Robert Jack VFW Post 1322 Celebrates its 100th Anniversary, February 13th, 2025.  

excerpt from the Robert Jack Book: Our Story;

"As the ideas and achievements of a national organization known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, that started twenty-six years earlier in 1899 and spread throughout the country, many veterans in Van Buren and in Crawford County felt a strong desire to be part of this impactful movement. Their aspirations culminated in a significant milestone on February 13, 1925, when their dream was realized, and a charter was granted to them.
With the charter in hand and officers appointed, the post embarked on its mission. A significant decision lay ahead: the post needed a name. The unanimous choice was to honor the memory of Hugh’s friend, Robert W. Jack, a casualty of World War I. Together with fellow veterans, they forged a brotherhood of shared sacrifice, birthing the Robert W. Jack Post—a sanctuary of remembrance and camaraderie amidst the echoes of war.
 
Led by Hugh's unwavering determination, the post became a beacon of hope and support for all of the Veterans that served during the Spanish American War and the Great War.  Through their collective efforts, they erected a permanent group with a common cause—a testament to their enduring spirit and the bonds forged in the crucible of war to support one another and help those Veterans that may have left a part of themselves in war.

 And now, as we stand on the threshold of a new century for the Robert Jack Post, we are reminded that this is not merely a milestone—it is a call to action. The Post’s history is not confined to the pages of this book or the memories of its members. It is alive, breathing in every story shared, every hand extended to a fellow veteran, and every pledge to honor those who have served and sacrificed.
 
The founding members, led by Hugh Pope and inspired by the ultimate sacrifice of Robert Jack, built more than an organization; they built a legacy of resilience, camaraderie, and service. For over a century, the Post has weathered wars, societal shifts, and countless challenges. Yet, through it all, it has remained a steadfast guardian of memory and a beacon of hope for veterans and their families.
 
Today, as we look towards the next 100 years, we do so with the understanding that our work is far from over. Challenges remain, but so too does our unwavering commitment. The VISION 2025 initiative is more than a construction project—it is a declaration that the Robert Jack Post will continue to adapt and grow to meet the needs of its members and the community. By expanding health services, creating spaces for healing and fellowship, and fostering connections across generations, will ensure that the Post will thrive in an ever-changing world.
 
But the future demands more than buildings and programs; it demands people. It demands the hearts and hands of those who understand the weight of sacrifice and the power of unity. The Robert Jack Post belongs to all who have served and all who believe in its mission. As we move forward, let us invite younger veterans to join us, to share their stories, and to carry the torch of remembrance and service."