The nonprofit, made up of a total of 569 veterans, is a chartered local entity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Keen, who is the senior vice commander of the Tomball VFW, said it gives a place for veterans to interact with other veterans who’ve had similar experiences.
He said the post also gives assistance to veterans in need, whether that be with filing a claim or helping a veteran pay their electric bill through emergency funds.
This year, it celebrates its 85th anniversary. The group held a banquet dinner on Oct. 21 to honor the milestone, with state leaders and auxiliary members, or the wives of veterans who are part of the post, joining in on the night.
The backstory
According to the Tomball VFW website, the VFW dates back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Eventually, these groups evolved into chapters like Tomball VFW Post 2427 and popped up around the country.
“World War I veterans got together in 1940 and started this post and it's been a part of a part of the town since [then],” Keen said.
The post hit hard times during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, according to previous Community Impact reporting. VFW Post 2427 was forced to close its doors following state-level regulations on bars across the state.
“A lot of VFW posts did not make it through COVID. ... It was a struggle and there were a few times we weren't sure if we were going to be able to keep the doors open,” Keen said. “But we were able to hang in there and stick it out and I think we want to make it to 100 years.”
Quotes of note
- “We want to make sure that all the veterans know we're here and that we can help them. ... We would be more than happy to help them with their paperwork and with problems,” Clapp, who is the post commander, said.
- “My goal is to expand and do more for vets. ... They served the country. I served almost 10 years and I know it's a hardship but ... it's something to be proud of so we want to be able to give back to those people,” Keen said.
Keen said the group’s biggest concern right now is its aging building. Post 2427 moved into it in the 1970s, so now they're looking to get a new roof, which Keen said is a six-figure repair.
The post supports itself through dues from the members, renting out its hall, hosting dances and collecting donations. However, Keen said the post wants to continue to become a bigger part of the community.
“Not only [do] we need the community to help us keep us alive, but we want to give back to the community,” Keen said.
Keen mentioned he also wants to start helping those in need at Christmas time by donating Christmas trees, similar to when the post operates a food drive around Thanksgiving.
“We've been here 85 years and we want to be here another 85 years and part of the Tomball community,” Keen said.
