Medford VFW Post 5729 breaks ground on new building project

More than 100 people braved the cold and wind Monday evening to join in celebrating groundbreaking for a new VFW Clubhouse building in Medford.

The symbolic start to the construction project comes as site preparation, utility and earthwork projects are underway at the construction site. The post is working with Meyer Construction with an ambitious goal of having the new building open in time to be dedicated at Veterans Day this fall.

The groundbreaking ceremony began with a Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation from Rev. Warren Behling, Chaplain of American Legion Post 147.

Hein gave a historical overview of the Medford VFW Post from its founding on December 18, 1945, when 30 area veterans signed an application to become charter members of the Medford post, at a meeting at the Black Bear Tavern and Restaurant owned by Carl and Frieda Klossner. Hein shared the stories of the post’s namesakes. Carlyle Klossner, the son of Carl and Frieda Klossner of Medford, was killed while serving with an anti-aircraft unit in Belgium on December 26, 1944 at the age of 22, during the Battle of the Bulge. Sylvester Dietzler, son of Robert and Katherine Dietzler of Medford, was born on December 16, 1923. He attended Medford schools, and entered service on Feb 3, 1943. While overseas he served on the Northern Solomons, Iwo Jima, and Volcano islands. He was killed March 11, 1945 on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima, at the age of 21.

Hein welcome the descendants and relatives from the founders and the Klossner and Dietzler families. Earl Dietzler from Machesney Park, Illinois, second cousin to Sylvester Dietzler was welcomed.

For the first few years, the post met at a variety of locations around Medford before having land donated for the construction of a permanent clubhouse. The charter members of the post donated their skills, materials, and humor to the construction which was a one-room building on a concrete slab and a 3-hole outhouse which was donated by post commander Louis Brost. The first clubhouse was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1949 and was extensively remodeled in 1953. The work made it available for banquets, weddings and community events. “Ever since, the VFW has been a large part of the local community,” Hein said.

See VFW on page 14 “Our original building has lived a long and storied life, but as the decades have passed, it has become more difficult to maintain. Signifi cant problems with aged water and sewer lines, inadequate electrical service, and accessibility issues have taken their toll,” Hein said.

In December of 2023, Former Commander Bill Vach presented the idea of a new building to the membership and a motion was passed to begin planning. A building committee was formed, and fundraising began, leading to Monday’s groundbreaking.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Post 5729 would like to assure you that even as we look forward to the future, we will always remember and honor our past,” Hein said.

“The construction of our new building is not just about replacing an aging VFW post. It is an opportunity for growth, and to re-energize the VFW. For nearly 80 years, area veterans have crossed our threshold to find camaraderie within the walls of our post. Generations have passed the torch of leadership from World War 2 veterans, to Korean War veterans, to Vietnam War veterans, and now to veterans of the Gulf War and Global War on Terror,” said Nick Lemke, current post commander.

“As these new walls are raised, a new generation of veterans is called to stand ready to carry on the traditions of the VFW’s service to veterans and the community in which we live. We will continue with the traditions that exist, and we will find new and innovative ways to serve,” he said.

“Through the generous support of this community, we have raised more than 60% toward our goal from more than 400 donors. While we still have a long way to go, we are confident that through further fundraising we will meet that goal by the completion of construction,” Lemke said.

“Though supporting veterans is our first and foremost priority, your donations will not only support veterans, but will also support the community through our efforts. We cannot express enough our gratitude for your generosity, and we understand how lucky we are to live here.”