Veterans Valley Junction Post 8879 Board
Our Mission: Honoring Service, Building Community
Veterans of Valley Junction, a non-profit foundation, is run by VFW Post 8879 located in Valley Junction. A community center would allow the Post an opportunity to honor the history of veterans and the military as well as continue to serve members, their families, and the community.
Our Mission
We aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for veterans. Our community center will offer programs focused on wellness, mentorship, and peer support. Our mission is to build more than just a building; it’s to create a space where veterans can find the camaraderie and respect they deserve.
About VFW Post 8879
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8879 was established in 1947 by those that served in a defined and eligible foreign conflict. The Post conducts meetings in the building housing the West Des Moines Foundation on 5th Street in Valley Junction. Post 8879 currently has more than 110 men and women as members. In addition, a women’s Auxiliary was established in the year 2020 to work in conjuction with the post and has more than 20 members.
The Post and Auxiliary are deeply involved with veterans, their families and the community. Activities of the Post include purchase and distribution of holiday food baskets and gifts Thanksgiving and Christmas to veteran’s families and those West Des Moines citizens in need of assistance; sponsorship of a Cub and Boy Scout troop; patriotism essay contest for junior and senior high students with monetary awards; sponsorship of a teacher-of-the-year contest; blood donations by Post and Auxiliary members; leading the West Des Moines 4th of July parade annually; assistance with distribution at local food pantries; bingo sponsorship and participation monthly at the Veterans Administration hospital; Honor Guard participation at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery; veterans affairs oversight at the Iowa State Legislature; homeless veterans assistance; 4-H club horsemanship participation; display military memorabilia at Jordan House; and and veteran’s services exhibit at West Des Moines Farmers Market. In addition, the post has “adopted” the 132nd Air Wing of the National Guard where support is provided to families of those currently serving our country, and provides patriotism assistance to the Young Patriots program as well as aiding veterans in distress.
As a result of the Post’s events and programs, we are proud to have attained Iowa All-State and National All-American status. In addition, the VFW national organization has recognized the Post for community service exceeding the standards as set out.
In the summer of 2023, a determination was made by the Post to establish a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which in turn resulted in the formation of Veterans of Valley Junction, Inc. The decision to form the organization was made in order to raise funds to build a community center in the area of Valley Junction.
A board of directors has been established for the Foundation and is comprised of four VFW members and three citizen members of the community. A Mission Statement was adopted at our January 2024 board meeting which reads: A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to honor and assist veterans, their families, and community with essential needs through the implementation of worthwhile events and collective activities.