CRAWFORD COUNTY VFW POST 4549 & LADIES’ AUXILIARY

Rural communities do not boast of busy streets, subways and a fast paced life. They do offer the tranquility and peacefulness of home. The Crawford County VFW Post 4549 and Ladies’ Auxiliary is located in rural Robinson, Illinois. They are a diamond in the eyes of their community and always strive to make their rural town a better home for all.

Both the men and women of the VFW Post 4549 are quite active in their community. Last year, this organization provided almost 5,000 hours and $50,000 towards volunteer services alone. The projects they undertake range from very simple to very large in scope. They get joy when they touch large numbers and that is done quite often through fundraising. One of the most outstanding projects has been to raise funds and labor to renovate the old depot adjacent to the Post and turn it into a Railroad Museum. This was an ongoing project for several years, and the doors to the facility opened for tourism this past spring.

The Post is one of the few in the state who are willing to provide military funeral detail for any veteran’s family who requests it, free of charge. Many times the details are scheduled several times a week all over the area, but the 4549 is up to that task. In addition to this, they were able to obtain grants and funds to purchase tow new vans to transport area veterans to and from VA hospitals at no cost to the veterans. The vans are out five days a week.

Crawford County VFW Post 4549 is also dedicated to teaching patriotism and civic responsibility to America’s youth. They have the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Awards, the Youth Essay Awards, and other individual scholarships provided by the Post. The men and women of the VFW invite the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to participate in their “Make A Difference Day” and Americanism projects. The members take time to go into the classroom to speak to students about veterans. They also supply classroom and outdoor flags. Bicycle Safety and Drug Awareness programs are conducted annually for the children throughout the county.

The scope of the VFW’s service also touches the seniors of the community also. Annually, both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are prepared and provided for seniors and low-income families as well. They also sponsor an annual blood drive.

The volunteer activities of the Crawford County VFW Post 4549 and Ladies’ Auxiliary have touched numerous lives over the years. These selfless men and women make it a priority daily to serve those in their community. No need is too small in their eyes and each task is done with care and compassion.