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10/24/2024 02:08 PMESSEX
The Essex Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6726 is under the threat of closing, said Sheldon Potesak, its district commander. The post is looking for local support to stay open and continue its mission of providing a sense of community for veterans who fought overseas, in addition to giving back to their families and the Middlesex County community.
According to Potesak, the longtime commander of VFW District 6 which represents Middlesex County, both himself and his colleagues are experiencing serious health issues which have put a halt on their monthly meetings. At the moment, the leaders of the post are “trying to just manage it and keep it open by name only,” Potesak told the Valley Courier, adding that they are looking to get back to helping out in the Middlesex County area.
“This post has done a lot of good not only for Essex, but they do scholarships and they help out veterans in that area,” said Potesak. “That’s what VFW is about—helping the veterans that need help, that fall through the cracks, that the government can’t help—regardless if it’s buying clothes or helping their family, building ramps for them.”
The post will host an open house at the Essex Veterans Memorial Hall at 3 Westbrook Road on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is an invitation to area veterans who have fought in overseas conflicts to join the post and help maintain its presence in Essex, said Potesak.
Also a member of the VFW post in Clinton, Potesak recognizes the goodwill which a thriving post in Essex can provide for veterans and their families. This has included purchasing clothes and school supplies for the children of those veterans, as well as bestowing an honorable burial upon a veteran who has passed away if they did not have one.
“We fill in the cracks that the government can’t do, and that’s why the presence of the VFW post is so important,” said Potesak.
The VFW also engages in fundraising and collections for the community, such as donations to local food pantries, along with collaborations with local Lions and garden clubs.
For those interested in attending the open house or who have any questions, Potesak can be reached at 475-261-0232.