VFW Post 4090 Named Business/Organization of the Year by Chamber of Commerce

At the recent Portland Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, VFW Post 4090 was named Business/Organization of the year.

Initially chartered in 1945 with 60 members at Portland Country Club, the organization now has 227 active post members and 236 auxiliary members. Auxiliary members are family members of VFW members. The post is also home to American Legion Post 129 which has 48 members.

Located at 1324 Bridge Street, Post Commander Bill Almy says the group’s focus is and always has been veterans. More specifically, “getting veterans the benefits they deserve.” The post has its own local service officer, George Warner, who serves as a resource in connecting veterans with information and resources. The post is also served by a state service officer, Thomas Kaiser, who serves Ionia and Montcalm county veterans.

As a part of the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, Almy said, “Overall we try to educate veterans to go to the national website. There is a ton of information on that site.”

The post provides color guards for parades and events, and honor guards for funerals. They also work with Blue Star Mothers, the mothers of deployed service people, to put together care packages, or help with shipping costs for these care packages.

The Post also sponsors several local events and awards.

When asked about the award, Almy said, "On behalf of Post 4090, the Auxiliary, and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, it is an honor to be recognized by the Portland Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber and the community of Portland have been strong supporters of our post. We will continue to work hard to serve all military veterans and to be a part of the community of Portland."

When I asked how the community could support VFW Post 4090, Almy said, “Revenues from the meals keeps the post up and running.” The group hosts breakfasts, burger nights and fish fries. These events are regularly announced on the sign in front of the post.

The Post also wants to make known that their hall and kitchen is available for rent and open to the public. You do not need to be a member. The hall seats 250. For rental information, call the post at 517-647-4980. They are open daily at 3:00 PM.

If you are interested in a tour of VFW Post 4090, please call William Almy at the post.

Pictured above Post Commander Bill Almy and Auxiliary President Shirley Teachout. Photo courtesy of Portland Area Chamber of Commerce.