YOUR NEXT MISSION STARTS HERE.
There's more to a VFW than meetings. Bring your skills, your squad, your family, and your ideas.
These are ideas being explored, not scheduled or approved Post events. Ask about helping make them happen.
THE TABLE IS OPEN.
YOU BELONG HERE.
A conversation, a cup of coffee, a shared mission—or just someone who understands. Explore proposed veteran connection nights, family support and practical resources.
POST OPERATIONS OVERVIEW
THE POST NEWS DESK
Review updates, community opportunities, VFW deadlines, and Post calendar notices in one place.
HONOR THE FALLEN. SERVE THE LIVING.
Our traditions inspire what comes next: honoring veterans, supporting military families, investing in youth and standing with our community.
Post 1109 supports camaraderie, veteran resources, and a stronger Highland community. This new website will put information where people can find it.
Highland, Indiana 46322
Questions about hours, meetings, or an upcoming event? Contact the Post first.
GET DIRECTIONS ↗
HELP US GET IT RIGHT.
The Post 1109 digital community hub is authorized for public sharing. Help keep our information current: send corrections, suggest ways to serve, and confirm dates and individual activities with Post leadership before promoting them.
COMMANDER'S CORNER
COMMANDER LARRY “HUD” HIGGINS
One Post. Every generation. This is the dedicated space for approved messages from the commander's desk, Post updates and ways members can help shape what comes next.
★ SECTION READY • COMMANDER MESSAGES PENDING
LEONARD SPORMAN MEMORIALA MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDER.
When Commander Higgins shares or approves an update for publication, it will appear here. No statement, decision or new event is being attributed to him by this placeholder.
ON THE COMMANDER'S RADAR
POST NEWS & EVENTS
Public dates, meetings and activities—when confirmed by Post leadership.
SERVICE & VOLUNTEERS
Community missions and opportunities where members can step forward.
BUILDING THE NEXT WATCH
Ideas for bringing younger veterans and military families into the fold.
HAVE SOMETHING FOR THE POST?
Share an idea, suggest an event or offer to lend a hand. Submissions go through existing Post channels for review. Nothing is automatically published or represented as an approved Commander initiative.
Commander's Corner is a prepared website section. It will carry official messages only when provided or approved by Commander Higgins. No new dates or programs are announced here.
NOT DONE SERVING.
JUST GETTING STARTED.
From Vietnam to Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, every generation brings something powerful to the table. We're exploring ways to connect veterans through shared adventures, meaningful service, and a stronger Post.
Support nights, veteran conversation circles and community resources are being explored alongside gaming, outdoor activities and mentoring.
FIND YOUR CREW.
GAMING & ESPORTS
From couch co-op to online competition, let's explore a Post 1109 veteran gaming squad. Friendly competition, real camaraderie, and space for veterans who connect differently.
INTEREST GATHERING / NOT YET SCHEDULEDCOOKOUTS & BBQ BATTLES
Branch-versus-branch cookouts, friendly competitions and good food with friends and family. A possible bridge between Post traditions and new community events.
EVENT IDEA / APPROVAL REQUIREDFISHING & OUTDOORS
Fishing trips, outdoor meetups and opportunities to unplug together. No speeches required—just fresh air, fellowship, and shared stories.
ACTIVITY IDEA / PLANNINGOUTREACH MISSIONS
Community supply drives, supporting veterans in need, and local service projects. Bring your hands, experience and heart to a mission that matters.
OPPORTUNITIES / ASK TO HELPLEADERSHIP LAB
Have an idea for a better event or a better Post? Help plan it, organize a team, and learn how veteran service continues through leadership.
PROGRAM CONCEPT / INTERESTMENTORSHIP & LEGACY
Bring seasoned members and newer veterans together. Share experience, pass down traditions, learn new skills, and prepare the next generation of Post leadership.
PROGRAM CONCEPT / INTERESTOLD SCHOOL HEART.
NEW GENERATION ENERGY.
Our history is the foundation, not the finish line. Every veteran deserves a place to belong—and a chance to lead.
MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF FAMILIES, TOO.
Family-friendly volunteer days, supervised youth activities, scholarship opportunities and community events can help younger families connect with the Post. Proposed youth activities would be separately organized from bar service and require proper approvals and supervision.
