Proud Veterans of Foreign Wars Laugh, Cry & Reminisce at Arnold VFW Post 2593

VFW Post 2593 has a proud heritage of serving veterans of foreign wars ever since the Post was founded on November 18, 1939, by 22 men who served in World War I. The Post’s original name, Becker-Meyer-Becker, honors three local men who died while serving their country.

John Adam Becker, age 26, died of pneumonia on October 19, 1918 on a hospital ship in England. Leo Meyer, age 25, died in France when a mortar from a German “Big Bertha” howitzer exploded beside him; Meter’s body was never found. Charles F. Becker, age 27, died of unknown causes while overseas on October 3, 1918.

On November 11, 1918, after four years of bloody conflict, an armistice was signed inside a railroad car near the front lines in France. This ended all fighting on land, sea and air between the Allies and Germany. Previous armistices were signed with Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire to end the war.

VFW Post 2593 Origins

Twenty years later, U.S. Army Private First Class Ferdinand “Ferd” Lang, Sr. recruited 22 other local World War I Veterans to create “a home for comrades of war” in Arnold. On November 18, 1939, VFW Post 2593 was chartered. Ferd Lang, Sr. was a charter member and first Commander of the Post. Its first gatherings were held at the Bridgeview Inn restaurant that Ferd Lang, Sr. owned near the Meramec River, according to the 75th anniversary history of Post 2593 published in February, 2015.

A deactivated 8 inch U.S. Army M2 howitzer from 1944 greets visitors at VFW Post 2593 in Arnold. Many kids ask “Does it shoot?” This type of howitzer saw service in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. M2 howitzers weighed 10,240 pounds and fired separate loading cartridges weighing 200 pounds apiece.

As membership grew after World War II, Post 2593 gatherings were held at Maxville Hall until after the Korean War when they moved to the Soulard School on Jeffco Boulevard. Membership continued to grow with incoming Veterans of the Vietnam War until Post 2593 members decided in 1974 to establish another new home; this one at 1540 Big Bill Road near I-55 and Highway 141.

City progress caught up with the Big Bill Road location. According to the 75th anniversary history, “In 2005 a new Veterans post home was negotiated with THF Realty, Inc. in the Arnold Triangle. The Post had to relocate from its older building at 1540 Big Bill Road due to construction plans for the THF Realty Arnold Commons development (near today’s Texas Roadhouse).” THF Realty agreed to pay relocation costs. On August 14, 2007, VFW Post 2593 held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 2301 Church Road. At 14,000 square feet today, the new facility is slightly smaller but much more modern than the previous one. It offers separate entrances for both the Hall and the Club Room. In front of the building, a deactivated U.S. Army howitzer greets visitors. Many kids ask “Does it shoot?”

Activities Post 2593

Larry Otis, Chairman of the City of Arnold Veteran’s Commission, is a long-time member of Post 2593 who served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years traveling the world on three different aircraft carriers – the USS Enterprise, USS Kitty Hawk and USS America. He admits he feels proud when somebody thanks him for his military service. “When that happens I always say back to them, ‘Thank you for being an American worth fighting for!’”

Otis currently serves as the Post’s Commander. “The VFW is essentially a service organization,” he says. “Like any VFW Post, Arnold Post 2593 welcomes any U.S. Veteran of a foreign war, and we welcome new members. Our facility is like a club. We offer companionship and fellowship. We share stories and memories, and we understand the challenges that military Veterans experience and endure.” Post 2593 today has more than 1,100 members. A few years ago the Post helped Arnold gain official Purple Heart City and POW-MIA City designations to honor POW/MIA and wounded military veterans in the region.

Michael Tetzlaff, currently the Post Quartermaster, joined the U.S. Army in 1963. He served in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Germany, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri, and was promoted to Sergeant Major in 1980. Mike says, “Post 2593 is involved with almost any activity than can gain income for our organization. We rent out our facilities for parties and private events so we can generate income. We stage events of our own to generate income, such as our car shows and special dinners. Income pays the bills and allows donations, sponsorships and fundraising programs to support different causes. Over the years we have participated in VA hospital companionship visits, disabled Veteran support, youth group mentoring, Meals on Wheels and Christmas Basket programs in addition to Veteran’s Day activities. Bingo was a big income producer for us, but we don’t have Bingo right now because of Covid-19. We hope to have it back by year-end.”

