Members of the VFW Post 4559 in Tyrone will be participating in the upcoming 85th Annual Convention of the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars later this month.
According to a news release from the local chapter, the convention will be held from June 16 to June 19 in Philadelphia.
During the convention, the 133,000-member Pennsylvania Department will elect statewide officers, establish program and legislative goals for the 2004-05 year.
The convention also is designed to examine key issues affecting the health and welfare of veterans of foreign wars.
Representing the local post from Tyrone will be James Ewing, past commander and current judge advocate, Leonard P. Slother, past commander and current post adjutant and Earl Bailey, past commander.
“This is a great event, the major event for the VFWs in the state,” said Slother.
“It involves all posts. We normally have three or four local members attend the event each year.
“There are several conferences, several meetings we attend,” said Slother.
“It is a time of great comradeship.”
Slother will be attending his ninth convention.
Post 4559 has 260 members. Local members participate in a number of events including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Loyalty Day activities and services.
Local members are also involved in Poppy Days, sponsor Tyrone’s VFW Teener Baseball League and a youth team in the YMCA basketball program.
The post is also represented at all District 22 meetings and functions and of course the upcoming state convention.
Officials said they also donate to several other projects during the year.
Slother mentioned one event coming up later this month ahead of the convention is the chicken barbecue on June 13.
He noted June is sometimes a slow month as VFWs are preparing for the state convention.
Those wanting details on the barbecue can call the VFW at 684-0421.
Ewing has attended several conventions and didn’t expect anything unusual at this year’s event.
“I’m sure we’ll have some discussions about Iraq and the problems associated with it,” said Ewing.
“Otherwise, I expect it to be pretty routine. We’ve already been able to take care of the issue of the veterans’ hospitals.”
Ewing was referring to recent decisions made about keeping or eliminating veterans hospitals or services not only in Pennsylvania but across the country.
The Department of Pennsylvania VFW is the largest state VFW organization in the country according to the press release.
