Sponsor the Vietnam Veterans Day Dinner

Become a sponsor of VFW Post 4031's 50th Year Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Dinner. By sponsoring our Commemoration, you will be honoring Vietnam Veterans by helping host a Dinner Celebration. Your donation helps us make this event even more special. HELP WELCOME HOME OUR LOCAL VIETNAM VETS.

Sponsor a VFW Post Event

Sponsor One of VFW Post 4031's Events

You can now help sponsor one of VFW Post 4031's events. Our events help support veterans in many ways, build Post Spirit, and foster strength among our local veterans. Your sponsorship funds no matter how large or how small will help make our events special. The next event needing sponsors is our annual Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Dinner on March 29th, 2023.

Go to the Sponsorship Page

Advertise on our Website. Become a Sponsor

Your organization can advertise on our website when you become a sponsor of VFW Post 4031. Your sponsorship is a great way to advertise your business' support of veterans and can yield great benefits to your business. Join us supporting VFW Post 4031 and local veterans.

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Renew Your Membership

We miss our members who have not paid their annual dues. Your membership is the heartbeat of our Post. Please renew your Annual Membership now. You can now renew your membership by credit card for your convenience. PLEASE RENEW NOW.

Go to Membership PageDownload Membership Renewal Form

Hall Rental

We have the perfect venue for your event. Rent the VFW Post 4031 hall for parties, get togethers, and other celebrations. Our building has many amenities and support for your special event. For those interested feel free to come visit to take a tour of Post Building's Halls. Call us for more information or to have us mail you a brochure. You can also download the brochure here.

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It is Great to Donate!!!!

VFW Post 4031 is a Veteran Non-Profit organization. Your donations to our Post will directly support our various Veteran's Programs.

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Become a Member of VFW Post 4031

VFW Post 4031 would like you to join us by becoming a member, remaining a member, or transferring your membership to our Post. Are you a veteran who is interested in joining an organization that is dedicated to the support of veterans, veteran's families, and the military in general? Join now!!! Vets helping Vets.

Learn MoreDownload Membership Rack Card

VFW 4031 Auxiliary

The VFW Auxiliary provides unwavering support to our veterans, our veteran's families, and Post 4031.

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Honor Guard

The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a ceremony representing the Nation’s deep gratitude to those, in times of war and peace, who have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to our veteran’s family.

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U.S. NAVY

America's Navy is a force as relevant today as it's been historically significant for the last 238 years. The times may change, the threats may become more obscure, the complex nature of 21st century life may make the demand for such presence less obvious. However, now more than ever, the Navy is something to be aware of. Something to be thankful for. Something to be proud of.

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U.S. MARINES

We are soldiers of the sea, providing forces and detachments to naval ships and shore operations. We are global leaders, developing expeditionary doctrine and innovations that set the example, and leading other countries' forces and agencies in the multinational military operations. These unique capabilities make us "First to Fight", and our nations first line of defense.

U.S. ARMY

The U.S. Army is made up of the most dedicated, most respected soldiers in the world. These soldiers protect America's Freedoms while serving at home and abroad, and they are always prepared to defend the nation in times of need.

U.S. AIR FORCE

Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: developing airmen, technology to war fighting and integrating operations. These core competencies make our six distinctive capabilities possible.

U.S. SPACE FORCE

The USSF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Guardians to conduct global space operations that enhance the way our joint and coalition forces fight, while also offering decision makers military options to achieve national objectives.

U.S. COAST GUARD

We protect the personal safety and security of our people; the marine transportation system and infrastructure; our natural and economic resources; and the territorial integrity of our nation-from both internal and external threats, natural and man-made.

NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES

Our versatility enables us to respond to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counter-drug efforts, reconstruction missions and more.

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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.

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's Web Site.
 

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.

 

 





VFW Post 4031 On Line Store

VFW 4031 Swag Store

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 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!

Go to Our On Line Store Page

VFW Membership is Special

Join, Renew, or Transfer Your 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.

VFW Membership

Sponsor VFW Post 4031 or One of Our Events

Help us execute our mission.

By becoming a sponsor of VFW Post 4031, you become one of the supporters of our La Plata County supporters of veterans. In return for your sponsorship we will advertise your company on our website, on our outdoor sign, and in other ways. By sponsoring one of our events you will help us make each event special and more meaningful to our veterans. In return for sponsoring one of our events we will make it known that you support our La Plata County veterans. 

