West Mifflin VFW Earns Third All State Honors Award

Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 July 2019 01:29

By Michael P. Mauer

It is said that good things come in threes. So it might be for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin. The group has now earned the title of All State Post for the third time in the last five years.

Quartermaster Gary Ruston, left, and Commander Jake Bradich

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

The two veterans will also be awarded distinctive white hats to note their accomplishment. But the VFW Post Intrepid commander is quick to point out that the All State honor is a team effort.

“If this hat could be made as large as it should be, it would cover more than just one head,” said Bradich. “Every member of this post contributes to making this organization as good as it is, and every citizen of West Mifflin and other local Mon Valley communities has helped us serve our veterans.”

To be selected as an All State Post, Bradich and the other VFW Post 914 members had to accomplish a long list of service-oriented goals outlined by the Commonwealth’s VFW headquarters. 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.

The unit is unique among many local veterans service organizations as it does not own a bar, or have auxiliary or social members. All of the men and women on its roster have been decorated with a campaign or occupational medal, and meet the requirements of membership into the VFW.

(In the photo above right) Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin Quartermaster Gary Ruston, left, and Commander Jake Bradich proudly stand in front of their unit’s sign on the Thompson Run Athletic Association building. The veterans service organization has earned the title of All State Post for the third time in the past five years. (Photo by Michael P. Mauer)

For more information about VFW Post 914 and its activities, visit the group’s website at: http://traa.weebly.com/vfw-post-914.html, or contact VFW Post 914 Commander Bradich at: 412 508-1313.