Wheaton VFW struggling for survival

To say Wheaton VFW Post 2164 has a problem could be an understatement.

With the economy down, its financial outlook appears bleak. As older members die, it has become increasingly difficult to recruit younger veterans.

But Wheaton City Councilman Tom Mouhelis, who also does marketing for the post, says if the VFW is going to recover and avoid shutting down on certain days of the week, it must reach out to returning soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq.

In the past several months, three of those soldiers have agreed to help.

“It’s a fact, we are looking for them to become members and help us,” Mouhelis said. “Not just financially but helping us in some of the things we do.”

Mouhelis, a retired Air Force veteran who spent 30 years in the service, said he hopes a fundraiser Saturday raises awareness for what the post contributes to the city.

Legendary DJ Dick Biondi will attend and chat with those in attendance from 2 to 6 p.m. The event runs from 1 to 7 p.m. at the post, 0N731 Papworth St. The fundraiser will include a raffle and an auction and also will serve as a membership drive.

Additionally, Mouhelis said it will help raise awareness for the programs the post offers. Among many other services, the post provides speakers for area events, financial assistance for veterans and donates to veterans organizations.

But, of course, that costs money and Mouhelis, who has been involved with the post since 1998, said the money is not coming in at the same clip as before.

“We are losing members, they are dying,” he said. “The economy has hurt us, too. We are losing about $20,000 to $25,000 per year.”

Along with the programs it offers, Mouhelis said the post also offers support to returning veterans, something he says was lacking when he returned from the Vietnam War.

“Right now, the ones from Vietnam are the ones in charge (of the post),” he said. “These men and women that come back now from the war on terror are welcomed into our post. We want to ensure that these kids coming back hear people say, ‘Welcome back and thank you.’”