Post News

Nov 2, 2023 -  Members of the Post and Veterans from around the Tri-cities participated in a Veterans event at Highlands Middle School.  The event began with an assembly followed by meeting with students in their classrooms and partaking of an awesome lunch.  What a great way to honor Veterans in our area.  Highlands Jr National Honor Society planned and executed a flawless event.  Well done to our future leaders ( MCs Kadencee Kirkpatrick and Mya Jones) and thank you to Highlands Middle School for a great event.    The link to the news video is attached.

https://www.applevalleynewsnow.com/news/highlands-middle-school-welcomes-veterans-to-the-school-for-military-appreciation-day/article_c9448682-7a8d-11ee-80a0-4bd1eb845d57.html

Sept 16, 2023 -  The 1st Annual Dinner Fundraiser went great.  It was held at the Double Eagle Ranch so thanks to the Ballard Family for helping to make a highly successful event.  We had fun entertainment with the Old Time Fiddlers, Skweez the Weasel, and renowned American Folk Singer Hank Cramer.  Weather was perfect and guests appeared to have a great time. The Auction was highly successful with nearly 100 items finding a new home.  Great thanks to the planning committee for their leadership and experience in pulling this all together.  Attached are the initial photos with more to follow and a couple videos of Hank Cramer.  Thanks to all who attended.  A list of those who donated will be posted shortly.  The food was provided by Pacific Pasta in Richland.  Lastly, a special thanks to the VFW Auxiliary's KayCe Tost for handling the tickets and auction settlement, and Rosa Clark for assistance in the Setup of the event.    

Sep 16, 2023, 2023 -  

Thank you to our Donors!
A special thanks to all of the individuals and businesses/organizations that supported our event.  Plese take a moment to thank them for their support.  As you can see from the list, this was a true community effort!

Businesses/Organizations:  Lampson Family, J. Bookwalter Winery, Frichette Winery, Kennewick RDO, Ranch & Home, Breshears, Jewelry Design Center, Harley Davidson, Ice Harbor Brewery, Wal-Mart, Lowes, iHop Restaurant, Best Buy, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse, Great Harvest Bread Company, Coin Vault, Bath & Body Works, Double Eagle Ranch,, Pacific Pasta, Massage Envy, Dennys, Tri-City Americans, Novel Rentals-J. Bookwalter, Market Vineyards, Hamilton Cellars, Hedges Estate Winery, Outback Steakhouse, Platinum Automotive Services, Zintel Creek Golf Club, Chan Chiropractic, Coyote Canyon Winery, Fidelitas, Lucky Flowers, Just Roses & More, and KORD 102.7.  

Individuals:  Theresa Bergman, Tippet Family, Bill Seffens, Bob Clark, Rick Tyrrell, George Stotz, Mike Ballard, and Chuck Forrester.  

A huge THANK YOU to everyone else who supported the event for the Kennewick VFW Post 5785.

Sep 5, 2023 - A team of volunteers consisting of Jess Allison, Thomas Eileesen, Pete Edwards, and Alex Lozano installed a ramp to assist our brother Ray Lozano who has been dealing with some medical issues.  Service support to our Veterans is one of the critical services we provide at the VFW, but it takes on greater meaning when that veteran is one of your own.  The ramp will help Ray in his recovery.  A special thanks to the Columbia Basin Vet Center who is always focused on helping our vets and funded the ramp.  Thank you.  

Aug 19, 2023 - The Post led the way today for the Annual Benton Franklin Fair Parade.  Ten members of the Post attended the event.  Members were Jim Witt, Doria Monter-Rogers, Franklin Myers, Mike Dotson, Chuck Forrester, Bob Clark, Don Wicks, Larry Griffin, Rick Tyrrell, and Don Petross.  Not with us today was Ray Lozano who is still recovering from his medical issue at HarborView Medical Center in Seattle.  We missed you today Ray.  Color Guard for today was Jim, Chuck, Doria, and Franklin.  We also had the Auxiliary present and they participated in the Parade and provided lunch at the Post following the event.  Lastly, a special THANK YOU to Andy Cockrell who provided the trailer for today.  Andy really came through and helped make the event a great success!  Thanks to all...it is always an Honor to provide Service to our Community!!! 

