Our Post

The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been a voice for our nation's veterans for more than a century and is the nation's oldest major veteran's organization. To America and the world, the letters "VFW" symbolize volunteerism and community service. The C. Robert Arvin Post 2408 VFW and Men's Auxiliary are dedicated to providing help to our veterans and to the Ypsilanti community.

VFW History

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000.

Our Membership

Our membership includes veterans from four wars and active-duty service members who have been involved in expeditionary campaigns. Historically, our membership roll call has included notable veterans like Alvin York, Audie Murphy, Carl Sandburg and John Glenn and eight U.S. presidents including Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford and George Bush
Truman saw VFW membership as a "source of pride and personal satisfaction because of the high ideals that have been exemplified throughout the lifetime of the VFW." John F. Kennedy equated VFW with America's freedom and security. Whether on the battlefield or in the classroom, our members are there, ever-ready to help those in need.
VFW membership is available to all U.S. service members who have earned an overseas campaign or expeditionary medal and are currently on active-duty, in the Reserves or who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. In addition, the service member must be an U.S. citizen.
Note: A 1995 VFW Congressional Charter amendment makes eligible all those who have served 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days on the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters from June 30, 1949, until the present.

About Arvin

C. Robert ArvinCaptain Bob Arvin graduated from Ypsilanti High School as Valedictorian in 1961. Bob had captained the wrestling team and quarterbacked the "Braves" football squad. In addition, he had been student council president, president of his class for one year and the 1961 Michigan 154 pound wrestling champion. He became a plebe at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in July of 1961. The following summer, at Camp Buckner, New York, he distinguished himself by winning both the Triathlon (swimming, cross country and rifle) and "Recondo" competitions; in the latter, a hand to hand combat pit fight, he was the last man standing among better than 700 classmates. In his remaining years at the Point, he became Cadet First Captain and Brigade Commander, captained the wrestling team, and graduated 44th in a class of 596, and won the Varian Award for highest military efficiency.

As a 2nd Lieutenant, Bob completed "Ranger" and "Airborne Jumpmaster" schools. He was attached to the 505th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. Lt. Arvin went to Vietnam and served as military advisor to the 7th Battalion of the 8th Vietnamese Airborne Division in Thua Tien Province on June 1, 1967. He was wounded in the left arm in September 1967 by enemy fire and after a short period of recovery went back in action. Lt. Bob Arvin and his men were ambushed by Vietcong forces on October 8, 1967, and Bob was killed in that action at the age of 24. The much decorated hero was survived by his wife of fourteen months, Merry Lynn, his parents, and brother David. He is buried at West Point. On February 25, 1989, West Point dedicated their gymnasium and re-named it the Arvin Gymnasium.

Our Address and Phone

C. Robert Arvin VFW Post 2408
PO Box 970680
616 W. Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48198-0812