Cranberry VFW continues inspiring next generation through service and education
For decades, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 879 in Cranberry Township has remained a steady presence helping veterans navigate life after service and honoring those who came before them.
“Our mission is, first and foremost, to help veterans,” said the post’s quartermaster, Rex Brown, who has been involved with the organization for about 20 years. “If someone needs help — whether that’s finding a service officer, getting connected with the VA or just finding someone to talk to, we’re here to make sure they’re not alone.”
Unlike some posts that operate social clubs or bars, the Cranberry Township VFW is what’s known as a “paper post,” meaning it no longer maintains its own physical building.
That shift, leaders said, has allowed them to focus their limited resources entirely on outreach, community programs and direct assistance to veterans in need of a helping hand.
“Without the overhead of a building, we can take what we receive through donations and put it straight back into helping veterans,” Brown said. “We also support youth programs — like our essay contests, Voice of Democracy for the older kids and Patriot’s Pen for the younger kids, which encourage students to reflect on citizenship and patriotism.”
The post’s reach, however, extends beyond its more than 120 members. Each May, it organizes a Memorial Day ceremony at North Boundary Park, where residents, veterans and families gather to pay tribute to those who enlisted for the betterment of the country and its people.
The event continuously draws guest speakers, retired military personnel, politicians and robust community support year after year, Brown said.
Additionally, in recent years, the organization has had a booth at Cranberry Community Days, giving members the opportunity to speak with community members on a more personal level.
“In general, people don’t realize that our area, especially Butler County, is rich in veterans from all eras,” said Brown, who went on multiple tours of duty during his 37 years as a member of the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
Cranberry Township’s VFW also connects with local school districts, including Seneca Valley and surrounding districts, by visiting classrooms, speaking on Flag Day and Veterans Day and encouraging students to engage with veterans’ stories. One of their local students even placed in the top 10 nationally in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest last year.
“Seeing students get involved and understand what service means is one of the best parts of what we do,” Brown said.
The post’s members also take part in community traditions such as distributing poppies — the VFW’s official memorial flower and a national symbol of remembrance that originated in the aftermath of World War I. The flowers, which are distributed through the VFW Buddy Poppy program, are free, but donations are accepted and used to support various veteran initiatives.
Beyond events and outreach, much of the Cranberry VFW’s work happens without much fanfare. But that doesn’t mean members go without any recognition.
“We’ve found that there are a number of businesses throughout Cranberry and the surrounding areas that recognize us and help support us,” Brown said.
For those who dedicate part of their lives to ensuring the organization has a bright future, it’s about creating a sense of belonging and shared understanding, especially toward veterans of newer conflicts, such as the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.
“The comradery with the veterans we have now is what keeps us going,” the quartermaster said. “It’s being around people who’ve gone through similar things and have endured similar hardships. We certainly enjoy the good times together and it’s all about helping the younger veterans find that same support we’ve been fortunate enough to receive.”