On Aug 9, VFW Post Commander Rick Tyrrell and Trustee Bob Clark presented a $750 check to Steve Davis of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 598. 

The donation supports the Annual Bikes for Tikes effort.  The annual “Bike Build” Event has long been a tradition for many in the Tri-Cities area. All funds donated are used to buy bicycles and helmets.  Thank you to UA Local 598 for your leadership to Bikes for Tikes.  

We are proud to support this tremendous community event.

The 1st Annual Dinner Fundraiser is scheduled for September 16, 2023 from 1700-2000 at the Double Eagle Ranch in Benton City.  We are excited for this upcoming event and the benefits support the Post so we can continue supporting our Veterans in the community.  Ticket sales occurred at the Yokes in Pasco and Yokes in Kennewick.  Our members  Rick Tyrrell, Jim Witt, Don Wicks, and Bob Clark supported those sales Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Aug 4-6).  Thanks for the support thus far but we still some work to meet our goals for the fundraiser.  Contact us via the Contact form to purchase your tickets.  The money raised during this fundraiser supports our efforts for a new Post Facility, supports our scholarship programs, and provide services to the Veteran's in our community.  Thanks for a great weekend!

The 1st Annual Dinner Fundraiser is scheduled for September 16, 2023 from 1700-2000 at the Double Eagle Ranch in Benton City.  We are excited for this upcoming event and the benefits support the Post so we can continue supporting our Veterans in the community.  

What do we need:  Ticket sales are progressing but still need to sale more tickets to the event.  Just over 50 tickets remain for this awesome event.  Thus far we have received  tremendous support from the community for our Silent and Live Auctions.  Reach out to those you know to serve as sponsors and to purchase tickets.  It is only through the support of the members and the community that we will be successful.  It takes the full TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) , and with your help we can  sell out this event.  Tickets are $100 per plate and the proceeds will be used to support our VFW and community activities.  Use the contact form for any questions and to purchase tickets.  

 Members of the Post were on display today at the Grand Reopening at the Kennewick Wal-Mart.  It is always a pleasure to represent in our community.  Thanks to the Color Guard Rick Tyrrell, Doria Monter-Rogers, Bob Clark, and Larry Griffin.  And the National Anthem was performed Gordon Denman was the trumpet player.  Thanks for all of the support. 

The Post now has new banners to improve visibilty when supporting the community and our Veterans.  Thanks to the individuals responsible for making this a reality.

The 1st Annual Dinner Fundraiser is scheduled for September 16, 2023 from 1700-2000 at the Double Eagle Ranch in Benton City.  We are excited for this upcoming event and the benefits support the Post so we can continue supporting our Veterans in the community.  

What do we need:  Ticket sales are progressing but still need to sale more tickets to the event.  Just over 50 tickets remain for this awesome event.  Thus far we have received  tremendous support from the community for our Silent and Live Auctions.  Reach out to those you know to serve as sponsors and to purchase tickets.  It is only through the support of the members and the community that we will be successful.  It takes the full TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) , and with your help we can  sell out this event.  Tickets are $100 per plate and the proceeds will be used to support our VFW and community activities.  Use the contact form for any questions and to purchase tickets.  

We also have a ticket sales event occurring on Aug 4, 5, and 6 from 0800-1700 at the Pasco Yokes on Road 68 and the Kennewick Yokes on 27th Ave.  Please use the contact form to volunteer to support this ticket sales event.

Nov 12, 2023 -    

The Post has been very busy in the community over the past 10 days. We visited and/or presented colors to the following schools during this period:

Kennewick High School, Kamiakin High School, Delta High School, River View High School, Highlands Middle School, Cottonwood Elementary School, Lincoln High School, Edison Elementary School, and Amistad Elementary School. The Post also conducted Military Honors on Nov 3 and Nov 7 (Navy and Army). The Post was involved in the West Richland Regional Veterans Parade and presented the National Colors at the Tri City vs Prince Albert hockey game. Members of the Post were also present at the Vietnam Memorial, visited the VFW Memorial and ultimately met the Knights of Columbus at the Regional Memorial. The Post is currently evaluating an essay and verbal presentation on a Voice of Democracy challenge. 

