Season 3 Episode 8In this episode, Nathan Stahr talks with Jim Wise, Commander of VFW Post 5418 in Rock Falls, about challenges facing the post, why they’re selling their bar property, and how the VFW is refocusing on veteran support and community engagement. Tune in to hear how tradition meets transformation for local veterans.

📖 Read the related article: https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s3-ep-8-rock-falls-vfw-post-5418-adapting-to-change-supporting-veterans/

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🎤 Highlights:

00:39 – Why the Bunker Bar & Restaurant Closed

01:55 – Shifting the Mission of the VFW

02:19 – Challenges of Owning Property for Veteran Organizations

03:16 – Reaching Younger Veterans

03:46 – Refocusing on Veteran Services & Programs

04:39 – Getting Back to the Basics

04:54 – Changing Social Expectations for Veterans

05:20 – Remote Involvement & Modern Volunteer Roles

06:30 – Letting Go of “The Old Way”

06:52 – Plans to Attract New Members

07:41 – A New Public-Facing VFW Model

08:25 – How Veterans Can Get Involved

09:03 – Membership Numbers & Aging Out

09:28 – Preserving the Legacy of Post 5418

10:35 – Final Thoughts on Community & Veteran Support

Why keeping the VFW active matters to Rock Falls.

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