“I’ve driven by this place for years.” We hear those words from veterans and patrons alike when they walk into the Landry-Sic Post 9544 Veterans of Foreign Wars at 972 Sheldon Street for the first time; and many are lifelong Suffield residents. Since re-opening after the Covid shutdown we’ve been fortunate to have our long-time support returned, and many new members and friends have become strong supporters and are contributing towards our growing success.
Chartered in 1947, the building was built in 1951 and has been a meeting and gathering place for members and other local clubs and organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus and many other charitable organizations. Our Main Hall has hosted countless charity fundraisers, birthday, anniversary and Jack and Jill parties, retirements and celebrations of life as well as funeral receptions, which we offer the Main Hall complimentary to any grieving family. The dining Room on the first floor is also available to rent, which is adjacent to the Post Canteen named “Duke’s Canteen” in honor of the late Sergeant Edmund “Duke” Suzenski, USMC, a veteran of World War II, a past Commander and Trustee.
The members and friends of our Post have been busy all year long. From sending care packages to sailors overseas; to various drives for locals in need as we’ve gathered generous donations for Suffield Community Aid. Although helping others is in our foundation, we also enjoy putting on dinners and live music events for both our members and guests, as well as lunch receptions following the Memorial Day Parade and Veterans Day events.
Each event helped raise money for local veterans aid, the VFW National Home, Disabled America Veterans Chapter 52 in Enfield, Homes for the Brave in Connecticut as well as supporting our Post. We’ve also held a successful scholarship fundraiser each September thanks to our many generous members, friends and local businesses that benefit graduating high school seniors.
Each May we proudly place flags and flowers on every veteran grave in Suffield cemeteries; if you want to participate in these noble activities, please call 860-758-5174 or email Suffieldvfw9544@gmail.com.
The monthly Veterans Breakfast continues to be popular, so we have added a Members and Veterans Only night on the last Monday of each month beginning January 29 at 5 p.m. with complimentary food and two complimentary beverages. Spouses welcome.
On the first and third Thursday of each month, one of our members hosts Soldiers Songs and Voices, a separate nonprofit group that supports veterans through music education, providing veterans with the tools to turn their stories into songs.
The Post has a few newly donated recreational items for members, patrons and guests; a beautiful new pool table, four dart boards, multiple flat panel TVs and a new sound system in the dining room. The porch patio is being expanded and improved for more outdoor seating. Coming this spring: horseshoe and bocci courts!
We have a busy year ahead with more events to support veteran’s causes; live music as well as weekly fun, food and comradeship in Duke’s Canteen; Open Wed. —Sun. 4-9 p.m. and sometimes later (food on Thu-Fri only). Given the remote location of the Post, we are not a stop along Main Street; making us more of a destination spot off the beaten path in a New England farming town. So, tap “972 Sheldon Street” in your favorite map app, and visit us.