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Boone County Fair

đŸŽȘ Join Boone County VFW Post 280 & Auxiliary at the Boone County Fair! Come visit us July 21st - 25th from 4 PM to 9 PM at the Boone County Fairgrounds!

July 21st-25th 4pm to 9pm

Next Meeting

Meeting will be held at The Post starting at 6:30PM. Social starts at 5PM.

August 10th, 2026

Military Mornings

Join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Trumans Bar & Grill

August 12th, 2026

Surgeon's Corner

Learn More

Voice of Democracy & Patriot's Pen

2026-2027 Theme for the year “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

Submissions Due 31 October 2026

☕ Skip one coffee, serve a hero.

For just $5—the price of your daily cup—you can help support veterans who’ve sacrificed for our freedom. That small choice fuels big change in their lives.

Thank you for your Assitance

VFW Voices of Service

Learn More

Legislation

Where you can find all Federal and State bills the VFW supports

Know who to contact
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WELCOME TO BOONE COUNTY VFW POST 280

Honoring the past. Serving the present. Building the future.
🏠 Welcome to Our Shared Home

Welcome to the online "home" of Boone County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 280.  We are privileged to share our brick and mortar "home" with the American Legion Post 202 and the Mizzou Marine Corps League Det. 828 — three proud organizations united under one roof.

Each group brings its own rich history, values, and mission:
 
‱ VFW Post 280: Support, Care, Legacy
 
‱ American Legion Post 202: Tradition, Service, Community

‱ Mizzou Marine Corps League Det. 828: Honor, Courage, Commitment

Though we operate independently, we stand together in strength, guided by shared values and a common purpose: serving veterans, families, and our community.

We invite you to explore, connect, and join us in honoring those who serve.
 
 


Commander's Corner

Commander Ed Miller

Commander’s Corner – July 2026

Comrades,


We realize July is already flying by, but there is still plenty happening at Boone County VFW Post 280 as we close out the month. Your Post has several important events underway, and your participation is what keeps our mission strong and visible in the community.

School of Instruction – July 18th, St. Robert, MO

Several members of our Post’s command staff attended the District 2 School of Instruction on July 18th at Post 3176 in St. Robert. The training was informative, productive, and full of great discussion. We had the opportunity to network with other Posts across the district, share best practices, and bring back new ideas to strengthen our operations for the 2026–2027 year. Thank you to everyone who made the trip and represented Post 280.

Boone County Fair – July 21st through July 25th

Our biggest focus right now is the Boone County Fair, where Post 280 will have a booth set up all week. This is one of our best opportunities to connect with local families, share what the VFW does, and recruit new members who may not know they have a home right here in Boone County.


We need volunteers each evening from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Even one hour of your time helps tremendously. A strong presence at the booth shows the community that Post 280 is active, engaged, and committed to serving veterans and neighbors alike.


If you’re available for any shift, please reach out — your help is truly appreciated.


As always, thank you for your continued service to our Post and to each other. Your dedication is what keeps our programs running and our mission alive. Let’s finish July strong and show Boone County what the VFW stands for.


Thank you,
Ed Miller 
Commander
 
 

This is your Post and your voice. Stepping up—whether by running for office, nominating a fellow comrade, or simply showing up to participate—keeps our organization strong, accountable, and mission‑focused.

While you’re planning ahead, be sure to check the calendar and announcements on our website. We keep it updated with meetings, events, volunteer opportunities, and important reminders so you never miss a chance to get involved.

Together, we keep the VFW moving forward.

We Cannot Do This Without You

Every program, every event, every act of service depends on volunteers. Your time, your hands, and your heart are what keep this Post moving forward.


Whether you can give an hour a month or a full day at an event, your participation matters. When comrades step up, our programs grow. When we work together, our community feels it. And when we serve side by side, we honor the legacy of every veteran who came before us.


If we want these programs to continue—and to expand—we need your help.


Your Post needs YOU in 2026!!

