Post members celebrated April 25 as the organization continues work to form a local VFW Auxiliary
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Melvin White VFW Post 5871 marked its 80th anniversary April 25 with a community celebration at the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum Pavilion.
Post members served a free lunch and held prize raffles for members of the public who joined the celebration.
The Huntsville post was chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars on April 25, 1946, at the request of World War II veterans who were members of the 143rd Infantry Regiment. The post was named in honor of Melvin White, the first Walker County casualty of World War II, who died during the invasion at Salerno, Italy.
A previous VFW post had been organized in Huntsville after World War I by veterans of that conflict, but it did not last as members moved away or died.
Auxiliary effort nears goal
VFW Post 5871 is also working to form a VFW Auxiliary chapter in Huntsville.
According to the post’s May update, 15 applications from qualified family members are needed to form the auxiliary. The post said it needs five more applications to reach that goal.
The VFW Auxiliary gives qualified family members of veterans the opportunity to serve local veterans, their families, the community and the nation. Auxiliary members may serve alongside VFW members or independently. The auxiliary would have its own leadership and resources.
Raffle subscribers recognized
The post also announced winners connected to its 2026 raffle.
Bobby Broneske won a Matsato Cleaver in the May special drawing for subscribers who purchase one or more raffle tickets per month.
Larry Harris received two free bonus raffle tickets, and Jack Durish received one free bonus raffle ticket. The post said bonus raffle tickets will be distributed on or about Nov. 1, 2026.
Flags to be placed for Memorial Day
Post members, joined by Walker County residents, will place American flags on veterans’ graves at cemeteries in and around Huntsville on May 16.
The post said groups wishing to fulfill community service obligations and participate may contact the post chairman of youth activities.
May observances listed in the post update include Loyalty Day on May 1, VE Day on May 8 and Memorial Day on May 25.
Melvin White VFW Post 5871 is located at 463 State Highway 75 N. in Huntsville. More information is available at https://www.vfw5871.org/.