The Shullsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10533 was recently selected as one of only five All State Posts in the state of Wisconsin.
    Post commander John Walker and post quartermaster Jerry R. Leahy were capped by State VFW Senior Vice Commander, Mike Eggleston as part of the award presentation on Sept. 27 during the 3rd District VFW meeting.
    Community involvement and membership of the post were key components for this award.
    Shullsburg VFW ended the 14-15 year with a membership of 118%, exceeding the the membership criteria for this award for posts to maintain 100% membership. They currently have a roster of 37.
    Shullsburg VFW took part in several community events throughout the year as well, including the Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances. In January the post helped Lafayette Manor in Darlington put on a successful bingo party that honored all manor residents who are veterans. 
    “This award shows that the post is very active in the community and that we keep our records all in order,” said Walker. “It’s a very prestigious award that should be attributed to all members of the post.” 
    This award is especially significant for the Shullsburg VFW at this time, due to the fact that not too long ago, the post was considering disbanding and joining the Benton VFW, after the death of then commander Joseph Shepherd in November of 2014.
    “A while back we were looking at that choice, but the post as a whole decided to continue,” said Walker. “The guys stood up and took on the responsibility of keeping the post going. It really amazed me what they were willing to do.”
    The efforts of the post membership are what really enabled the Shullsburg VFW to meet the requirements of the All State Post Award, and become one of only five posts statewide to do so.
    Walker said that currently and going forward the biggest goal of the Shullsburg VFW is to reach out to a new generation of younger veterans.
    “We’re really working hard to reach out to those younger veterans right now,” said Walker. “We want to let them know that they’re not alone and that we are available to help them and their families. We’re here for them.”