By DEB GRUVER

Staff writer

The Marion VFW needs younger — and more involved — members to stay relevant, its leaders say.

“It’s declined as people have passed away,” commander Bill Harris said. “We have several members. We just have very few active members.”

Mike Mowat, quartermaster, said the post has about 40 members.

“Sixty would be a good number,” he said. “We’d like to have all we can get, of course.”

Mowat said it’d be helpful to have a VFW auxiliary.

People eligible to be an auxiliary member are those related to someone who is a VFW member or eligible to be a VFW member:

• husband/wife
• widower/widow
• father/mother
• grandfather/grandmother
• son/daughter
• grandson/granddaughter
• brother/sister

People eligible for membership in the VFW are those who have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay. 

“There’s a need to start a VFW auxiliary,” Mowat said.

Mowat is 78 and served in Vietnam.

He’s watched the post have to scramble to fill positions.

“Our members are old — in their 70s, 80s and 90s,” Mowat said.

People interested in joining the post or starting an auxiliary may call Mowat at (620) 382-5800.

Annual dues are $36, Mowat said.

Ida French, who manages the VFW’s bar, said she sees the need for younger members, especially for leadership positions.

“We need younger ones to step up in their place,” French said.