Become a Post or Event Sponsor

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.

More Info

Announcements

 Updated March 22nd, 2023
These Are The Latest Things Happening Around the Post 

 Please Remember to Renew Your Membership 
 
We miss our expired members!! If your membership has expired or is about to expire please renew your membership at VFW Post 4031. You can renew your membership by going to our Membership Page by clicking on the Renew Membership button below. 
 
and then follow the instructions contained there.  Then send a check to Quartermaster VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Avenue, Durango, CO., come into the Post and paying in person, or pay by credit card. You can pay using a credit card by clicking on the button below.


 
You can now make a donation to VFW Post 4031 to sponsor one of our key events. Your generous donation will make one or more of our events more special and meaningful to our La Plata County veterans and the community at large. The next VFW Post 4031 event is our Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Dinner. Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger image of the VFW Post 4031 Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Flyer.
 
 
Sponsor an event now by clicking on the Sponsorship button below.



 
 Join the Adaptive Sports Association for Veterans Outdoors Ski and Ride Days. This event is free of charge for military veterans with a disability rating. The next Veterans Outdoor Day is March 24th. Reservations are required. Call the mountain office at (970) 385-2163 on email program@asadurango.com. Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger version of their flyer.
 
 

 
VFW Post 4031 will hold its annual Vietnam Veterans 50th Year Commemoration Dinner on March 29th between 5:00PM and 9:00PM. This dinner is held in conjunction with the National Vietnam Veterans Commemoration 50th anniversary celebration. In particular this year's event commemorates 50 years since 1973. The dinner will be catered by Serious Texas BBQ and will feature some "Serious Eats”. A & L Coors has generously agreed to supply beer again for the event. The Southwest Colorado Community Foundation, Mr. Craig Fairchild, Dalton Ranch Golf Club, and Star Liquors have also donated to support the dinner. Please consider adding your donation to support this event. See the event donation description in an announcement above. Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger version of the Flyer for the event. 
 
 

 
On March 30th between 12:00PM and 1:30PM, the Post is pleased to sponsor a new mental health program called COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory). The aim is to teach community members how to intervene when they encounter someone in a vulnerable mental state and help shift them towards a place of wellness. The program is designed to fill a gap in existing mental health resources, which often focus on crisis intervention, leaving many people with undiagnosed distress, moderate depression or anxiety. COMET™ aligns with the cultural values of neighbor helping neighbor, where communities are their own best resource. The program aims to empower friends and neighbors to be more prepared to support others’ mental health needs before a crisis occurs. It trains community members on how to initiate a supportive interaction for potentially emotional conversations using a simple, conversational seven-question guide. The course will be led by Anna Denali, Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator, San Juan Basin Public Health.
 
We are asking any one who wishes to attend, to RSVP for the event. The RSVP is just to get some idea how many people are going to attend. Click on the icon below to fill out an RSVP .
 
 
The National VFW has announced the themes for both the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot's Pen scholarship programs. These Youth Scholarships are one of the most important programs the VFW sponsors. The theme of the Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest is "What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy." The VFW National Voice do Democracy Winner receives $35,00.00 in scholarship funds. The theme of the Patriot's Pen essay contest is "How are you inspired by America." The VFW National Patriot’s Pen winner receives $5,000.00 in scholarship funds. Both these contests are due to VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Avenue, Durango, CO. 81301. The essays are due no later than October 31, 2023. Click on the appropriate icon below to go to that scholarship page. Information and a link to the entry form download are contained on those pages.


 
VFW Post 4031 is sponsoring a Mind, Body, Spirit Fair on Saturday April 22nd between 9AM and 3PM. For more information contact CJ Marten at weipcj@gmail.com. Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger version of the flyer for this event.


 
 
Jill Bauer, member of our Auxiliary and the owner of Uptown Hair Salon located at 2929 Main Avenue is offering free haircuts to veterans the first Monday of every month. Appointments are necessary. Veterans should call Uptown Hair Salon at (970) 759-8379 to book your free haircut. Click on the thumbnail below to see a large version of the Free Haircuts Flyer.
 
 
VFW Post 4031 has added a Suggestion Box to our website. We welcome your suggestions on how to improve your Post. You can find the suggestion box on the News  top menu and then scroll down.  We will use these suggestions to improve our ability to better serve our La Plata County Veterans. You can also click on the icon below to go to the Suggestion Box.


