ROXBURY, NJ – Vietnam War veteran Bob Mederos has resumed his role as commander of Roxbury’s Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) post, and he is determined to breathe new life into the organization.
For example, Mederos, 74, said he envisions an Eagle Scout project that would bring about the installation - along Main Street and Eyland Avenue in Succasunna - of banners showing images of local veterans.
Also, he said the VFW is increasing the award money paid to students who craft the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essays.
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And he is embarking on a search for a garage or other structure that could serve as a new “Roxbury Township Veteran’s Hall” for VFW and VFW Auxiliary meetings.
“My first wish is for someone to donate it,” said the Ledgewood resident. “My second wish is we could give them a tax write-off for it. My third is, if it were a nominal sum we could afford to rent it for a couple of years.”
Some Money to Spend
The formerly cash-strapped VFW has about $250,000 in its bank account these days, thanks to its sale several years ago of its former headquarters at 16 High St. in Kenvil. The organization has been meeting at the Roxbury Recreation Center.
Mederos “bowed out” as the post’s commander about five years ago due to a disagreement with others in the post related to a fundraiser at the Kenvil site, a building that had a renovated full kitchen, a large meeting/dining area and a bar.
“We were low on funds, and they wanted to do a venison dinner but they didn’t want to have the membership come to it downstairs at the bar,” Mederos said. “I said, ‘You can’t close the post to members.’ I got voted down and I said, ‘OK, it’s on you guys now … that’s not right.’”
John Lehnert took over as post commander, but he recently moved out of town due to health concerns, Mederos said. He said another veteran took the helm, but also had to step aside, after about a month, for medical reasons.
Mederos said he agreed to return as commander at the request of the post’s quartermaster, Jeff McDonald. “He said, ‘Bob, I need somebody to take over; somebody with experience because I don’t have time to train anybody,’” Mederos said. “I told him I will take it over for a year, but it could be two or three. I think I’m the oldest active member right now at the post.”
Young Blood and Patriotism
Despite his age, Mederos – a former Army Ranger – doesn’t seem to be low on energy or enthusiasm. He said the post has some money to spread around and is determined it be spent in Roxbury, especially on things that inspire children to be patriotic and other veterans to join the post.
The organization will now pay $500 for first-place, $300 for second-place and $200 for third place winners of the Voice of Democracy essay contest (for Roxbury High School students). Winners of the Patriot Pen contest (students in elementary and middle school) will get $150 for first-place, $100 for second-place and $50 for third-place, Mederos said.
He said he got a positive reaction from local Scoutmaster when he suggested the veteran banners as an Eagle Scout project.
“He said that right now all his Eagle Scouts are doing projects, but within four months he is going to try get one of them to pick up this task,” Mederos said. “It’s a commitment to attempt to get this done. If that doesn’t work, I will have to find somebody else … We are going to buy the banners with part of the money from when we sold the post. I want to spend it in town, not anywhere else.”
And while he is thankful the township is allowing the veterans to use the recreation center for their meetings, Mederos thinks the organization would be more successful at getting some “young blood” to join if it had another place to call home: “A Roxbury Veteran’s Hall that all vets can come to, whether they fought in a foreign war or were just active duty in the states,” he said. “That’s my goal. We are all brothers in arms.”
He said those wishing to help the VFW post in any way can call him at (973) 927-8295 or email him at [email protected].
Related TAPinto Roxbury stories:
Roxbury Vet to be Memorial Day Parade Leader
No Hollywood Ending for Roxbury's VFW
Final Days for Cash-Strapped Roxbury VFW Post in Kenvil?
Roxbury VFW Honors Afghanistan War Vet at Open House
A Mission for Roxbury Veterans: Attend VFW Post 2833's Open House
Roxbury Eagle Scout Praised for VFW Wall Project
The "Schnozzola" Helps Raise Money for Kenvil VFW
Mt. Arlington Electrician Steps Up to Help Roxbury VFW
County Ponies Up Cash for Jeopardized Roxbury VFW Refurb
