The Forgotten: Fridley VFW Post 363

The first time I met Randy Byrne, which was really the second time, was in front of Bob’s Produce on an early Saturday morning. My family was in need of milk and eggs, one of those instances where you dash out the door in disarray, hoping you don’t run into anyone you haven’t seen in a long time.

Outside were two gentlemen, both strangers, looking sharp in uniform taking donations for poppies for the local VFW. I greeted them brightly, taking two and thanking them. One of them timidly asks, “You’re not Mandy Meisner by any chance, are you?”

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The first time I met Randy Byrne was through Facebook. I use Facebook often personally and professionally. I had noticed the VFW Fridley page and thought it was well run. I contacted them giving my compliments and suggestions. Turns out, I reached Randy who manages the page, thus began a digital exchange.

It also turns out my employer, Financial One Credit Union, had recently made a commitment to give back to our local veterans in very big ways. We just developed the Eagle Platinum Reward Visa card, in which everyone is approved, and every time it’s used, we will donate to the Disabled America Veterans of Minnesota (DAV). I want to partner with veteran organizations to share our new product that benefits others.

Lucky for me, Randy not only manages the Fridley VFW Facebook page, he is also the president of the Men’s Auxiliary, thus began a real life exchange.

Anyone who knows Randy, knows he makes an entrance in a room; tall with dark hair and clear blue eyes, his build tells you he was a star athlete in his youth, his carriage echoing athletic smoothness still. But what makes him memorable for me, is his genuine passion for veteran issues, possessing a focused energy and an unapologetic willingness to break the standard formulas.

While I know what the VFW’s are, I will admit, I have never given them too much thought. They invoke images of wedding receptions, of fish fry’s, and of dark smoke filled bars where men of my dad and grandfathers age gather to drink beer and talk about life between alternating croaks and male silence.

I had the opportunity to spend time at my local VFW during the first annual Break for Vets event (founded and organized by Randy), a four day pool tournament held in October to honor and remember our veterans.

The Fridley VFW is a nondescript building on the corner of Osborne and Central, worn in the ways buildings get when built in their glory days, and when funds run thin once those glory days are over. I am told back in the day, our VFW was a substantial contributor to our community, giving generously to our schools, police and fire departments, hosting elaborate Christmas parties for free; it was a place of activity and philanthropic repute.

Currently, it’s struggling. Struggling to recruit new membership and patrons, which means they struggle to get the money to keep running.

After spending a week-end at post 363, their community has charmed me. Headed by Commander Ed Schmeda, a grey haired gentlemen whose commitment to the post is apparent during your first conversation with him. There’s also Yvonne, who works tirelessly alongside her whole family guiding countless programs. Marcus who creates the impossible; the most beautiful statements with charcoal pencil. And Gunner will pour you drinks all night long with his mega-watt smile and sunny disposition.

The thought of having this community weaken, possibly die out one day doesn’t seem right. Yet, is likely to happen without patrons.

So grab some friends and family and head down there any night of the week. On Friday’s Ruth will make you the best handmade pizza you ever ate, loaded with whatever you want for about 8 bucks. There is bound for something to be going on (fundraiser for someone ill, bingo, karaoke, and of course a meat raffle) that will ensure a good time. And you can meet some of our local war heroes. Heroes you would never suspect as such because of their shy humility, their kind eyes. But they will share their stories of going to distant lands in war, if you ask.

And 9 times out of 10, you will find Randy there, charismatic and easy on the eyes, laughing alongside his friends, hatching his next plan to bring the people to his VFW. Fighting the good fight, right here at home.

To learn more about the Fridley VFW Post 363, go to: http://vfw363mn.us/

To learn how Financial One is serving our veterans, go to: www.FinancialOneCU.com/salute_our_veterans