Russ Davis gets it.

Finding time to be an active member in an organization can be a challenge when working a full-time job. But when Davis retired from AB Chance-Hubbell in Centralia after 45 years as a maintenance mechanic, he knew it was time to join the Mexico VFW Post 3772.

It wasn’t the first time he’d considered it, but the Vietnam veteran was working six days a week and didn’t feel right signing up when his schedule simply didn’t allow the time he felt necessary.

“When I join a club, I like to do something,” said Davis.

On Saturday, he was among veterans selling Buddy Poppies in Mexico. 

Thursday he was among those helping with the post’s weekly bingo. 

And in general, he’s helping with veterans’ causes, serving as the post’s service officer. But it’s a good kind of busy, as retirement has allowed him time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans and today he values the role the VFW plays in his life. 

That said, he and the rest of the post members - including post quartermaster Ernie Allen - would like to grow membership to ensure a vibrant future. VFW faces the same challenges as many organizations: an aging membership. Not long ago it seems, Vietnam members were the newbies, with World War II and Korean War vets making up the majority of members. Today, there are few World War II and Korean War vets surviving, and Vietnam vets are the majority. Those who served in later conflicts like Desert Storm are often still in the workforce, and like Davis was, they feel they don’t have the time.

“I was basically the same way the guys are right now,” he said.

Davis received invites from a number of members over the years, including his father-in-law Charlie Meteer - better known as “Parche”. Meteer paid Davis’s dues for a year.

“I never renewed them,” he said. 

 His father and post member, Don, also lobbied the VFW cause.

“They’re both gone now,” Davis said.

In addition to the obligations of a profession, Davis had daughters active in Mexico sports, and that was a priority.

An estimated 60 percent of the members are Vietnam veterans. And the average member age is around 70 years old.

Mexico’s post has about 100 members today and they want that to grow. They have a number of community initiatives and members are concerned some may struggle to continue without an influx of new blood. One effort that comes to mind is the erection of flags for patriotic holidays like Veterans’ Day. In observance of Veterans Day, the VFW was joined by a team of volunteers including cadets from Missouri Military Academy (MMA) to raise over 100 flags on the Veterans Home grounds in Mexico. Volunteers  - and younger members - are needed to make sure flags continue to be placed for future generations.

“If we don’t get some younger members, we’re going to be too old to do it,” Davis - who is 72 -  said. “I’m one of the younger ones.”

The post has two 50-year members, William (Bill) Hill and Randal L. Caldwell.

A veterans dinner will be held Saturday, Nov. 13, with chili and potato soup on the menu, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free to all veterans. The VFW hosts veterans appreciation meals throughout the year and provides support in a variety of ways for veterans. Members have helped veterans move and have provided other assistance as able. 

Beyond that, the post is participating in Wreaths Across America, which helps ensure veterans graves at the Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville have wreaths placed on them for Christmas. The post is holding a first choice raffle, with the drawing to be held Dec. 1 to raise funds. And there are some top-notch prizes being offered, including a barn flag, cedar planter box, child-sized Adirondack chairs and two beautiful queen-sized quilts. Each is handcrafted and available for viewing at the post. Tickets are $1 each; six for $5; and 25 for $20. Sales are going well and tickets can be purchased at the post or by mailing checks, payable to Wreaths Across America, Attn: Ernie Allen, 2306 ACR 814, Mexico, MO 65265.

And for anyone wanting to join the VFW, membership is easy, and the post pays the first year’s dues for new members. For information on becoming a member, simply contact the post and they can help. Meetings are at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the post. The post is located at 2100 N. Jefferson St., Mexico, and post updates can be found on their Facebook page and in The Mexico Ledger.