Marty Peterson, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 845 of Downingtown, would like the community to know that the VFW is more than a social club. The post offers assistance to veterans and their families, supports local nonprofit organizations and provides opportunities for its members to take part in community service.

In addition, the post recently made the decision to prohibit smoking in the bar/restaurant area, called the canteen, and has constructed a new addition to the building, creating a separate room for patrons who smoke. The smoking room has its own climate control system.

"The reason we went non-smoking was to make it more of a family atmosphere," said Peterson, noting the decision was voted on by the VFW membership. "We also wanted to bring in the younger veterans and their families."

In addition to the canteen, the post serves dinner, which is prepared by a private business, Not Your Skinny Cooks. The menu includes items such as cheesesteaks, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hoagies and salads. Weekly dinner specials are announced on the post's Facebook page.

"This is our meeting room/restaurant or banquet hall," Peterson said, pointing out the room's original stone fireplace. "Anybody can come off the street and have dinner here, but they have to sit (in the meeting room) if they are not members. We have a rule that you can visit us three times (for dinner), but the fourth time you have to become a member."

The VFW offers membership to veterans, as well as social memberships. "VFW (is open) to combat veterans," Peterson explained. This includes veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War as well as those who served in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. "The mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is to help veterans, present and past, and their families, widows and orphans," Peterson stated.

Peterson, an Air Force and Navy veteran, took over as commander in July of 2015. He reported that the post donates approximately $150,000 a year to local organizations such as the Thorndale, Minquas, Alert, West Bradford and East Brandywine fire companies; Downingtown Library; and the Lord's Pantry of Downingtown. The money is raised from the sale of adult beverages and games.

The post also works closely with Coatesville Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, and it has established a Veterans Relief Fund. "If a veteran is struggling with paying mortgage, rent or utilities, we help them out," Peterson said. "We transport veterans to doctor's appointments or wherever they need to go. That is all part of our volunteer corps. Our chaplain coordinates that."

Peterson hopes that more local residents will consider supporting the Downingtown VFW and becoming members. "Our main focus is to help the veterans and their families," he said. "We want people to know that we are here. We want people to come in and enjoy the food and have a good time."

The Downingtown VFW is located at 4601 W. Lincoln Highway. For more information, visit http://www.vfw845.org or search for "Veterans of Foreign Wars - Post 845 - Downingtown, PA" on Facebook.