John S. Stewart VFW Post 1"The First Post"

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VFW Post 1 is the first and oldest VFW Post in existence. It was founded in 1899 by members of the First Colorado Volunteers returning from the Philippines during the Spanish American War and commanded by General Irving Hale.

The first meeting took place in the Colorado State Capitol on Dec. 1, 1899 and the organization has been meeting every month since then.

Today, the VFW is one of the largest and most active veterans organizations in the United States and Post 1 continues the tradition of being on the forefront of service to Veterans and to our country.

We actively select programs and partners who assist veterans from WWII to Operation Enduring Freedom. We understand the current-day veteran community is far more diverse than it was 10 years ago, which is why we are committed to gaining new members who are of all ages, genders and conflicts.

We want to put services at the forefront of what we do and leave the old stigma of dark, smoky bars that the VFW has been known for in the past.

The Post has had several homes and most recently in 2007 the Post sold its building at 955 Bannock and is now located at 4300 Pecos Street, Denver, CO 80211.

Featured Story: Maj. Adam Morgon on Colorado Public Radio

Next Monthly Meeting

is Feb. 9th _ 1900

Will be held at Post 2461

at 1350 S. Broadway

(half a block south of Lousiana on Broadway on the East side)

DENVER (12/16/2011) -- Across the country, there are more than 7,500 chapters of the VFW -- Veterans of Foreign Wars. The very first, Post 1, is in Denver.

It was founded in December, 1899 by veterans of the Spanish American War and subsequent Philippine-American War.

Maj. Adam Morgan is writing a book about the post. He's a veteran of the first Iraq war and serves in the Colorado National Guard. Morgan spoke with Ryan Warner.

For more news, visit our Pressroom.

Click Here to Listen

Excerpt text taken from

www.cpr.org

History

Building on a Storied Past

The first meeting took place in the Colorado State Capitol on Dec. 1, 1899 and the organization has been meeting every month since, which is why we are Post 1.

The Post is named for Captain John S. Stewart who was killed in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. He was much beloved by his troops.

Initially the organization was known as the Army of the Philippines and in 1914 the VFW was formed with the merger of several Spanish-American War veteran groups.

In June 2011, Post 1 consolidated with Post 6616 with the John S. Stewart Post name remaining, as well as the number 1. The Post is now located at 4300 Pecos Street in Denver. We are in the process of undergoing a major renovation and hope that you will visit us in 2012.

Despite undergoing renovation, Post 1 remains committed to providing strong programs supporting our troops, fellow veterans and the community as a whole. Our years without a building built a true desire to focus on programs and not a canteen.

Our Post

Programs Directly Supported by Post 1

Snapshot
Founders Day
Adopt A Unit
Forgotten Heroes Campaign
Military History Center

Snapshot

Post 1 Snapshot

Legacy organizations like the VFW need to change to attract younger veterans who have different needs and interests than the rapidly aging demographic currently represented by the VFW.

Younger Vets do want to be more involved in community s support activities, especially those helping other veterans.

We can no longer be a Post of cheap drinks, bingo and just handing out "buddy poppies".

VFW Post 1 is helping to lead the way and focus on meaningful programs that assist active duty service men and women, their families and Veterans while at the same time honoring our proud heritage.

We are proud of our post, and we ask a lot from our members. Each of our members is now asked to commit to participating in one of our programs. These programs vary from active board participation and volunteering on a monthly basis, to spending a number of hours at yearly events.

For those who cannot or choose not to participate, we ask members to donate $40 on an annual basis to the Post on top of regular dues. Members have the option of selecting a specific program we support.

Founders Day VFW Post 1 Member CSM Florquist.jpg

Founder's Day

Since 1899, Members of Post 1 have gathered to celebrate our start and hold a banquet to commemorate our founding and recognize those who do much for our fellow Veterans.Each year we have a theme, select a key note speaker and present an individual or organization with our VFW Citizenship Award.Help is needed in planning the event, promotion, and Citizenship Awards.Themes:2011 - Homeless Veterans2010 - Women in the Military and as Veterans (Colonel Mary Miller)2009 - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (General Mark Graham and Carol Graham)2008 - VFW and a Changing World (VFW Past National Commander John Gwizdeck2007 - Expanding Frontiers of Defense - Space (General Kevin Chilton)2006 - History of the First Colorado Volunteers & Post 1 (Ken Gaunt, Historian)[Coming Soon.. Citizen of the Year Recipients, Keynote Speakers, and Founders.]

