The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the nation’s largest organization of wartime veterans who have served in overseas conflicts, established in 1899 to foster camaraderie, serve veterans and
their communities, and advocate for veteran rights and benefits. The VFW provides resources and support for its members and other veterans through financial assistance, legislative action, and community service programs, all while promoting remembrance and respect for military service.
The VFW Post No. 805 was established on 25 July 1921 in Waterloo, Illinois. On 8 June 1927, Post 805 moved to East St Louis and consolidated with Belleville VFW Post 1299 and East St Louis Post 1300 under the name of Sgt Erwin L. Dann VFW Post 805. Concurrently, Sgt Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 8475 mustered in East St Louis on 15 October 1946 and moved to O’Fallon, IL on 26 December 1981. Notably, they moved into the same building on 223 West 1st Street that had previously housed Walter Alexander VFW Post 3468 for 29 years. Post 3468 was initially established 26 June 1946 and disbanded on 23 February 1983. Without a formal Post home, many 3468 members transferred to Post 8475. On 29 April 1987, Sgt Irwin L. Dann VFW Post 805 moved from East St Louis and consolidated with Sgt Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 8475 in O’Fallon, Illinois. The consolidated organization carried forth under the current name Sgt Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 of O’Fallon, Illinois to reflect organizational seniority and tenure. Subsequently, VFW Post 5165, which initially mustered on 4 April 1975 in Swansea, Illinois, later consolidated into Sgt Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 in O’Fallon, Illinois on 19 March 2007.
Today, 805 is the largest VFW Post in the State of Illinois and is one of the most distinguished Posts in the National organization. Consistently designated an All-State/All-American and Outstanding Community Service Post, it maintains a roster of nearly 1000 members/auxiliary associates and several thousand family members fully committed to supporting Veterans and the local community.
