VFW Comer-Jones Post 621 Luray, VA

The Comer –Jones Post 6 21, Veterans of Foreign Wars, was organized October 24, 1944, and for a short time was known as Baker- Higgs Post. The Post was first name in respect of Walter Baker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Baker, of
Springfield, who was reported missing in the Pacific area November 19, 1943, and
private first class Donald Higgs son of Mr. and Mrs. Higgs, of Stanley, who died
September 27, 1943, in North Africa Campaign. Both men were at that time thought to have been the first to give their lives for their country in their respect
battle areas.

A short time after the organization of the Post it was found out Avis Comer, of Shenandoah, and Melvin Jones, of Stanley, had been listed as losing their lives in the war zone prior to Baker and Higgs. In December 1944, the Post was officially named “Comer-Jones”. The “Baker-Higgs”name was only tentative.

The local VFW Post elected the following officers to head the organization for its first year: Elwood L. Moses, then Luray Police Chief, Commander; Wilber L Crider, of Shenandoah, Senior Vice commander; Robert L. Sampsell, Luray, Junior Vice Commander; W. Henry Huffman, Luray, Adjutant-Quartermaster; Walter N. Broyles, Stanley, Post Advocate and Guard; Richard G. Hopper, Luray, Chaplain and Officer of the day; R. H. Llewellyn, Broadway, Surgeon; Trustees: (18 months) James E. Ellis, New Market; (12 months) Fred A. Keyser, Stanley; and (6 months) Ray F. Bailey, Rileyville.

The obligation of the order was given to all members, and officers were elected and appointed to serve until April, 1945.

The Page County Courthouse was elected as a meeting place, meetings to be conducted monthly on the second Tuesday at 8:00 PM

Each member was urged to recruit one or more members before the next meeting. The Charter was to remain open for a period of ninety days in order that all who would join in that period would go in as charter members.

W.I. Woodell, Department Adjutant-Quartermaster, Staunton, assisted by R. H.
Llewellyn, of Broadway, Officiated at the organizational meeting held at the
Court House.