Adopt A Unit 994th care packages2.jpg

Adopt A Unit

Post 1 has been very active in supporting our Troops and their families. In 2010 we adopted the 994th Engineering Company deployed to Afghanistan.In addition to sending care packages, we took their families to an Avalanche Hockey Game, hosted some of their monthly FRG meetings and are helping coordinate the welcome home party.Help needed in coordinating care package shipments and working with their families to support different activities.

Forgotten Heroes Campaign ForgottenHeroesPic1

The Forgotten Heroes Campaign

The Forgotten Heroes Campaign works to get medals and awards to Veterans who earned them but never received them.Founded in 1998 as the Forgotten Heroes Project by Brigadier General Sal Villano and Post 1 historian Ken Gaunt. Renamed the Forgotten Heroes Campaign in 2006 - the project has helped over 500 veterans get the recognition they deserve.While there are a number of presentation ceremonies throughout the year, the highlight is the presentation at our Annual Veterans Day Fireworks program at Union Station.Help needed in organizing presentations and limited fundraising.

Military History Center

Colorado Military History Center

The Colorado Military History Center is a joint effort being undertaken by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1 and the Colorado National Guard (CONG) to study and preserve Colorados military and veteran histories and educate the general public on this important cultural aspect of Colorados Heritage.The Center is located at Camp George West in Golden, Colorado and consists of a museum, an archive and research center, and an open-air military equipment display.Help needed in capital fundraising, historical preservation and partnership development.For more information visit www.comilitaryhistorycenter.org.

Veterans Day Fireworks

Veterans Day Denver Fireworks

Since 2001, Post 1 has hosted a Veterans Day Fireworks Celebration at Union Station .Event features free food (hotdogs, doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate) balloons, information tables from VSOs and a Forgotten Heroes Presentation.Help needed in planning, coordinating, fundraising and working the event.For more information, visit www.vetsdaydenver.org.

Community

Programs Supported by Post 1

Bo Matthews Center
COMPASS
Fisher House
Project Sanctuary
SALUTE
STOP 18
UVC
Veterans Expeditions

Bo Matthews Center

Homeless Veteran Reintegration & Bo Matthews Center

BMCE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation with a mission to provide service enriched housing, job training, and re-entry programs to our Veterans, and all those in need, in our community. We believe that a established housing environment and access to job skills is paramount for those wishing to re-establish their lives. We maintain long-term relationships with the job placement and job coaching of our clients, and provide long term leasing solutions to those in need of shelter.Mission: BMCE is dedicated to providing a supportive environment thatassists our Veterans and all of those in need. BMCE seeks to uphold the value, sacredness, and dignity of all those we serve. our work in Veterans Programs, job training, and housing isdesigned to touch the mind, body, heart and spirit of all our clients.For more information visit www.thebmce.org.
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COMPASS

COMPASS Transition Program

The COMPASS Program is a workshop designed to assist disabled Veterans make a successful career transition from the military to civilian sector employment.Started by the VET Foundation in 2006, the program has primarily focused on Veterans through courses held in Pennsylvania. The first COMPASS course in Colorado was successfully conducted in November 2010 with participation from Post 1.Program OverviewThe VET Foundation's COMPASS Transition Program is a five-day holistic retreat with a curriculum providing combat-wounded veterans an opportunity to not only gain valuable employment resources, but also life planning skills to assist with their re-entry to the civilian sector. Primarily focused on career advancement, COMPASS also reinforces the significance of mental, financial, physical, spiritual, emotional and social well being to ensure long-term success for the individual.All veterans write a personal development plan, network one-on-one with high profile professionals, learn about employment and education resources, and partner with a sponsor who, like them, has made a successful transition out of the military.Due to the generosity of VET Foundation donors and volunteers, the COMPASS Transition Program is provided at no expense to the veteran. COMPASS is a collaborative effort to give back to our heroes.

