WELCOME TO VFW POST 4031

Teamwork ~ Leadership ~ Commitment. Veterans Helping Veterans.
As yesterday's defenders of freedom, we, at VFW Post 4031, want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks and become part of our elite group.  Our common bond is the battlefield, whether it is service in the Persian Gulf, Vietnam, Korea, Kosovo, the war on terrorism or peace-keeping expeditionary campaigns. Your courage and sacrifice have made a difference in preserving and defending world peace. We are dedicated to support of our most important National Asset.... our veterans. Please join us and contribute to our efforts to support our local veterans and their families. We are Veterans helping Veterans.
 
To go to the Post's Announcements Page Click Here. Announcements.

The May 2025 Calendar is up to date. Click here to go to the Calendar.

Headlines on Announcements Page.
Memorial Day Events and Buddy Poppy
Art Show
Help VFW Post 4031 Buy a New Point of Sale System
Suggestion Box
Veterans Relief Committee News
Public Relations Committee News
Post Meeting and Committee Minutes.


Sponsor - Durango Silverton Train

 
 
The Durango Silverton train is America's number one historic train. The Durango Train loves veterans and is proud to sponsor VFW Post 4031. 

Train History 

Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year.

Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began hauling both passengers and freight.

From the very beginning, the railroad was promoted as a scenic route for passenger service although the line was constructed primarily to haul mine ores, both gold and silver, from the San Juan Mountains. It is estimated over $300 million in precious metals has been transported over this route.

By 1885 the population of Silverton had grown to 1100 and Otto Mears completed the toll road to Ouray and additional narrow gauge track out of Silverton was laid down in 1887. In 1893, 10 large mines in the Silverton district were forced to close when silver prices dropped from $1.05/oz to $.63/oz. Just three years later the Yankee Girl and Guston Mines played out. In Durango, the fire of 1889 virtually destroyed downtown and the first automobile arrived by train in 1902. By 1906, Mesa Verde was designated a National Park, increasing the potential for tourism promotions.

Throughout the next twenty years the railroad faced many challenges; slides, floods, snow, war and financial instability. When the US Government entered WW I, it assumed operation of the railroad. Shortly after resuming control of railroad operations, the D&RGW reorganized due to financial difficulties. Silverton suffered devastating effects from the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918 – 10 percent of the population died in just six weeks! In addition, the Gold King Mine closed, the Sunnyside Mine temporarily ceased operations for almost ten years and the Silverton Railroad closed.

With the advent of WW II, the US Government requisitioned narrow gauge equipment to use in Alaska and the smelter in Durango reopened to process uranium for use in the war. The smelter continued to process uranium instead of silver into the late 1940’s due to the Cold War. By 1947 the Silverton branch was in danger of being abandoned. A determined staff stepped in and helped to promote tourism keeping the line alive. Then Hollywood discovered Durango and the railroad. Over the next ten years several movies were filmed in the area showcasing the train: Ticket to Tomahawk, Across the Wide Missouri, Denver & Rio Grande, Viva Zapata and Around the World in 80 Days.

During the latter part of the 1960s, the Durango-Silverton was registered as a National Historic Landmark and was awarded as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. In 1969 the D&RGW abandoned the tracks south of Durango isolating the line and leaving the future of the line in question. Hollywood continued its fascination with the area and the railroad with the filming of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. As the railroad prepared to celebrate its 100th birthday, Charles E. Bradshaw, Jr. purchased the Silverton branch and with the restoration process complete, engine #481 returned to service after 20 years in retirement.

Throughout the 1980s, the D&SNGRR continued to build on the scenic tourist railroad industry. Engines and coaches began to be weatherized for winter use; a third train to Silverton was added to the schedule along with an alternative fourth train to Cascade Canyon Wye; major track reconstruction occurred as nearly ten thousand ties were replaced. Locomotives #497 and #480 were restored and returned to service, the #497 being the only K-37 to run on the line and the innovative RailCamp was built for use in the summer. In 1985 the D&SNGRR purchased the Silverton Depot, returning it to service. By 1986 there were four trains running to Silverton with a fifth running to Cascade Canyon Wye!

