About VFW Post 1308
RUSSELL E. DUNHAM MEMORIAL POST 1308 has 740 members spanning all services and dozens of foreign conflicts. The Post was formed in 1936 when the National VFW Headquarters in Kansas City, MO issued a charter containing 61 names to Alton VFW Post 1308. Since then, our membership has grown and diversified to include men and women who served our nation with honor. The Post sits on 4 acres near the Alton Square Mall and meets at 7 pm on the first Monday of each month.
Russell E. Dunham Memorial Post 1308 is known for our benevolence, we provide full military burial rites for veterans, participate in memorial services at city functions, have a relief fund for assistance to qualified veterans and also provide wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc. for those in need. In addition, we provide a color guard for city parades, speakers upon request for special events, and an Honor Guard and United States Flags for community activities. Each year, the Post participates in the Buddy Poppy Drive, Wreaths Across America and Veteran’s Day Observances. The Post sponsors the Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 and Cub Scout Troop 3001.
One program that is unique to our Post is the Courage, Inspiration, Determination (CID) Program. This program was created by Wayne Abel and Bill Perkins-both members of this Post. It was created in the spirit of how service members are recognized for their accomplishments in uniform and how the VFW aims to recognize the sacrifices that veterans and their loved ones have made in times of conflict. The CID medal is a natural extension of that goal. In Wayne Able’s own words, the goal of the CID unit is to “help each child to win their war, as each war veteran has done.” Bill Perkins adds, “While their brothers and sisters are getting trophies, they’ll have a medal that’s the same size and same dimensions as the men and women in uniform.”
We are always looking for new members, especially those who will actively participate in Post activities. We are a volunteer organization and count on those who once served, will continue to serve fellow veterans, their families and their communities. Come join us. You will be glad you did.