Considering its location in an area that has hosted multiple military installations for as long as anyone alive can remember, and considering that for generations Suffolk residents have felt the call to serve their country, it is not surprising that Suffolk is home to a number of veterans’ organizations that are doing good work in the community for veterans and non-veterans alike.

One such special organization, the VFW Joe Bagley Post 2582, celebrated its 75th anniversary this month. Having started when the youngest future World War II veterans were still in middle school, it has now faithfully served Suffolk veterans for three-quarters of a century.

Such longevity in a community service organization doesn’t come without ups and downs. Last year, the post’s membership had fallen after some members had moved away or died, and donations had fallen in the tight economy.

But it has come roaring back to life, inducting seven new members just in this month’s meeting. It now has 43 on the rolls and hosts monthly dinner meetings that provide the opportunity for fellowship and activity planning.

It does many activities in the community including donating care packages to the Veterans Administration hospital, paying for wreaths and flags at a local veterans’ cemetery, sponsoring baseball teams and teaching patriotism lessons to school classes.

We thank the post for its service and encourage any veterans out there, from the World War II vets to those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, to join up. The chapter meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the lodge behind Wilroy Baptist Church, 306 Williams Road. For more information, call Wiseman at 860-501-3035.