Announcements

Subject: Progressive Veteran Keys to Progress Program

 

Hello fromP3,

 

Below is a brief overview of the Progressive Keys to Progress Veteran Vehicle Giveaway Program. Applications are open from April 3rd through August 7th, 2026, and the vehicle giveaway event is on November 10th. Eligible applicants include veterans, qualifying active-duty Soldiers or spouses, and Gold Star families who meet income and licensing requirements and can demonstrate a transportation hardship. A sponsor must submit a complete application on the applicant’s behalf. Progressive reviews all applications, conducts background checks, and selects recipients based on need, service, community involvement, and the strength of the story. One hundred recipients nationwide will be awarded a vehicle along with a service plan, a gift pack, and six months of insurance. Selected applicants must reply promptly to Progressive and complete required documentation. Here are the official rules: Keys to Progress Official Rules | Progressive. Request an application during the Entry Period by sending an email to KeysToProgress@progressive. com. I’m hoping we can find someone soon, I really appreciate any help you can provide!

 

 

All the best,

 

Breck K. Ferguson

Army Reserve Employment Specialist (A-RES)

Contractor

15303 Andrews Rd.

Kansas City, MO 64147

Phone: 719.366.6547

Mobile: 816.674.5873

Email: breck.k.ferguson.ctr@army.mil

 

https://www.usar.army.mil/P3 

https://www.facebook.com/ PrivatePublicPartnership

 

Twice the Citizen, Combat Ready-This We'll Defend

 


___________________________________________

At Home with Welcome Home

July 15, 2026

Summer at Welcome Home

Summer is a season of connection, and we're grateful for the community that continues to stand beside our veterans every step of the way. Whether you've attended an event, volunteered your time, shared our mission, or made a gift, you've helped create opportunities for veterans and their families to find stability and hope.


ï»żThis month, we're excited to share a new fundraising opportunity, introduce an exciting initiative that's coming soon, and highlight ways you can stay involved throughout the rest of the summer.ï»ż

YouTube Live Event: Craftsmanship for a Cause

Tune in July 18 at 5:00 p.m.


Join Chris Sidebottom (Dozer's Wood Crafts) as he creates one of his signature handcrafted clocks, then raffles it off. Every donation to Welcome Homes during the live stream enters you into the drawing.


YouTube live

July 18, 5 p.m.


This special event is part of the growing community support surrounding the 3rd Annual Whiskey & Warriors Community Event, proving that there are countless ways to make a difference.


Set a reminder, tune in live, and help turn craftsmanship into housing, hope, and opportunity for veterans.
Watch Live on July 18th

Coming Soon: Ambassadors of Welcome Home

We're excited to introduce a brand-new way for passionate supporters to help spread our mission.

Ambassadors of Welcome Home is a new community program designed to connect dedicated advocates with opportunities to share our story, build awareness, and inspire others to support veterans experiencing homelessness.


We'll officially kick off the program this fall, and we can't wait to introduce our first group of ambassadors.

If you've ever wanted to be a stronger voice for Welcome Home—or know someone who would make an incredible ambassador—please reach out to us to let us know you're interested. Email: mvogt@welcomeveterans.org for more information.

Share a Story. Honor a Veteran.

Every veteran has a story worth remembering.


This month, we're inviting veterans, family members, friends, and supporters to share stories about the veterans who have impacted their lives.


ï»żWhether it's a loved one who served, a veteran who inspired you, or your own journey, these stories help preserve legacies and strengthen our community.


For those who submit a Tribute Story, we will send you a custom vinyl sticker so you can show your support for a special veteran (or service member).


Together, these stories remind us that behind every service member is a unique journey of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.


Have a story to share? It could be yours or that of a loved one. We'd love to hear it.
Submit a Tribute Story

Coming Soon: Our 2025 Annual Report

We're putting the finishing touches on our 2025 Annual Report, which is currently in the final stages of review and data integration before being presented to our Board of Directors this month.


Inside, you'll find stories of lives changed, program accomplishments, financial stewardship, and the incredible impact made possible by supporters like you.