Fisher House

Denver Fisher House

The Fisher House is a home-away-from-home for veterans or active duty military who are in the area to visit a hospitalized family member or for the family of hospitalized veterans or active duty military.Also welcome to stay at the Fisher House are veterans or active duty military from out of town who are undergoing an extended episode of outpatient therapy, are able to care for their own personal needs, and are accompanied by a family member or friend.The Fisher House is operated by the VA Medical Center and is located 5 miles away at the Fitzsimons Campus. The Fisher House is a comfort home for family members of hospitalized veterans or active duty military as well as for veterans or active duty military who are in the area to support a hospitalized member of their immediate family. No shuttle service is provided by VA. For information contact your VAMC wards social worker or call 303-399-8020, ext. 2049. If you are out of town, please call 1-888-336-8262, ext. 2049.The following lodging facilities/hotels and motels are provided as a convenience for your consideration. The VA does not inspect nor approve these facilities and cannot assume any responsibility for the accommodations or charges involved. If you are interested in considering one of these lodging facilities, we would ask that you call them and/or go in person to see what is available. If you have any serious complaints about any of these facilities, please let us know so we can advise others. The Denver VA Hospital lodging office can be reached at 303-399-8020 or 1-888-336-8262, extension 4596.For more information, visit www.denverfisherhouse.org.
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Project Sanctuary

Mission: A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide therapeutic, curative, supportive and recreational activities to veterans, active military personnel, their spouses and children in a leisure environment. Vision: We use diversion therapy techniques through recreation along with classes focused on healthy marriage, and finances A licensed counselor is available at all times during each retreat. Project Sanctuary stays in Touch with Families for Two Years following their retreats. Volunteering on outings, outreach and creating awareness.To learn more about Project Sanctuary, visit www.projectsanctuary.us.

SALUTE

SALUTE: Veterans in Higher Education

There are over 21,000 student Veterans across Colorado at over 118 institutions and programs. The number veterans taking advantage of Post 9-11 GI Bill education benefits are expected to rise for the foreseeable future.Post 1 is sponsoring the formation of SALUTE Veteran Honor Societies at several campuses and working with ESGR to create mentorship programs.S-ervice A-cademics L-eadership U-nity T-ribute E-xcellenceHeadquartered out of Colorado State University, SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society was made possible by an ACE/Wal-Mart Foundation Success for Veterans Grant.Some of the terms synonymous with SALUTE are to acknowledge, congratulate, hail, pay homage, pay respects, pay tribute, present arms, and recognize. These are the types of things we at SALUTE hope to do for our members who have shown courage, strength, leadership, excellence, and perseverance in their military endeavors and now are showing that same commitment to their academic careers. The students who are inducted into membership in SALUTE represent every slice of American military and veterans in higher education, at two and four year institutions. Members include retirees, disabled veterans, active duty military, National Guard and reservists returning to higher education, starting second careers, or helping fund their college careers with military service. SALUTE sets minimum standards for selecting students to be honored. SALUTE permits each chartered institution to define additional criteria according to their local chapter. This approach will allow for a vast array of military and veteran students to be honored each year all across the country at diverse institutions. Each student selected for recognition through membership in SALUTE will receive a military style challenge coin, and a membership certificate suitable for framing. Students selected for membership can either become part of a locally organized chapter or simply be nominated to the National Chapter. The locally created and registered/recognized chapters can take every imaginable form. Some are honorary societies in the strictest sense of the word, existing solely to honor their members. Others can meet campus social needs, leadership needs, even activism needs on some campuses. The goal is to recognize outstanding students through SALUTE to meet their greatest needs and SALUTE is a way to show the hard work and dedication of student veterans.To learn more visit http://salute.colostate.edu/home.

STOP 18

STOP 18 Campaign

STOP 18 is joint effort undertaken by Veterans, Veteran Service Organizations and concerned leaders and companies in the business sector to draw attention, highlight resources and programs, and reduce the rate of Veteran suicide plaguing those returning home from combat.If you are someone you know exhibits any of the following signs, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-TALK:Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other meansTalking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the personFeeling hopelessFeeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revengeActing reckless or engaging in risky activities seemingly without thinkingFeeling trapped like theres no way outIncreasing alcohol or drug useWithdrawing from friends, family, and societyFeeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the timeExperiencing dramatic mood changesSeeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in lifeFor more information about the program, visit www.stop18.org.

