Twitter

Patriotic celebrations associated with Independence Day brought some added fireworks to a local Mon Valley veterans service organization recently. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin earned the title of All-State Post for the second straight year.

Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin Quartermaster Gary Ruston, left, and Commander Jake Bradich

Post Commander Jake Bradich and Quartermaster Gary Ruston each received commendations noting the achievement at the unit’s June 30 meeting at the Thompson Run Athletic Club on Ball Avenue in West Mifflin.

“Thank you for your outstanding leadership of your Post which kept the VFW’s mission marching forward to continue showing veterans, our troops and communities why no one does more for veterans than the VFW,” reads the citations signed by past State Commander of the VFW Department of Pennsylvania, Glenn R. Umberger, Jr.
The VFW Post Intrepid commander is quick to point out that the accomplishment is a team effort.

“My name is on the certificate, but this honor isn’t just for me,” said Bradich. “This is for all the members of VFW Post 914 who put in the hard work to make this Post as great as it is.”

To be selected as an All-State Post, Bradich and the other VFW 914 members had to accomplish a long list of service-oriented goals outlined by the Commonwealth’s VFW headquarters. Last year, less than 15 percent of Pennsylvania’s 460 VFW Posts were feted during the Department of PA VFW’s state convention for earning the title of All-State Posts.

Examples of these good works include supporting student scholarship programs, visiting hospitalized veterans, and participating in fund raising to assist the VFW’s network of service officers.

Over the past two decades, the Post has also regularly participated in ceremonies in the Borough of West Mifflin for Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Additionally, its honor guard and rifle team have flown the colors and fired salutes at the annual openings of youth league sporting events.

Other community groups that the Post has supported over the years include Scouting, the West Mifflin Area Senior High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and the Greater Pittsburgh Soapbox Derby. In addition to the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs, the Post has also funded and awarded its own Walt Kuczma Scholarship Program.

With its visibility in the community and focus on service, finding new members hasn’t been a problem for VFW Post 914 Intrepid. From its initial chartered membership of 37 veterans in 1991, the unit’s roster has swollen to more than three and-a-half times that amount. The Post has active members who served more than 70 years ago in World War II, to those who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the photo above right: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin Quartermaster Gary Ruston, left, and Commander Jake Bradich proudly display the certificates awarding the unit the status of All-State Post. The West Mifflin veterans service organization has earned this title for the second straight year. (Photo by Michael P. Mauer)

• < Prev
• Next >