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WEST GARADINER — The Bagley-Gardiner-Foster Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9 celebrated its 100th year on April 8.
VFW Post 9 received its charter on April 8, 1918. The first meetings were held at the National Soldier’s Home (now Maine VA Healtchcare Systems-Togus). VFW posts are numbered nationally. Therefore, Post 9 was the ninth post in the nation to receive a charter from the national VFW.
Currently, it is the eight oldest VFW post in the United States, as one of the older posts no longer exists. A celebration of the 100th anniversary was held on March 30 in West Gardiner.
Post 9 received many awards and recognitions that evening from the VFW national and state Commanders. VFW Post 9 also received a legislative sentiment from the Maine State Senate.
PHOTO: Guests for the 100th anniversary celebration at VFW Post 9 in West Gardiner include: row 1, from left — C. James Ware, VFW state service officer; Charles Wilcox, Post 9; Ted Smith, surgeon, Post 9; Greg Couture, adjutant/quartermaster, Post 9; Roger Line, commander, Post 9; Ralph Sargent Jr., vice commander, Post 9; Debra Couture, sr. vice commander, Post 9; Richard Farris, VFW state commander 2017-18; row 2 –Andre Dumas, VFW state adjutant; Harlan Brown, Post 9; David Williams, VFW state quartermaster; Mark Carter, Post 9; and Steve SanPedro, VFW past state commander, 2016-17. Missing from photo: Earl Stevens, chaplain, Post 9; Bruce Davis, judge advocate, Post 9; and Bill Baxter, Post 9. (Submitted photo)vocate, Post #9; and Bill Baxter, Post #9.