We Need Volunteers!
The lifeblood of VFW Post 4031 are its volunteers. Without our volunteers we cannot accomplish our mission to support veterans. The following is a list of things for which we need volunteers to help us.
  1. The Post needs someone to manage the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Programs.
  2. Color Guard/Honor Guard Members
  3. Help with the Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Dinner Event
  4. Members of the Public Relations Committee
  5. On Line Store Support staff
If you are interested in volunteering for one of these jobs please E-Mail Jeff Punches by clicking on the icon below.
 

 
 
Thank You Sponsors!!
In June 2022 the Post ran an Advertising and Sponsorship Drive. As a result of the Drive the following sponsors are helping VFW Post 4031 achieve its goal.

Sponsors who have sponsored us three years
Dalton Ranch Golf Club
Star Liquors
Sponsors who have sponsored us two years.
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Wells Group
Serious Texas BBQ
A & L Coors
New Sponsors
DK Mortgage Norm Phillips Team
Durango Harley Davidson
La Plata County Republicans
Southwest Colorado Community Foundation
Mr. Craig Fairchild
 

     Veterans Benefit Breakfast
The Veterans Benefit Breakfast is one of the most important events that VFW Post 4031 undertakes. The proceeds from these breakfasts directly support veterans in need. The next Veterans Benefit Breakfast will be held on Sunday April 2nd between 9:00 AM and 11:00AM.  Great food and the public is welcome. Here is a link to our Veterans Benefit Breakfast Page. Click on the thumbnail below to see a large version of the Veterans Benefit Breakfast Flyer.



 The next Veterans Relief Committee Monthly Meeting will be held on Monday March 20th at 5:30 PM.
 

 Veterans Relief Committee News
The Veterans Relief Committee has disbursed more than $20,000.00 in 2022 and more than $1,000.00 in 2023 to help needy La Plata County veterans.  For more information about Veterans Relief click here.

Future Planned Events
Veterans Relief Committee events in the upcoming months include the following. The Veterans Relief Committee along with the Elks Lodge 507 and American Legion Post 28 are hosting several events in the coming months including a Taco Tuesday featuring an Enchilada Plate on March 28th at the Elks, a VRC Fish Fry on April 11th at the VFW , and the Annual Veterans River Float on June 25th. To see the flyers for these events click this link.


 
 
The next Public Relations Committee Monthly Meeting will be held April 18th at 1:00PM. The PRC meeting will normally be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

 
Public Relations Committee News
 
The PRC is planning a number of events in the coming months including a Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Day Dinner on March 29th, 2023, a Membership Drive in May, a Legacy Life Membership Drive in May, and a Sponsorship Drive in June. See the entry above to see the flyer for the event and for how you can donate to this event. As always the PRC welcomes all members to seek new members for the Post and the Auxiliary. Ask Jeff Punches how you can help. Contact Jeff at (503) 961-3201.
 

The Post 4031 final January 2023 Post Meeting Minutes and previous months as well as the February 2023 Post Draft Minutes are available for reading on the Members Only page. Additionally all the Public Relations Committee minutes are always available for reading. Go to the Log In button at the right of the menu above, click on Members Only and then log in.

News & Events

Upcoming events

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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

Veterans to Get Free Emergency Care During Suicidal Mental Health Crises

Starting Tuesday, January 17th, veterans experiencing an emergency suicidal crisis will be eligible for no-cost care, including inpatient treatment, at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or non-VA hospital, regardless of whether they are enrolled with the VA.

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VFW Post 4031 Announces Winners for the 2022 Scholarship Programs

Each year the VFW sponsors scholarship programs for youth students,. These programs are called Patriot's Pen (grades 6-8) and The Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12). VFW Post 4031 announced its winners at the Veteran's Benefit Breakfast on December 4th,

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National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Delegation Returns to Southeast Asia

BANGKOK - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland and a VFW delegation arrived in Thailand for the first leg...

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VFW Proudly Sponsors Bataan Memorial Death March

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Marking its 13th consecutive year of support, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce it is the...

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OUR MISSION

 Updated February 27th, 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.

Click the button below to become an Advertiser/Sponsor of VFW Post 4031
 
Click the Button Below to Sponsor one of VFW Post 4031's Events
 
 

 
 
 

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JOIN THE VFW

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 THE VFW

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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