The Veterans of Foreign Wars' mission is to help support the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country - our nation's veterans, our troops, and their families. Founded in 1928, Post 1607 is proud to be one of the approximately 8,500 Posts located worldwide, each working locally to help in this cause. VFW Post 1607 offers support to veterans, support to troops and their families, and gives back to the community by promoting programs which develop tomorrow's leaders, or offers recognition to those who are leaders in our community today. More about us ...
The George Newton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1607 has a rich tradition of enhancing the lives of Southbury residents through its community service programs and special projects. Whether working closely with local schools to promote Veteran awareness Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy Programs or establishing and raising money for the Thank-A-Soldier Program, the VFW is there, "honoring the dead by helping the living".
Located in the Lakeside section of Southbury, Connecticut VFW Post 1607 began in 1928 with 13 men who met in Tony Candido's barbershop on Oak Tree Road. They eventually moved to the current location during the 1960s after members purchased the building from the Lakeside Community Association (LCA). Constructed in 1940 overlooking Lake Zoar, the building was originally used by the LCA as a gathering hall and community center. The veterans today keep the building's tradition of being a community-gathering center alive by allowing the public use of the hall in exchange for a requested donation.
Become part of the VFW family today so you can make a difference in your community tomorrow.
With many of our community's young men and women serving overseas, the VFW provides a familiar place where they can meet and socialize with people who have had similar experiences. As with our WWII, Vietnam, Korean, and Gulf War veterans, today's military are welcome at VFW Post 1607. VFW Post 1607 members meet the third Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm.
Community service is an important priority for VFW Post 1607. Volunteering each year, the members work closely with other national and community organizations as well as individual citizens. The VFW's service programs are designed to encourage community service, civic responsibility, and stimulate interest in America's history and traditions.
VFW Post 1607 actively works to recognize and represent the needs of local veterans. Social events and fundraisers are held throughout the year to help support military servicemen and their families directly and/or through special programs. Post 1607 also acts as an advocate for veterans as a group, bringing their concerns to town and state officials.
VFW Post 1607 plans and participates in town ceremonies taking place at various locations such as Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street South, next to the Southbury Senior Center. Ceremonies include Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. VFW Post 1607 members often speak on topics such as veterans, civic pride, and their personal memories of the military. These commemorations honor America’s veterans and cultivate an appreciation of both the responsibilities and benefits of being an American.
A program set up as a tribute to local residents serving in all branches of the military, to help them with their air travel costs when coming home to their families and community. This program was started in 2007 and the first recipient was Cpl. Jeffrey Elmore, a Pomperaug High School graduate and member of the Marine Corps. Contact us for information, or to add a Southbury soldier to the recipient list. Donations for Thank A Soldier may be mailed to VFW Post 1607, P.O. Box 1230, Southbury, CT 06488.
VFW Post 1607's partnership with the Boy Scouts of America includes sponsorship of Southbury Boy Scout Troop 1607.
Under the guidance of VFW Post 1607, local Boy Scout Troops 1607, 60, and 162 will place and remove American Flags from the graves of more than 500 veterans who are buried in one of the town's cemeteries for the Memorial Day holiday.
VFW Post 1607 sponsors participation in the VFW National Scout of the Year Scholarship Program which provides a large monetary award to an outstanding scout who is the recipient of a Boy Scout Eagle Award, a Venture Scouting Silver Award or a Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. Use the "CONTEST INFO" button below to display contest awards and entry criteria.
VFW Post 1607 sponsors participation for Pomperaug High School students in the VFW’s National Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program. An audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12, it is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students a chance to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay. Use the "CONTEST INFO" button below to display contest awards, entry criteria, and this year’s theme and entry form.
VFW Post 1607 sponsors participation for Rochambeau Middle School and Memorial Middle School in the VFW’s National Patriot's Pen Scholarship Program. A youth essay writing competition which gives students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Use the "CONTEST INFO" button below to display contest awards, entry criteria, and this year’s theme and entry form (scroll down the page to the "Patriot's Pen" section).
Selling replicas of the original Flanders' poppy raises money to provide compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation’s veterans. The red poppy is a flower that evokes the memories and emotions of war after the publication of a poem, "In Flanders Fields", written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.