Wilmington VFW Honors America's 250th Anniversary By Supporting Today's Service Members

WILMINGTON, Ohio (February 9, 2026)— As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, the Wilmington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6710 is recognizing not only the nation’s history this year, but the men and women currently serving to defend it.

Each year, approximately a dozen Clinton County residents take an oath to support and defend the Constitution by entering military service. Years later, many return home to begin the next chapter of their lives. Military service is highly structured and mission-driven, and this oftentimes makes the transition back to an open-ended civilian life emotional, confusing, and challenging.

Service members may leave positions of immense responsibility—ranging from presidential security details and guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to deployments aboard nuclear submarines or with infantry units overseas—only to return home within days to a civilian world unfamiliar with their experiences.

Translating that level of responsibility into meaningful employment and community integration in rural Clinton County can be especially difficult. And although the military provides transitional assistance, those resources often end once a service member leaves their final duty station and returns home.

Members of the Wilmington VFW understand these challenges firsthand. Many have successfully made the transition from combat zones and hazardous duty to careers in the private sector, such as running their own businesses or continuing that service as public sector employees. Through experience and trial and error, they have learned how to navigate local, state, and federal veterans’ benefit programs—resources that exist but are not always easy to access, as well as how to transform the military mindset of strict order and discipline into a more laid back and relaxed civilian one.

In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary and in alignment with the national VFW #StillServing campaign, the Wilmington VFW is inviting Clinton County families with loved ones who are:

• Returning home on leave

• Completing active-duty service

• Retiring from the military

To recognize these eligible service members who served honorably, the Post will waive its hall rental fee to host a welcome-home or recognition event. Families will have access to the venue and current entertainment options available to regular VFW members. Food and beverages will be offered at regular member menu prices, and families may arrange optional outside entertainment such as a band or DJ.

During each event, the VFW will staff the bar and kitchen free of charge and open its doors to family and friends to help create a meaningful homecoming. Beyond the celebration, VFW members will also be present to offer camaraderie and share experiences, but more importantly, to provide guidance, networking, and potential opportunities to assist service members transitioning back into civilian life. For those home temporarily on leave, the gathering offers a well-deserved respite to rest and reconnect following demanding or hazardous service.

Families interested in participating may contact the Wilmington VFW through its Facebook page, by email at vfw6710@yahoo.com, or by visiting the Post at 1130 North Lincoln Street, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:00–10:00 p.m.

Article Submitted by Wilmington VFW