BROCKTON — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1046 celebrates its 100th anniversary on Saturday. It’s a milestone many VFWs never reach amid long-term declines in membership.
So why does Brockton’s VFW buck the trend? Is it the $3 domestic beers? The cornhole league? Renting out the hall for wrestling matches and weddings? John Kuplast, a member for 32 years, has an explanation that goes beyond popular events like the post’s monthly meat raffle. “It all comes down to the membership,” said the Marine veteran of Operation Desert Storm. “I just feel that it’s a great post.”
One of the post’s newest members, Paul Marshall, researched and visited veterans groups in the area when he moved to the Brockton area from Virginia. One place the Navy veteran of the Iraq War visited had only four members. Others had lost their buildings, with remaining members meeting in elementary schools. Post 1046 wasn’t like that. “There was involvement here,” said the command master chief. “It’s about the camaraderie. Everyone knows my name. It’s just so welcoming.”