Our 501(c)(3) Tax ID is 85-0759826.
If you’re donating to the 501(c)(3) charity and are an Arizona resident, you may qualify for a tax credit. Our QCO number is 22235 (that number can also be found on the Arizona Department of Revenue website. There are some forms you’ll have to fill out—you can download them from Arizona Department of Revenue forms web page. For reference, we have a 2019 tax form example RIGHT HERE for you. Forms 301 and 321 are additional to be filled out as appropriate. Any individual or tax preparer should have no trouble with the forms as they’re fairly self-explanatory. Donations normally can be made up to April 15th and still qualify for the previous year (e.g. April 15, 2023 will apply to the 2022 tax year). VFW Post 549 Charities was not eligible for 2022 donations.
Our Vision
A safe space for veterans and their families, rich in diversity and innovation, focused on teamwork, and driven to organizational longevity and youth. A home for Tucson’s veterans.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a service-oriented association of veterans.
We shall serve every veteran, giving assistance to any veteran in need;
We shall assist our community;
And we shall serve our youth, sharing patriotism
through youth organizations and recognition.
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Looking to support Vets and their Families?
VFW Post 549:
A Snapshot
Who we are
VFW Post 549 is a rich, diverse, and ever-growing organization. We have a strong foundation, an incredible post home, and a membership base excited to expand influence in the community.
OUR VISION
A safe space for veterans and their families, rich in diversity and innovation, focused on teamwork, and driven to organizational longevity and youth. A home for Tucson’s veterans.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to be a service-oriented association of veterans.
We shall serve every veteran, giving assistance to any veteran in need;
We shall assist our community;
And we shall serve our youth, sharing patriotism through youth organizations and recognition.
OUR HISTORY
Tucson Post 549 has a long, proud tradition of service to the community, the state, and our nation.
Activated on January 3, 1921, Tucson’s Post 549 is one of the largest VFW posts in Arizona. Originally chartered as “Joe C. Salazar Post 549,” the charter was inactivated in 1925 when many of the post’s active members—then patients at the government hospital at Pastime Park—left the area upon discharge. The post was reactivated on May 1, 1927, as “John C. Greenway Post 549,” but again became inactive until April 26, 1930, receiving a charter as “Tucson Post 549.” Although this charter was lost on April 1, 1930, quick work was done to reactivate one final time on June 24, 1932. Since then, The Friendly Post has remained a steady presence in the Tucson community.
In 1945, the post recognized the need for a well-kept veterans’ cemetery in the community and purchased a lot for $5,000, with the option of securing an adjoining lot for an additional $5,000. The first establishment of its kind by a VFW post, the lot boasts 4,000 plots available to eligible veterans with honorable discharges, deceased spouses of VFW members, and deceased VFW Auxiliary members. The cemetery was dedicated in 1947 by then-commander Comrade Louis A. Menager. Menager now rests in the cemetery he dedicated, and his son, Louis L. Menager, remains a post member.
The original “post home”—the largest in Arizona at the time and costing $500,000—was dedicated on May 30, 1948, and located at 124 E. Broadway Boulevard. Due to diminishing membership and support, as well as Tucson’s demographic changes and lack of parking, the post was relocated to 1884 S. Craycroft Road in 1971. The building, with one of the largest meeting halls on Tucson’s east side, was originally a used clothing store and supported members until January of 2011 when the post moved to a brand new, modernized facility at 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail.
VFW Post 549 Broadway view South side OPEN
Our Values
We value veterans, their families, and those who support American veterans.
We value diversity in our organization.
We value innovation.
We value the infusion of youth in veteran support.
We value service to the Tucson community.
We value the “home” we create for comradeship, support, and moral growth in our community.
We value the teamwork and focus instilled in us by the military and carried on in our mission.
Our Members
In addition to traditional VFW membership, Post 549 includes a VFW Auxiliary, originally chartered a “Ladies Auxiliary” on November 25, 1932. Today, the Auxiliary accepts women and men and, with over 370 members, it is the 4th largest VFW Auxiliary in Arizona—find eligibility details here
The Men’s Auxiliary received its charter on September 15, 2011; however, the Men’s Auxiliary organization was disbanded on December 31, 2016, after a vote from the VFW national headquarters.
Sahuaro Pup Tent 2, Military Order of the Cootie of the United States (MOC), was chartered on April 16, 1941. (The Cooties are the Honor Degree of the VFW.) The Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary (MOCA) was chartered on November 26, 1957. The Tucson Post also has charters for the Sons of the VFW and the Dads of Foreign Service, but these units are currently inactive.
FAQ
Who is eligible for VFW?
1. Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
2. Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently
serving.
3. Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.* This can be proven by any of the following:
- An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)
- Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
- Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
*This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314-801-0800 to request more information. If a prospective member is still serving in the military, a current service record or history of campaign medals/decorations will suffice.
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This information is provided by the VFW eligibility website. More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed here.
Who is eligible for VFW auxiliary?
Step- and adopted parents, children, siblings (and half-siblings), grandparents and grandchildren are considered the same as biological parents, children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren and may join the VFW Auxiliary under their VFW-eligible veteran.
Proof of service is required for eligibility and must be obtained by the applicant.
Information on a veteran’s service record can be obtained by contacting:
National Archives and Records Administration
Phone: 1-866-272-6272
Veterans Service Records:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
4-Step Veteran Request Process:
https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html
Military Records Request Using Standard Form 180 (SF-180): http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
If you have membership questions or need more information, please contact the national information office directly at info@vfwauxiliary.org.
