Dupo VFW discussing merger with Cahokia
Members of the Dupo VFW post met Tuesday night with state VFW leaders to determine a way ahead for the approximately 120 members of the post – known as Sugar Loaf Memorial VFW Post 6308.
According to District VFW Commander Gary Stork, there was a good turnout of the members on a night that would have been a regular monthly meeting.
After reviewing issues including violations of VFW rules and financial matters including a lapsed insurance coverage, an approximately two-thirds of the members present voted to seek consolidation with the Cahokia VFW just miles north of Dupo. That post — Chief Pontiac Post 4223 — was devastated by fire on Jan. 30, 2012, which totally destroyed its building at 621 Water Street. That building was rebuilt last year with insurance proceeds at a cost of about $800,000.
Stork acknowledged the Dupo post has been suspended for 60 days, during which the consolidation with the Cahokia post will be discussed with Cahokia’s members and voted on by them.
“This is not a fast process,” Stork told the Republic-Times.
But, he added, the state VFW has been involved in similar situations and has a plan in place for such circumstances.
The Cahokia VFW post will meet next week, and a consolidation will be discussed then.
Stork said many consolidations have been necessary for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the diminishing numbers of veterans.
