Vietnam vet passes the torch to younger generation after successful recruitment efforts
New era begins for Post 5871
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – A generational shift is underway at VFW Post 5871 as Vietnam veteran and outgoing Commander Jack Durish prepares to hand the reins to longtime quartermaster and retired Air Force veteran Bobby Broneske during the organization’s regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
“This month we hand off the gavel, not only to a new Commander, but also to a new generation,” Durish said in the May newsletter. “In so doing, we not only welcome new ways, but also secure the future of the Post.”
Bringing decades of leadership experience from his time in the U.S. Air Force and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Broneske has already served in multiple high-responsibility roles. Most recently, he has overseen Post 5871’s finances, property, and day-to-day operations as quartermaster.
From New Hampshire to Huntsville
Broneske, who served 20 years in the Air Force as an inflight maintenance technician specializing in electronic warfare, moved to Huntsville six years ago after settling his late parents’ estate.
“I came down to get the property ready to sell and just took one look at this place and decided this is where we wanted to be,” Broneske said in a recent live broadcast of Good Morning Huntsville.
Broneske also brings leadership experience from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, having served as Commander of chapters in both New Hampshire and College Station, and as a Northeast Region and State Representative.
Steady leadership from Captain Jack
Durish, known to many simply as “Captain Jack,” spent the past two years working to reinvigorate the post by focusing on the recruitment of Gulf War-era veterans and building a younger leadership team.
“When I became Commander, almost every leadership position was occupied by other Vietnam Veterans,” he said. “I knew that recruiting younger members and moving them into positions of leadership was absolutely necessary. In this, we succeeded.”
Durish added that under his leadership, Post 5871 became the only one in the district—and possibly in the state—led entirely by veterans of the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts.
Looking ahead
Broneske says he plans to continue the momentum Durish started.
“We’re growing. We’re getting a lot of new members,” Broneske said. “We don’t have a building or a bar, so we can focus solely on helping veterans—and that’s what we’re all about.”
While he may be stepping down as Commander, Durish isn’t going far. He’ll continue serving as the Post’s Youth Activities Chair, webmaster, and newsletter editor, and plans to remain active in mentoring and promoting local scholarship programs.
Community support through fundraising and outreach
The Post is currently holding a fundraising raffle for a hindquarter of beef and a 7-cubic-foot freezer, with tickets available online at vfw5871.org. Proceeds support veterans in Walker and Madison counties. A subscription model offers additional raffle entries and access to monthly giveaways, including hand-crafted knives.
Durish noted the importance of this work. “The money we earn from this goes to help local veterans in need—and whatever we make, we spend,” he said.
Honoring the legacy, investing in the future
The Post’s scholarship programs are also evolving. For the first time, applications for the Patriot’s Pen (grades 6–8) and Voice of Democracy (grades 9–12) competitions will be accepted online, making it easier for students to apply and ensuring accurate word counts for submissions.
Top national prizes include $5,000 and $35,000 scholarships, respectively.
Final salute
Reflecting on his tenure, Durish emphasized the need for continuity and preparation.
“Is our future secure?” he asked, quoting the U.S. national anthem. “Yes, it is—so long as we prepare our youth for the responsibilities of citizenship. Hopefully, the example our Post is setting will propagate throughout our community and our nation.”
The VFW Post 5871 change of command will take place Tuesday, May 20 at the HEARTS Veterans Museum. A meal will be served at 5 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6 p.m. While the event is open to members only, the public is encouraged to support the Post through its website and upcoming events.
For more information or to enter the raffle, visit vfw5871.org.
