By William Sandin

First Commander VFW Post 363

                Early in 1960, Lenny Cochran, a World War II veteran thought about the establishment of a Fridley VFW Post.  Lenny started asking around the community, looking for other veterans and seeking support of his idea.  A group of WWII and Korean War veterans met in Lenny’s heavy equipment shop and the men started discussions about forming a Fridley VFW Post.

                After a few meetings, the group contacted the Minnesota State VFW office to inquire about the rules, and regulations of forming a post.  Joe Bobleter, the State representative, was sent to talk with the Fridley veterans and provided them with the information.  One of the requirements was to have approximately 70 veterans, so the group started recruiting other veterans and reached their goal.  Joe Bobleter was contacted and informed they were ready to become a post.  It was at this time Joe checked with the state and informed the young veterans that number 363 was available to name the Post.  On September 16^th, 1960, Fridley VFW Post 363 was instituted at Hayes School in Fridley by Joe Bobleter!   The Post started with 74 very proud Charter Members.

                The Veterans started meeting every month at Sandee’s restaurant in Fridley in those early days.  One of their goals was to find a permanent place.  It seemed like they were on track when the office building from the National Pole Yards was donated to the Post.  It was necessary to move the building to a different location because the Pole Yards were being disassembled.  The Post purchased a piece of property on Old Central between Rice Creek Road and 64^th Avenue.  They raised the funds for the purchase by having “Smokers”.  Today a Smoker may be known as Monte Carlo night or Casino night.

                In the mean time, the women also joined forces to form the Ladies Auxiliary.  The Auxiliary was instituted on February 17. 1961.  The women originally met at the home of their first President, Audrey Golden.

                The time was drawing near when the building was to be moved to its new location.  The men worked all day one Saturday readying the building for the move when tragedy struck that evening…… the building was completely destroyed by fire!

                The fire did not discourage the young Post and the veterans continued to meet at Sandee’s.  It was not long after when Francis Shaffer informed the members of a building available on Osborne Road.  The building was purchased and it became the permanent location of the Post.  This is the same building the Post resides in today with a current membership of over 600 members.

Last modified: 07/08/10