Were we busy, yes. But most rewarding is the opportunity to be an influence in our community, especially getting a chance to speak to our youth in their schools and perform military honors. It took the Team to meet all of these commitments. Well done and thank you to YOU for your service and to our Auxiliary for their support. 

Many thanks to all of those businesses that supported our veterans on Veterans Day, including Texas Roadhouse, Sterlings Restaurant, and Applebees (to name a few). Again, none of this is possible without your service and commitment to our Country and Community…so THANK YOU Veterans for your Service. Bravo Zulu!!!

 In July, the Post has thus far rendered Military Honors for Veterans on July 6, 11, 17, 21, and 22.  Thank you to the commitment of the Honor Guard to support our fallen heroes.  Pictured above is the Honor Guard for the afternoon honors on the 22nd.  (From left to right: Jim Witt, Larry Griffin, Chuck Forrester, Mike Dotson, Bob Clark, and Bob Failor.  Not pictured is Chaplain, Art King.)  

 Update:  Thank you to the Post members who supported the Marine Corps League fundraiser.  It was great to see good representation from the Post at the event.  Providing some information on an upcoming fundraiser for the Marine Corps League.  Please consider supporting this worthy cause.  The event will be on July 23 at the Applebee's in Pasco from 0800-1000.  Tickets must be purchased in advance (not planned on being available at the door) and are $12.00 each.  Meal includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and drink.  Thanks for your support. Call 509-989-6881 if you are interested in purchasing tickets or reach out via the "Contact" form.

7/7/23 - Service report for May and June. For June we rendered military honors for two veterans, 1 - Marine Corps and 1 Navy. Also we performed color guard service for the Tri-City Dust Devils on Jul 2 and 3. For May we rendered military honors for four veterans, 2 - Army and 2 - Navy.

7/4/23 - On July 2nd and 3rd, VFW Post 5785 had the honor to present the colors at our local Minor League team, the Tri-City Dust Devils game. It is an honor to continue to serve our community. The Honor Guard for this activity was Jim Witt, Don Wicks, Mike Dotson, and Larry Griffin. Thank you for your service! 

  6/9/23 - It is always an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication of those that have made a difference. This week, our Post Commander, Rick Tyrrell, presented awards to Art King, Don Petross, and Bob Failor for their contributions to the Post. Well done by each of these individuals for their tireless work to the Community and the Post. Photos of all three presentations can be found in the photo gallery.  Thank you to Don Wicks for the photos. 

  6/7/23 - Due to unforeseen circumstances, the fundraiser scheduled for June 14 has been rescheduled for September 16, 2023. More information will be provided in the near future. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your understanding. 

  5/29/23 - The Post was on full display today at the Memorial Day activities at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Kennewick. Members of the Post supported numerous activities today. Art King, Post Chaplain led the program, seven Post Members were involved in laying wreaths. Seven additional members supported the military salute at the end of the ceremony. The VFW Auxiliary was also in full support. Beautiful day to remember our fallen heroes. 

  5/21/23 - Our Post proudly presented the colors at the Tri-City Dust Devils games from May 16-21. We consider it an honor to provide this service for our community. Here are some photos from the May 21st 

  5/20/21 - On Saturday, May 20 our own Honor Guard Lead, Jim Witt had the great opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Dust Devils game. We are proud of your leadership for the Honor Guard and VFW Post, and for your athletic prowess on the mound. Well done!!! 

  5/18/23 - On May 19, 2023, the Post will be conducting its Annual Poppy Campaign. Members of the Post will be located at the Yoke's Market in Kennewick and in Pasco. Please make a point to stop by a make a contribution to this cause as we remember our fallen heroes. Members will be the Yokes from 8 - 2, 

  5/4/23 - The Post has a new phone number that someone can use to contact the Post Commander, Vice Commander or Quartermaster. The number is (509) 802-1622. 

  3/8/23 - Voice of Democracy

Every year, nearly 100,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of nearly $3 million in college scholarships and awards.

The competitions culminate live during the VFW’s annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., at the Parade of Winners event, which is hosted and designed to celebrate and recognize the contests’ top national winners.

This year, the VFW hosted its Parade of Winners on March 6 at 6 p.m. EST and streamed the event live on Facebook as well as vfw.org/VFWDC2023.