ï»żWe'll share the full digital report—and give you a first look—in next month's newsletter.

Upcoming Fundraisers


The following third-party fundraisers are community-created events for the benefit of Welcome Home. We are grateful to these incredible organizations and individuals who come together to support our mission.

3rd Annual Whiskey & Warriors Community Event, Benefitting Welcome Homeï»ż
ï»żThursday, July 23, 5-8 p.m.

Missouri Soybean Association

734 S Country Club Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109

3rd Annual Stars and Stripes Golf Tournamentï»ż
ï»żSunday, September 13, 2026

Lake of the Woods Golf Courseï»ż
ï»ż6700 E St Charles Rd, Columbia, MO 65202
Register Here

9th Annual Charity Picnicï»ż
ï»żMonday, September 14, 2026, 5-8 p.m.

Logboat Brewing Companyï»ż
ï»ż504 Fay Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Register Here
View All of Our Upcoming Events

Your Support Changes Lives

Every meal served, every veteran housed, and every life restored begins with people who believe no veteran should experience homelessness alone.


Whether you choose to make a one-time gift, become a monthly donor, volunteer, or attend an upcoming event, you're helping build a future where every veteran has a place to call home.


Thank you for standing with Welcome Home.


ï»żExplore all the ways you can support our mission.
Ways To Give

We’re proud to share that Welcome Home earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.


This recognition places Welcome Home among the top 1% of U.S. nonprofits recognized for transparency, accountability, and impact.


For all future events make sure to check out the POST calendar!!!

OUR MISSION

That the purpose of this Corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational: to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.
 
 

VFW Post 280 Auxiliary

Auxiliary

Dedicated to serving veterans, military families, and communities. Join us in making a difference through support, advocacy, and camaraderie.

Learn More

Buddy Poppies

Each poppy represents our fallen service members. Join us in wearing a Buddy Poppy to remember our heroes and support those in need.

Learn More

VFW Riders Group - East

Riders Group

Riding with pride and purpose. Our group of veterans and motorcycle enthusiasts support veteran causes and foster camaraderie through community event

Learn More

VFW Post 280 Honor Guard

Honor Guard

Our VFW Honor Guard proudly serves at ceremonies and events, paying tribute to veterans and their families.

Learn More

Donation QR Code

Relief Fund Donations

Donate Here

Veterans Outdoor Therapy

VOT

Veteran’s Outdoor Therapy strives to provide fully paid Outdoor Adventures for America’s heroes in a way to honor their service.

 

Learn More

Guardian Hills Veterans Healing Center

Guardian Hills

Guardian Hills Veterans Healing Center developed a short-duration, immersive residential retreat program to serve Midwestern Veterans and their immediate families.

Website

Submariners' Advocacy Group

We are an association of veteran Submariners, all having earned and received the US Navy designation of Qualified in Submarines (SS)


For More Information

Veterans Urban Farm

Crystal Wiggins

Mark and Carol Stevenson’s Veterans Urban Farm is a place for Veterans to benefit from the therapeutic, vocational, and recreational aspects of horticulture in a supportive, community-centered environment.

Learn More

FOLLOW US

LEARN MORE

JOIN THE VFW

Join us as brothers and sisters of America to preserve the rights of veterans and support each other as only those who share in the camaraderie forged by conflict can. 

IN-COUNTRY

A satirical reflection by Author/Artist Phil Fehrenbacher

Phil enlisted in the Army in 1965 where you served for years in Vietnam.  He became a graphic designer and has worked for the state of Oregon for 26 years.  He retired in 2003 and started the Cartoon "In-Country".  The cartoons reflect his experiences during his tour of duty in South Vietnam.


There is a new cartoon everyday.

News & Events

Upcoming events

Click above to view events.

View Local, State and National events. 

Membership

Membership Details

As yesterday's defenders of freedom...

 ...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.

WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.

Assistance & Benefits

Assistance & Benefits

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated

 to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.

No Once Does More For Veterans