HELP BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT.
Interested in gaming, fishing, BBQ, mentorship or leading a local project? Tell us what you'd like to help organize.
NO RANK. NO PRESSURE.
JUST YOUR PEOPLE.
The VFW was founded on camaraderie among veterans who understand what service demands. Post 1109 is exploring new ways to put that mission into action for veterans of every era, their families, and our community.
Program concepts only. No local support-group dates, facilitators or professional partnerships have been confirmed by Post leadership.
MORE THAN A MEETING. A REASON TO RETURN.
Different interests, one brotherhood and sisterhood. Drop in, take part, or just listen.
AFTER ACTION NIGHT
Casual veteran-to-veteran conversation. Talk about what's on your mind, swap stories, or just be in the room. No one is required to share.
Peer conversation concept — not counselingTHE TRANSITION TABLE
Explore work, education, family adjustment and benefits questions. Connect with VFW programs and, where appropriate, accredited service officers.
Information and referrals — no unaccredited claims representationHOMEFRONT CONNECTION
Potential evenings for military spouses, caregivers, women veterans and families to meet, share resources and shape future activities.
Partner-led groups considered separately; WAD collaboration requires approvalGAME ON. CHECK IN.
Meet a veteran gaming buddy, explore VFW Combat Tested Gaming, and build friendships through play—not only formal meetings.
See the VFW's existing national gaming community belowTHE QUIET WATCH
Space for remembrance, grief and connection—with a qualified community partner for facilitated discussions when appropriate.
Support resources and professional referral, not clinical treatmentMISSION LAB
Turn camaraderie into service: plan a supply drive, help a veteran, organize a cookout, or mentor someone who wants to lead.
Volunteer ideas subject to Post authorizationNATIONAL RESOURCES. LOCAL CONNECTIONS.
These are existing national programs and services—not claims that Post 1109 already hosts a particular local activity.
GOOD CONNECTION STARTS WITH TRUST.
WHEN YOU NEED MORE THAN A CONVERSATION.
Eligible veterans and families can access individual or group counseling through VA Vet Centers. For immediate emotional crisis support, trained responders are available 24/7.
POST 1109 BULLETIN BOARD
INFORMATION. SERVICE. CONNECTION.
A public place for Post announcements, community updates, veteran resources and volunteer opportunities.
Community bulletin: Notices are informational. Proposed activities and local event details are not confirmed until announced by Post leadership. No visitor can post directly to this board.
BUDDY POPPY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Honor the fallen. Help the living. Post 1109 is gathering volunteers for planned Buddy Poppy distribution on Friday–Sunday, November 6–8 in Highland. Help distribute poppies and connect with neighbors who support veterans and their families.
Four daytime stations are being planned; no evening shifts. Exact locations, shift times and assignments will be confirmed by Post leadership. Whether you can give a little time or cover a longer shift, we'd love to hear from you.
On the Post's volunteer form, mention Buddy Poppy and which date(s) you can help. Submitting interest does not confirm a shift; Post leadership will coordinate assignments.
Help shape the next generation of Post 1109
Veteran connection and peer-support nights, gaming, family activities and hands-on service projects are ideas being explored. No new program or event is scheduled or approved through this notice. Tell us what would make you feel welcome and involved.
ONE HEARTBEAT. ONE MISSION.
Winter Gear Preparation — a proposed Veterans Against Diabetes (VAD) community initiative to identify needs and coordinate coats, warm hats, gloves, socks, blankets and other cold-weather essentials for veterans and neighbors experiencing hardship in Northwest Indiana.
VFW Post 1109 has not approved participation in this VAD initiative. Potential partners may include local VFW Posts, shelters, warming centers, service organizations, businesses and volunteers. No public collection site, drop-off schedule or participating organization is confirmed. Please submit an idea or an offer to help for review.
SHARE A WINTER GEAR IDEA / VOLUNTEER →Digital Post 1109 cards available to share
Post leadership has authorized this community website and digital outreach cards for sharing. Individual events and partner projects still require their own approvals.
Volunteer and partnership ideas
Community groups, businesses, families and volunteers can submit an idea or expression of interest. No activities are automatically approved.
