VFW Post 1689
VFW Post 1689
Our Story
The VFW Post 1689 was chartered in 1929 and was originally located on the southbank of the St Johns river near the foot of the St Johns River Bridge. In 1985 the post was moved to it’s current location on St Augustine Road. In 1991 the old St Johns River Bridge was closed and the Acosta Bridge constructed.
Our Mission
To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Our Vision
Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
Veteran Highlights
Jon Singleton
It was 2006 when Navy Comander Jon Singleton was called to active duty to serve in Afghanistan as a mentor. There, with the Afghan National Army, he developed a genuine bond with his interpreter and his Afghan counterpart. This rapport became a lasting friendship.
In the summer of 2021 as the Afghan political situation deteriorated Jon began developing a network of Veterans and military. Through this network and his involvement in the larger TF Pineapple and Afghanevac Organization, he helped evacuate Afghans to safety. He was personally responsible for saving 41 people. His comment when asked why, “…everyone deserves a safe home.”
Frank Purpua
Benefit 4
| The Beginnings of the VFWThe VFW 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 that 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. Since then, the VFW’s voice has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th Century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America’s active-duty service members and members of the Guard and Reserves fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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