Cherryland Post 2780

Our Interesting Backstory

On March 25, 1933, VFW Cherryland Post 2780 was chartered into the Veterans of Foreign Wars with 43 members. Our First Post Commander, Theodore P. Miller, took office with the installation of the Charter.

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From March 1933 to March 1941, our meetings were held at members’ homes. On March 10, 1941, we signed a warranty deed with the Knights of Columbus Council 1213 to purchase the property at 440 West Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan. Everything inside the building was purchased. This allowed the Knights of Columbus to rent the building and contents for ten years to hold their meetings.

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On July 2, 1988, we had the honor to have the State Commander Edmund Gucwa along with other dignitaries, comrades, and friends who were present for the dedication of our new and present post home at 3400 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, Michigan. The new building was made possible by selling bonds along with our members’ dedication and hard work.

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In June 1996, Judith A. Flynn became the first woman to serve as Commander. She served with the Army Nurse Corps during Desert Storm.

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The Post has been a leader at the district, state, and national levels. Eight post members have served as District Commander Otto Kropp, Robert Kaley, Robert K. Smith, Ed Schumacher, Cecil McGoon, Gerald Klosowski, Jack Pickard and Michael Smith. The post also had the honor of having Don Faust serve as the State Hospital Chairman. Bill and Shirley Thomas became the State Chairmen and with the help of Walt and Margaret Adams, Wilma King, Deanna Galla and Rosie Merritt. Shirley Thomas served as the Ladies Auxiliary State Chairman for 25 years. We have been the home post for two past State Commanders, Cecil McGoon and Jack Pickard. Jack also served as a National Council of Administration’s member for two years.

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The post membership grew from 43 to 900, partly because of our involvement with our community and our commitment to the veterans. Some of our yearly programs are:

• Raising and lowering of over 500 flags on Memorial weekend

• Raising funds and donating uniforms to a school band

• Donating flags to schools

• Sponsorship of the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen’s scholarship programs for students in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties

• Working with the Boy Scouts of America, Young Marines, and with the Toys for Tots program

In 2007, we began a partnership with Bikes for Tikes of the Toys for Tots program. We continue to set records for bicycles donated and assembled year after year.

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Our military assistance and relief programs are second to none. We have shipped over 2000 boxes of goodies to our troops overseas in the last ten years. The funds have been were donated by other organizations, members, and businesses. The past 90 years has been great for VFW Cherryland Post 2780.

Founded by Veterans of the Great War, we currently have members that are Veterans of World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, the Conflicts of the Cold War, Desert Storm and now the Post 9/11 Veterans. You too can become a member of our Post or Auxiliary and help our veterans and the community! You can help in a variety of roles from operational and administrative to restaurant-related tasks. Contact us today and learn how you can become a member, volunteer, or a donor!