Open volunteer form →Ask about upcoming public welcome days
Post 1109's earlier October public dates have passed. New public dates and hours should be confirmed with Post leadership before visiting or sharing an announcement.
Youth scholarship entry deadline
Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy have a national October 31 deadline. Check local sponsoring Post participation.
VFW scholarship resources →Halloween on the calendar
Halloween is listed as a community holiday. No Post 1109 Halloween activity has been announced.
Showing 8 information notices
PROGRAMS & MISSIONS
THE MISSION CONTINUES.
Our legacy is more than any one campaign. Find Buddy Poppy, veteran assistance, remembrance, youth education, community outreach, and proposed ways to bring the next generation together.
This directory includes national VFW programs and exploratory Post 1109 ideas. Unless specifically confirmed, no local event, group, or partnership is scheduled or approved by this page.
DIFFERENT MISSIONS. ONE BROTHERHOOD.
Explore VFW traditions, veteran services and ideas for what comes next. National programs remain available year-round; local activities and events require confirmation by Post 1109 leadership.
BUDDY POPPY
Honor fallen service members while supporting veterans and their families. Learn the history, explore distribution and ask about helping locally.
VETERAN ASSISTANCE
Information about benefits, national assistance, mental wellness resources and asking Post 1109 for local guidance.
FLAG RETIREMENT & REMEMBRANCE
Learn proper flag etiquette and explore respectful retirement ceremonies. No new Post ceremony is scheduled by this listing.
FLAG GUIDANCE ↗YOUTH & EDUCATION
Patriot's Pen, Voice of Democracy and other VFW educational programs. Verify local sponsorship and submission requirements.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS ↗COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Explore volunteer projects, supply collections, partnerships and service opportunities for Highland veterans and neighbors.
NEXT GENERATION & GAMING
Veteran gaming, mentorship, hands-on leadership and new ways to connect across generations. Activities remain exploratory.
CONNECTION & SUPPORT
Peer conversation, families, transitions and support-resource ideas. No local support-night schedule has been approved.
UNITING FOR VETERANS
FORMERLY UNITING TO COMBAT HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS
Veterans and military families deserve reliable access to food, housing stability, and a community that stands beside them. Through Uniting for Veterans, the VFW and Humana support communities confronting food insecurity, homelessness, isolation and related challenges.
National VFW program information. Post 1109 has not announced a local Uniting for Veterans campaign. Any Post collection, partnership or event requires leadership approval before it is advertised.
TRADITIONS & REMEMBRANCE
Honor the fallen. Respect the flag. Preserve the VFW legacy.
YOUTH, EDUCATION & PATRIOTISM
Build citizenship and connect the next generation to veterans.
VETERAN & MILITARY SUPPORT
Connect veterans, service members and families to verified assistance.
COMMUNITY SERVICE & RECOGNITION
Carry the mission forward in Highland and beyond.
Community partnerships, volunteer ideas and event proposals are welcome. Commander approval is required before a Post-specific activity is announced.
EVENTS & CALENDAR
Oct 31: national VFW youth scholarship deadline. Nov 6–8: Buddy Poppy planning dates. Nov 11: Veterans Day. Nov 21: potential Marine Corps Birthday gathering, not confirmed.
This is a manually maintained trial calendar, not a live Google Calendar. Confirm hours and event details with Post leadership.
UPCOMING / PLANNING
PLAN WITH US
Interested in supporting an event, organizing a community project, or volunteering with a team? Contact the Post.
VIEW STATEWIDE VFW CALENDAR ↗CONTACT EVENT COORDINATION ↗Please confirm activities with Post leadership before advertising dates or commitments.
JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD
YOUR NEXT MISSION STARTS HERE
VFW membership connects eligible veterans of overseas conflicts with a nationwide community and programs supporting fellow veterans. Want to join Post 1109? Reach out and ask for a membership representative.
ASK TO JOIN POST 1109 ↗VFW NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP & ELIGIBILITY ↗YOUR LOCAL POST
Ask to meet Post 1109's membership representative, visit the Post, or learn more about veteran and community activities.
GET DIRECTIONS ↗BUDDY POPPY PROGRAM
HONOR THE FALLEN. HELP THE LIVING.
