They came from as far as California, Massachusetts, Iowa, and Florida, descending upon VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte, Michigan, to spend an afternoon sharing stories and celebrating their shared history.

About sixty men and women who grew up at the VFW National Home from as early as 1955 and as late as 1985 shared in the biennial reunion held this year on August 12, 2023.

“We’re a tight group,” explained one of the event organizers, Tim Nowak, who lived at the home with his mom and three brothers in the 1960s and 70s.

“It was a night of camaraderie, telling stories, and sharing memories,” he added.

Prior to the event, Nowak solicited photos via the group’s Facebook page, receiving over 430 individual pictures in response, allowing him to create a video collage to present at the reunion.

Alumni shared memories about playing baseball together on the Cootie baseball fields, the Boblo Island trips provided by the VFW, and all the many opportunities afforded to the children from the VFW, Auxiliary, and Cooties.

“The VFW National Home provided all of us who lived there the direction and assistance to become better citizens and have successful careers, and today the Home is doing the same for veteran families,” remarked Nowak.

Plans are to hold the next alumni reunion to coincide with the 100^th Anniversary Celebration of the VFW National Home on June 28, 2025.

Find fellow alumni at the VFW National Home Alumni Facebook page.