<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1K8bkU_1H08aRqa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1K8bkU_1H08aRqa00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>People hanging out and having a drink at the Jackson Harris VFW Post 1191 in Paducah. Nathan Espindula</figcaption></figure>PADUCAH — According to a 2024 PBS NewsHour report, the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization has lost nearly half its national membership since its peak in 1992.But at Jackson Harris VFW Post 1191 in Paducah, Senior Vice Commander Tex Shockley said membership is growing.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3sAbU3_1H08aRqa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3sAbU3_1H08aRqa00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Jackson Harris VFW Post 1191 in Paducah. Nathan Espindula</figcaption></figure>“We’re actually at 115% membership, so we are growing rapidly,” Shockley said.Despite that growth, Shockley said bringing younger veterans into the organization remains a priority and he told WPSD-TV how they are doing that.“They don’t want to come in and just sit at a bar, and you know, you can do that anywhere,” Shockley said. “What they want is to see what we’re doing for our brothers and sisters and for the community.”Post 1191 is also working to reach younger veterans through community events, membership drives and social media.For Vietnam Navy veteran Dean Dodson, who has been involved with the VFW for about 20 years, the friendships are what keep him coming back.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2OsTH4_1H08aRqa00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OsTH4_1H08aRqa00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>American flag at the Jackson Harris VFW Post 1191 in Paducah. Nathan Espindula</figcaption></figure>“I just like the camaraderie with the guys that have experienced some of the same things I’ve experienced," Dodson said. "I enjoy listening to their experiences and so forth.”But he also recognizes the need for a new generation of members.“We’re getting old, we need a younger crowd to come in,” Dodson said.Veterans interested in joining the VFW must meet certain military service requirements, including qualifying campaign medals or hostile-fire pay. Those unsure of their eligibility can bring their military records to the Paducah post for assistance.</div></body>

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PADUCAH — According to a 2024 PBS NewsHour report, the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization has lost nearly half its national membership since its peak in 1992. But at Jackson Harris VFW Post 1191 in Paducah, Senior Vice Commander Tex Shockley said membership is growing. “We’re actually at 115%...

Paducah VFW post sees membership growth

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PADUCAH — According to a 2024 PBS NewsHour report, the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization has lost nearly half its national membership since its peak in

Paducah VFW post sees membership growth

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