Since 1922, VFW Buddy Poppies have honored military sacrifice while helping support veterans and their families.
Post 1109 is preparing local distribution outreach. Interested businesses and volunteers can contact the Post about helping.
VOLUNTEER OR OFFER A LOCATION ↗READ THE OFFICIAL VFW HISTORY ↗2026 DISTRIBUTION
Proposed planning dates. Locations and shifts will be posted only when confirmed.
VETERAN ASSISTANCE
YOU SERVED. HELP IS AVAILABLE.
The VFW provides resources for VA claims, financial assistance, education, and mental wellness. Explore verified national programs or contact the Post to ask about local help.
EXPLORE VFW ASSISTANCE ↗CONTACT POST 1109 ↗LOCAL PARTNER RESOURCES
Veterans Against Diabetes (VAD) provides community resources and outreach, including diabetes education and referrals.
VAD REQUEST HELP ↗Post-specific assistance intake is not yet available on this website.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
STRONG POSTS. STRONG COMMUNITIES.
Volunteer opportunities, charitable initiatives, patriotic programs and partnerships bring Highland residents together in support of veterans.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
2026–27 theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Patriot's Pen is for grades 6–8; Voice of Democracy is for grades 9–12. National submission deadline: October 31, 2026. Students should verify their sponsoring Post.
2026–27 NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS & FORMS ↗UNITING FOR VETERANS: NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND.
Formerly Uniting to Combat Hunger & Homelessness, this VFW and Humana initiative supports food security, housing stability and broader veteran and family well-being. Learn about the national mission or share a potential local partnership idea for leadership review.
This listing does not announce a Post 1109 food drive, donation drop-off or shelter partnership. Local participation is pending Post approval.
PREPARING FOR THE COLD. CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
Veterans Against Diabetes (VAD) is exploring ways to connect willing partners, winter clothing and gear, warming-center resources, and volunteer help for veterans and neighbors in need across Northwest Indiana. Potential needs include coats, socks, blankets, gloves and hats.
VAD proposal only. Post 1109 participation is pending leadership approval. No Post-hosted collection or confirmed partner commitments are being announced. Post leadership review is required before any public collection or distribution.
HELP SHAPE OUR NEXT MISSION
Have an outreach idea, want to volunteer, or represent a business, school or community organization interested in supporting veterans? Click the button to open our Post 1109 ideas and volunteer-interest form.
This form is already active and managed through Jotform. Submissions are suggestions or expressions of interest, not an approved event or commitment. Post leadership reviews submissions.
💡 SUBMIT AN IDEA OR VOLUNTEER ↗FACEBOOK COMMUNICATIONS
HIGHLAND VFW POST 1109 ON FACEBOOK
Follow the Post for public updates and help share its events in the community.
OPEN POST 1109 FACEBOOK ↗MORE POST UPDATES
To ask about events, volunteer opportunities or membership, contact the Post directly.
EMAIL THE POST ↗POST EMAIL
CONTACT VFW POST 1109
For membership, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and general inquiries:
vfw1109post@gmail.com
Post phone: (219) 838-9619
WRITE TO THE POST ↗STAY IN TOUCH
Questions about membership, volunteering, Buddy Poppy, events or veteran programs? Send the Post an email.
CONTACT & LOCATION
LEONARD SPORMAN MEMORIAL VFW POST 1109
8554 Kennedy Avenue
Highland, Indiana 46322
vfw1109post@gmail.com
Phone: (219) 838-9619
GET DIRECTIONS ↗EMAIL THE POST ↗CALL THE POST ↗COMMANDER CONTACT CARD
VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION.
From Buddy Poppy distribution to community outreach, Post 1109 welcomes conversations with veterans, local businesses, youth groups and community volunteers.
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Own or manage a Highland business? Contact Post 1109 to discuss hosting a small Buddy Poppy table during approved dates.
OFFER A LOCATION ↗Oct 31: national VFW youth scholarship deadline. Nov 6–8: Buddy Poppy planning dates. Nov 11: Veterans Day. Nov 21: potential Marine Corps Birthday gathering, not confirmed.
This is a manually maintained trial calendar, not a live Google Calendar. Confirm hours and event details with Post leadership.
