One of the first Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in the country was established right here in our region.
VFW Post 3 started in Altoona in 1914.
Over the last 30 years, the building on 17th Street fell into disrepair and it had to be sold. Without a building, the once thriving club is struggling to survive. Now they’re looking to the community for the help needed to keep a proud part of local military history alive.

VFW Post 3 was among the first round of VFW’s chartered in 1904.
After World War II, boasting 2600 members, it won national membership awards. That was then. Today, the post on 17th Street in Altoona is in disrepair, and is closed.

Post 3 meets now at the Catholic War Veterans Club in Altoona. From 180 current members, a dozen men show up at meetings, and are fighting to keep it alive.
John Gority lost his leg in Vietnam, but he recognizes keeping Post 3 going may be his biggest battle. A fight to keep serving veterans in this community.
Its not just a building they seek, but more members, and the chance to do more good in the community. 
Post Commander Brandon McGraw is only 30, but he’s right there fighting to keep Post 3 open. It’s his family. His late dad and many other family members were part of the post and he says as long as he can keep it going, they are still present.
Though Its not the past that will bring Post 3 back. But the future.

Like a benefit at McGarvey’s Bar in Altoona for Post 3.
McGraw and other veterans are very happy about it.
Could it jump start a movement? Could it help save an important piece of Pennsylvania military history?

Watch the full story on this Tonight at 7p.m. on WTAJ’s special, Veterans’ Voices.

If you’re interested in helping Post 3 in Altoona, contact John Gority at 814-935-0220.
Right now, Post 3 meets at 7p.m. the Catholic War Vets building on the 4th Tuesday of every month. It’s located at 290 Valley Ave, Altoona.
If you want to send something to Post 3, you can do so at 
P.O. Box 941
Altoona Pa, 16603