Heart and Soul Organization

The City of Arnold Veterans Commission consists of seven voting members – three Veterans, two members of VFW Post 2593, two additional members, one alternate, and two Council liaisons, including Ward 4 Councilman Gary Plunk and Ward 3 Councilman Rodney Mullens. The Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month and also meets for special occasions or to discuss programs the City should know about. Councilman Plunk says, “VFW Post 2593 is a heart and soul organization and an important asset for our community.”

Since THF Realty and the City moved the Post to 2301 Church Road in 2007 Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, The Kosovo Conflict, Desert Storm, the Iraqi War and Afghanistan enjoy fellowship at the building. VFW Post 2593 has served thousands of military Veterans as a source of comfort, compassion, camaraderie and understanding by hosting many meaningful events, good times and fundraising activities. For example:

On December 10, 2010, U.S. Marine Corporal Justin McLoud, of Cedar Hill, Missouri, a team leader with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was on patrol in northern Afghanistan when a concealed device blew off both legs below the knee and ripped apart his left arm. His leg injuries required amputation above the knees. On Christmas Eve, half of his arm was amputated above the elbow.

Justin, then 22 years old, was making his third tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He began more than two years of difficult physical therapy in San Diego hospitals before visiting Missouri to see his family and then returning to San Diego for more therapy.

His mother, Karri Mange, contacted Cedar Hill’s VFW to discuss hosting a fundraiser for her son. Karri and the Cedar Hill VFW Post commander wanted to stage the event at Arnold’s new VFW Post 2593 to reach more people. When word got out, the fundraiser became a major event with VFW members from Arnold, Cedar Hill, Farmington, De Soto and Festus working to make it successful. The day-long fundraiser on July 3^rd featured a barbecue, raffle, silent auction, live music, speeches and a number of patriotic presentations on Justin’s behalf.

More than $66,000 in cash was donated, plus a gun safe, a lawn tractor, barbeque pit, autographed photographs from players on the St. Louis Blues, Cardinals and Rams, all of it donated directly to Justin, who three days later returned to physical therapy in San Diego. Before leaving, Justin said, “The best part was being with my family and friends, and supporters from the VFW.” In addition to U.S. Marine Corporal Justin McLoud, VFW Post 2593 has assisted many Veterans wounded in action or newly back home in Arnold.

No Veterans Forgotten

If you are not familiar with the VFW’s large scale activities, here’s a summary below. For more information, visit the website or call Arnold’s VFW Post 2593 at 636-296-2611.

• VA Claims & Separation Benefits
• Financial Grants
• Student Veteran Support
• Advocacy
• VFW Mental Wellness Campaign

U.S. Marine Corporal Justin McLoud receives an official U.S. Marines flag from a Missouri Patriot Guard Rider. This occurred during a ceremony on McLoud’s first trip back to Missouri after an explosive device blew off his legs below the knee and ripped apart his left arm as he led a patrol in Afghanistan. Arnold VFW Post 2593 hosted a fundraiser for Corporal McLoud.

In the movie Saving Private Ryan, U.S. Army General George C. Marshall is confronted by senior officers who advise him against trying to find a young private, James Francis Ryan, whose three brothers died in action. Young Ryan’s whereabouts in Normandy are unknown. General Marshall looks at the officers who are trying to persuade him, then he says, “I have a letter here, bear with me.” Then he reads these words aloud to them:

Executive Mansion
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Staring at his officers, General Marshall announces, “The boy’s alive. We are going to send somebody to find him. And we are going to get him the hell out of there.”

Arnold Mayor Ron Counts says: “For all military servicemen and women in foreign nations who made it back, and those who didn’t, we honor Veteran’s Day.”

Article by Jeff Dunlap for the City of Arnold