get once they leave the service.

All we ask is that if you are a vet or a friend/family member of a vet, that you spread the word of the Swansea VFW and make an effort to stop by to talk with great vets who would love to see you there. It’s the perfect place to stop by after work, for a happy hour, or for a pre-game for your other plans. You may just find that you stop by for one drink and end up staying the whole night. We did.

And if you are a civilian who enjoys the VFW, please remember the intent of this place and bring a vet with you the next time you come. And talk to the vets who are there. They have a story to tell, and this place is for them.

Respectfully,
Julie Janson, Captain, United States Air Force