The VFW POST 7623 is apparently gone for good.
Because of inactivity in recent years, the local VFW charter has been revoked by the State Commander, pending final approval by the national VFW organization.
A meeting was held Saturday at the county complex to give VFW members a chance to show their concern for saving the POST but only one active member showed up. “We revoked the charter as of today (Saturday). It now goes on to our national organization with our explanation,” said State VFW Commander William (Bill) G. Crawford who was in Smithville for the meeting Saturday. Crawford spoke with WJLE in an interview after the meeting.
Several weeks ago Crawford sent a letter to Ron Miller, the Acting Commander for VFW POST 7623, informing him that the charter was being suspended pending possible revocation because the local POST had failed to hold meetings and elect officers in violation of the national VFW BY-Laws. “They were suspended because there was no activity. There were no meetings and no community and VFW programs. Officers were never elected and there was some people not involved anymore so we (State VFW) took a stand two years ago and said we have to get it moving. It hasn’t been moved so we’re asking them to surrender their charter,” said State Commander Crawford.
While the POST will cease to exist, Commander Crawford said local VFW members may join other POSTS in the area. A new POST could even be started here in the future at a different location if at least one hundred members join. “The members will be able to switch to another POST in the area or district. They also have the opportunity to get a VFW POST back in DeKalb County with at least one hundred members. They’ll be able to start another POST if they get one hundred members who want to participate,” said Commander Crawford.
The existing property on Sparta Highway will be sold but the monument and cannons on the grounds of the local VFW POST could be placed in the care of the city or county to be put on display at other locations. “We’re going to work with the city and county to try and place them where the community can see and respect them,” said Commander Crawford.
An effort will also be made to dispose of pictures and other things inside the POST building according to Miller. “There are a tremendous amount of pictures that belong to residents of DeKalb County that need to be returned to them. There are some items in there that people may want. A lot of people built that place. There may be some sentimental things (their families) may want which they are welcome to. It needs to be passed on to the descendants of those people,” said Miller.
You may call Miller to inquire at 931-761-2307. Leave a message and Miller will return your call.
If the property is sold, the state VFW would have to place funds from the sale in a trust which could be used to obtain a new charter or start another POST within two years should there be any interest, according to Miller. “Even though they have pulled the charter on this we’ve got two years to make a decision. If the property is sold, it could still be put in a trust. They can’t mess with the funds for two years. If the POST acquires 100 members to start a charter back up again, it should all go to them,” said Miller.
The VFW POST 7623 was established in 1961.
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