Today the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to provide year-round train service, operating a historical train with rolling stock indigenous to the line. The locomotives used to pull today’s train remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated. The locomotives are 1923-25 vintage and are maintained in original condition. The coaches each feature bathroom facilities and are heated during the winter months for passenger comfort. Open gondola cars provide a panoramic view of the mountains. Concessions are available on every train. The Durango & Silverton is owned and operated by American Heritage Railways.

 

 





Commander's Corner

Commander David Latham

Happy 80th Birthday to VFW Post 4031. To celebrate this milestone, we will be organizing two events. The first will be a small gathering after the Post Meeting on February 12th. The main event, an all-day party, will take place on February 18th. This party promises to be a fun-filled affair with food, beer specials, and other activities. We hope you can join us on this special day to celebrate with us.

A potential menu for the party includes chili dogs, Frito Pie, and other snacks. Come one, come all! For more information, please click on the thumbnail below to view a larger version of the flyer.

Happy Birthday to the Post,

David Latham

VFW Membership is Special

Join, Renew, or Transfer our Membership

We at VFW Post 4031 honor each of our members. We encourage you to join, renew, or transfer your membership to VFW Post 4031. By joining or continuing your membership you are making a statement that you support your fellow veterans in La Plata County. The linked page also allows you to download an application, a membership form, or to renew your membership by credit card. If you have questions please contact us at any time.

Hall Rental

Rent One of Our Halls for Your Event

VFW Post 4031 offers rental of one or more of our facilities for your event. The link here will send you to our webpage describing our Hall Rental Opportunities and where you can also download our brochure.

VFW Post 4031 On Line Store

VFW 4031 Swag Store

Our VFW Post 4031 Blue Hoodies have arrived!
 
The VFW Post 4031 is currently offering VFW Branded Hats in various colors, Blue and Red Mens and Women's Polos, Long Sleeve VFW Red Shirts, and VFW Post 4031 Navy Blue Hoodies. These offerings are offered at a discount from ordering from the VFW Store. These offerings are also available at the Post Canteen. You can pay by credit card on the linked page. Get some now!

Red Shirt Friday Shirts

Support Our Troops

VFW Post 4031 has available both Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve RED Shirts for purchase. These shirts are designed to help celebrate RED Shirt Fridays.  RED stands for Remember Everyone Deployed and is a way to Support Our Troops. Long Sleeve Shirts are available for Pre-order at a reduced price. You can buy by using our On-Line Store at VFW4031.org, by going to Magpies Newsstand and Cafe at 707 Main Avenue, or by contacting us at VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Avenue, Durango, CO. 81301. Phone (970) 247-0384, email at webmaster@vfw4031.org or at VFW4031@bresnan.org.

News & Events

Upcoming events

Click above to view events.

View Local, State and National events. 

Membership

Membership Details

As yesterday's defenders of freedom...

 ...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.

WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.

Assistance & Benefits

Assistance & Benefits

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated

 to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.

Post News

Important Info for Post4031 Members

VFW Post 4031 Navy Blue Hoodies and Our Fencing Club

VFW Post 4031 has just received high quality Navy Blue Hoodies with a VFW Post 4031 logo. We are also providing a link to our Fencing Club's website

VFW Post 4031 and Auxiliary Have New Officers

VFW Post 4031 elected new officers at the April Post Meeting. Installation will occur at the July Meeting. VFW Post 4031 Auxiliary Elected new Officers and installed them at the June Meeting.

National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Honors America's Service Members This Armed Forces Day

WASHINGTON - May 17 is Armed Forces Day, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) joins a thankful nation in proudly honoring our na...

Ace Hardware Honors Memorial Day with Nationwide Tribute to Veterans

OAK BROOK, IL, -- In honor of Memorial Day,

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OUR MISSION

 Updated November 15th, 2023
 
National VFW Mission Statement

That the purpose of this Corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.
 
VFW Post 4031 Mission Statement
 
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veteran service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces. The mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts; to serve our veterans, the military and our community: and to advocate on behalf of all veterans.

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Join us as brothers and sisters of America to preserve the rights of veterans and support each other as only those who share in the camaraderie forged by conflict can. 

DONATE TO VFW POST 4031

Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.

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