Local VFW was formed in 1983

The Veterans of Foreign Service and the National Society of the Army of Philippines asfounded in 1899. They were organized to secure rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American War in 1898 and the Philippines War (1899-1902). The two organizations merged in 1914, creating the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) according to their website at vfw.org.

The Platte Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6125 is the last active VFW in Carbon County. In the past, Carbon County has had three VFW posts, one in Rawlins and the other in Hanna.

Veterans or active duty members who have served in a foreign war or overseas operation recognized by a campaign medal, in Korea after June 30, 1949, and recipients of hostile-fire or imminent danger pay. The Platte Valley VFW was formed November 26, 1983 with 50 charter members.

Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and other smaller expeditionary campaign, as well as occupation duty qualify according to the website.

The membership has 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members of the VFW. Auxiliary members are spouses of VFW members. The VFW Auxiliary was founded in 1914.

The local VFW Post 6125 sponsored the national competition for students - The Patriot’s Pen and the Voice of Democracy.

The Voice of Democracy theme for 2024-2025 is “Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?” The entry deadline was October 31. The Voice of Democracy competition is an audio-essay program for 9th through 12th grade students. Winners from the local competition are sent to the VFW District No. 3 for district competition. The winner from VFW Districts goes on to compete at the state level. The winner of the state level competes at the national level.

The Patriot Pen’s theme is for 6th through 8th grade students and is “My Voice in America’s Democracy”. Competitors are required to write a 300-400 essay. This competition also goes through the local, district and state competitions.

Winners of the competition win $35,000 scholarships at the national level and cash prizes at the local levels.

Other events the VFW Post 6125 participates in are Memorial Day Services at Grand Encampment Cemetery on Memorial Day, the Pancake Breakfast during the Winter Carnival in Encampment in January and the Veterans assembly in Encampment on Veterans Day. The VFW also leads the Woodchoppers’ Jamboree Rodeo parade in June.

The Pancake Breakfast is a fundraiser for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Competitions.

The local VFW also offers color guard services including 21 gun salutes for funerals and presenting the colors for concerts.

Jason Campbell is the Commander of the Post 6125 VFW, Bob Herring is the Senior Vice Commander and Willis Greenwood is the Quartermaster. Liz Wood serves as the adjutant and service officer. Veterans interested in joining VFW Post 6125 can talk to any of the above-mentioned officers or Phil Well.