About vfw 549

VFW Post 549 proudly serves the Tucson community by supporting veterans, their families, and active-duty service members. Chartered under the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Post 549 is dedicated to honoring service, preserving patriotism, and strengthening our community through fellowship, advocacy, and service.

Our Post is more than a meeting place — it is a home for veterans who continue to serve beyond the uniform.

VFW Post 549 has a long and resilient history rooted in service to veterans and the Tucson community. The Post was first activated on January 3, 1921, and quickly grew into one of the largest VFW posts in Arizona. Initially, the Post operated under the name Joe C. Salazar Post 549. However, in 1925, many active members left the area after being discharged from the government hospital at Pastime Park. As a result, the Post became inactive.

Nevertheless, dedicated members worked to bring the Post back. On May 1, 1927, the organization was reactivated as John C. Greenway Post 549. Despite these efforts, the Post again went inactive. Then, on April 26, 1930, members secured a new charter under the name Tucson Post 549. Although that charter was lost shortly afterward, leadership acted quickly. Finally, on June 24, 1932, the Post reactivated once more and has remained active ever since.

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As the Post stabilized, members focused on long-term service and community impact. Over time, Tucson’s Post 549 earned the nickname “The Friendly Post” because of its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of fellowship. From that point forward, the Post maintained a steady presence in Tucson by supporting veterans, hosting community events, and promoting patriotism.

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In 1945, Post leaders identified the need for a dignified and well-maintained veterans’ cemetery in the community. Therefore, the Post purchased land for $5,000, with an option to acquire an adjoining lot for the same amount. This action marked the first veterans’ cemetery established by a VFW post. Today, the cemetery includes approximately 4,000 plots available to eligible veterans with honorable discharges, as well as deceased spouses of VFW and Auxiliary members.

In 1947, then-Commander Comrade Louis A. Menager formally dedicated the cemetery. Notably, he now rests there alongside fellow veterans, while his son, Louis L. Menager, continues the family legacy as a Post member.

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As membership expanded, the Post dedicated its original home on May 30, 1948, at 124 E. Broadway Boulevard. At the time, it stood as the largest VFW post home in Arizona. However, changes in Tucson’s demographics, limited parking, and declining support eventually required a move. Consequently, in 1971, the Post relocated to 1884 S. Craycroft Road.

Later, in January 2011, VFW Post 549 moved into its current modern facility at 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail. Today, the Post continues its mission of service, leadership, and fellowship while honoring more than a century of perseverance and dedication.