After serving our country eligible veterans deserve access to VA Benefits and payments for service-related disabilities.  The VFW, through our Service Officers, are the best source for applying and getting these benefits.

When you become part of the VFW, your voice is heard.  Your have access to resources that will answer your questions and advise you about your rights. And you will be among those who know what you experienced.  Without a large organization fighting to get and keep what you earned, you could wind up with nothing!

About VFW Post 981

Chartered as Arlington VFW Post 981 in Arlington Heights, IL, we celebrated our 100th anniversary at a gala banquet on October 8 2022 that was free to members and their guests.  Here is video of the Arlington Heights Board of Directors presenting Sr. Vice-Commander Mike Smogor with a proclamation honoring the Post.

October 3 2022 Arlington Heights Board Meeting

Regular meetings take place the first Wednesday of every month starting at 7:00 PM

At VFW Post 981  monthly meetings the business portion of the meeting is followed by a supper and beverages provided by the Post.

There is usually one outside outing for Post members every few months, costing Post members and their guest a nominal amount, most of the expense being subsidized by the Post.  We have gone to baseball and hockey games, movies and held a picnic. Our Christmas party features an open bar, appetizers, gourmet meal, and entertainment, once again at a nominal cost to our members.

VFW Post 981 Supports Veterans & Active Duty Troops

The Post supports and participates in events benefiting veterans and active duty troops.  Some of the organizations that received money from our Poppy Day activities in 2022 include K9's for Veterans, North Chicago Veterans Closet, Help USA Troops, and Bravehearts Therapeutic Center.

We raise money through Poppy sales and sales of caps and stickers to the public to be used only for veteran and service member relief.

As a Post we march in Arlington Heights Memorial Day, providing a 21-gun salute at the ceremonies, and 4th of July and other parades in the suburbs we represent.  We observe Veterans Day with a 21-gun salute at our Arlington Heights American Legion meeting place .

Our color guard pays tribute to departed members of our Post.  It participates in various activities that honor fellow veterans and our country.  Two members of our Color Guard, Commander Dale Berg and Stewart Abbink, are also members of Distrct 4 Color Guard which presented the colors at the January 8 Bear/Viking game:

District 4 Presentation of Colors Bear-Vikings Game Jan. 8 2023

You can see pictures from some of our various Post activites and read our Award-winning Newsletter here (Newsletters & Post Activities)