What are the benefits?
The benefits to membership are numerous. From the moral and personal satisfaction of community and veteran service, to the discounts on technology, insurance, publications, medical services, and end of life support, the VFW is your partner in success. Find more details here.
What is the VFW AUXILIARY?
Established 1914, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary set out to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform. The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and our members are the relatives of those who have served in overseas combat. More than 475,000 members in nearly 3,900 Auxiliaries nationwide who volunteer millions of hours and fundraise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families.
Through our National Programs, we assist the VFW pass or block legislation that impacts veterans and their families, provide nearly a million volunteer hours in the VA medical system, conduct patriotic programs with thousands of students and offer hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for our nation’s youth.
Find more details here.
How do I apply?
Each post receives “credit” for new members. Therefore, if Post 549 feels like your new home, we ask that you contact us directly to apply. To speed the process, you’re welcome to prepare your application form(s) on this page:
Join Post 549 as a VFW or Auxiliary member.
It is also possible to initiate membership processes via the national website. Feel free to check out the online New Member application.
Should i be an annual member or a life member?
Why be a life member? You’ll guarantee you’re always part of the community. Endless social events. Charitable and community service opportunities. No annual dues. No due/fee increases. No bothering with renewals. Rates determined by age. You’ll benefit veterans and their families.
Here’s the different options you’ll have for membership:
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Do I have to be a member to attend events?
That depends. Anyone from the public may attend events such as bingo and karaoke. However, certain members-only events, such as post meetings, do exist; attendance eligibility at these events will be clarified as required. And of course, keep an eye on our events page and facebook page for the latest and greatest.
Do i have to be a member to rent the hall?
No! Anyone can rent the hall.
Can you help with an old american flag?
Absolutely! One of the things we help with in the community is honorable retirement and disposal of unserviceable American Flags. Check out our outreach page and then send us a note if you’d like. Otherwise, just drop the flag off at the Post and we’ll take care of the rest.
Feel our passion:
Click here to learn more
about the VFW and Post 549
VFW Membership Application
Apply to be a VFW member
Click the image to download a fillable PDF application. Alternatively, you may print and fill out the form by hand.
This application can also be used to transfer your post membership to Post 549.
To turn in your application, you can:
- Email* a signed copy to vfwpost549@gmail.com
- Mail your form to 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710
- Or drop in and see us—we’d love to have you!
Be sure to have proof of current military service or a DD 214 when asked. Check the FAQs page for additional details.
VFW Post 549 does not share or sell your personal data. Any data you provide is voluntary, and most often associated with membership in the organization (e.g., name, birthday, dates of military service, etc.).
*Email privacy: Post 549 assumes no liability for personally identifiable information when applicants choose to email an application (e.g. hand-signed/scanned or digitally signed via military CAC). In other words, applicants assume their own risk if choosing to use an email service to provide us the application. Upon receipt of emailed applications, Post 549 will diligently maintain your privacy; however, we cannot guarantee the security offered by your email service (e.g. Cox, Yahoo, gmail, etc.). We’re always happy to accept hand delivery or snail-mail.
Apply to be an Auxiliary Member
Click the image to download a fillable PDF application. Alternatively, you may print and fill out the form by hand.
Don’t forget to check the FAQs page for auxiliary eligibility. This application can also be used to transfer your membership to Post 549.
To turn in your application, you can:
- Email* a signed copy to vfwpost549@gmail.com
- Mail your form to 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710
- Or drop in and see us—we’d love to have you!
VFW Post 549 does not share or sell your personal data. Any data you provide is voluntary, and most often associated with membership in the organization (e.g., name, birthday, dates of military service, etc.).
*Email privacy: Post 549 assumes no liability for personally identifiable information when applicants choose to email an application (e.g. hand-signed/scanned or digitally signed via military CAC). In other words, applicants assume their own risk if choosing to use an email service to provide us the application. Upon receipt of emailed applications, Post 549 will diligently maintain your privacy; however, we cannot guarantee the security offered by your email service (e.g. Cox, Yahoo, gmail, etc.). We’re always happy to accept hand delivery or snail-mail.
If you’d prefer to join via the national website, you may do so here: Join the VFW.
Post 549
VFW Officers
Sue Warner
Commander
adam grose
Senior Vice Commander
Robin bizub
Junior Vice Commander
dean agardi
judge advocate
Jeanne Kubiak
adjutant
bob feber
2-year trustee
MIKE BARTHLOMEW
service officer
stu jensen
Quartermaster
ken whitecotton
Chaplain / surgeon
ron sutherland
1-year trustee
dean agardi
3-year trustee
Post 549
Auxiliary officers
betsi crown
President
debbie hutchinson
senior vice president
ken chruscinski
Junior Vice President
Linda welsh
treasurer
jeff williams
guard
ruth coak
Patriotic Instructor
karen Stafford
2-year trustee
KATHY gately
secretary
BOB PHILLIPS
conductor
kim sloan
Chaplain
irene knecht
1-year trustee
Kim sloan
3-year trustee
Post 549
sponsors
Our sponsors are Crucial to veteran support.
are you interested in becoming a sponsor or donor?
Here are some of the perks:
Advertising for up to a year on our website
Posters and advertising at Post 549
Opportunities to meet-n-greet bands and other performers
Recognition during events
You will be truly supporting veterans and their families