"Thirty Veterans try to commit suicide each day and an average Eighteen succeed." Army Times, April 2010

UVC

United Veterans Committee of Colorado

The United Veterans Committee of Colorado (UVC) and the Coalition of Concerned Colorado Veterans (CCCV) joined forces on August 25, 1999, the merger of UVC and CCCV is a most significant step forward in stretching and improving representation for Colorados more than 460,000 veterans at state and federal levels. UVC is a non-profit coalition of 45 chartered and federally recognized veterans service organizations and affiliates established in 1972. CCCV is a non-profit organization of veteran leaders, state and federal governmental officials. Their purpose was to improve federal benefit programs for veterans by working with federal agencies and Colorado's congressional delegation. Both organizations have united to address issues and concerns affecting Colorado's veterans in the new millennium. The "new" UVC will continue to work closely with members of the Colorado General Assembly and all agencies of state government severing veterans. Over the years, UVC has achieved and enviable record of legislative accomplishments for Colorado's veterans. It has earned a reputation for sound leadership, integrity and substantive legislative agenda. On the federal level, UVC will continue to work closely with all federal agencies providing services to veterans and with members of Colorado's congressional delegation where it maintains effective relations. UVC meets regularly with all congressional aides and the congressional delegation to advise and consult on key issues and funding affecting both the veterans and military community. The purpose of UVC is to represent its member organizations, speaking with one unified voice in Colorado, in the State Legislature and on the federal level. Mailing Address is:P.O. Box 31261 Aurora, CO 80041-1261WEB: http://www.unitedveteranscommittee.com
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Veterans Expeditions

Mission: We will connect and challenge veteran teams in the outdoors and tell the stories of our teams to the broader veteran and non-veteran community to increase understanding of the military veteran experience. Vision: Through expeditionary and outdoor experiences, we will begin to reverse the trends of depression, suicide, drug use, homelessness, and incarceration that plague many of the 2.3 million military veterans in the USA. Post 1 sponsored the September 11, 2010 climb up Longs Peak and the filming of the documentary based on the climb. For more information visit www.vetexpeditions.com.

WVOC

Women Veterans of Colorado

The Women Veterans of Colorado is a nonprofit organization chartered to give women veterans of Colorado a voice, a community and a celebration of our service. The purpose of the Women Veterans of Colorado organization is providing support and connecting with other military and civilian organizations to gain visibility and resources. We will develop community partnerships and outreach efforts to support military women's healthcare concerns, education, training, employment, suitable housing, opportunities for continued service within the community, state and nation.Please join our mailing list. We will be offering activities, information on services and benefits, and ways to build on each other’s strengths and support each other in our challenges. We look forward to creating a women veterans of Colorado community now and for the future.To learn more about WVOC, visit www.womenveteransofcolorado.org.
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Pressroom

Page 1 In the NewsDec. 16, 2011 - A Haven for Returning Soldiers on Colorado Public RadioNov. 17, 2011 - Understanding mental health issues in returning veteransNov. 1, 2011 - JJ Margiotta with guest Izzy Abbass - Commander, VFW Post 1Oct. 27, 2011 - American Veterans Traveling Tribute visits Auraria CampusOct. 17, 2011 - Veterans honored in series of events on campusFeb. 21, 2011 - 5-Year-Old awarded great-grandfather's Purple Heart

Page 2 ReleasesComing soon...

Page 3 Press KitComing soon...

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Contact us

Physical Address 4300 Pecos StreetDenver, CO 80211Mailing AddressJohn S. Stewart Post 1Veterans of Foreign WarsP.O. Box 13170Denver, CO 80201-3170Phone303-571-5659

General Inquiries

admin_vfwpost1.org

Media Inquiries

Kalen Arreola

800.951.1378

Kalen_starsandstripesmkt.com

Other Inquiries

Senior Vice Commander

Malcom Walker

mwalker_industrialgroupinc.com