VFW Post 549 Canteen
Tucson’s Only Non-Smoking Veteran Canteen
What you’ll find in our canteen
The Tradition behind the name
In military terms “Canteen” was not originally a piece of equipment. The word referred to a place where refreshments and entertainment were provided for members of the armed forces. One of the most famous canteens was the Stage Door Canteen in World War II.
The Stage Door Canteen was started and directed by The American Theatre Wing, War Service Inc, at the beginning of WWII. The canteen offered servicemen nights of dancing, entertainment, food and nonalcoholic drinks, and even opportunities to rub shoulders with celebrities.
The first Stage Door Canteen opened in New York on 2 March 1942 in the basement of the 44th Street Theater; it measured 40 by 80 feet and could accommodate 500 people at a time. Soon canteens would open in Boston, Washington D.C, Philadelphia, Cleveland, San Francisco and Newark. Towards the end of the war there were Canteens in London and Paris. At war’s end and after serving so many GIs the Canteens would all shut down.
Our Canteen Today
Today Veterans of Foreign Wars including VFW Post 549 has adopted the name “Canteen” to refer to the place within a Post where members can find entertainment and refreshments. Our Canteen offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where members can avail themselves to a variety of activities like playing pool, throwing darts or a having a good old fashion card game. Post members have access to a juke box that contains a variety of music and multiple flat screen televisions that show different types of programs. Finally, Post members can just unwind or engage in conversation while enjoying one of the many different types of beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks the Post has to offer.
In Memory — Conduct Matters
Canteen Rules & Eligibility
- Entry and use is for VFW Members and Auxiliary Members in Good Standing.
- Members must have a valid membership card and provide it if requested.
- Active/Reserve/Retired U.S. Military and nationally recognized VSO members are welcome.
- Please present Military ID or active VSO membership card.
- Sign in the Guestbook.
- Non-members may enter only as a guest of a member in good standing.
- The sponsoring member must sign the guest into the Guestbook.
- The sponsoring member assumes responsibility for guest conduct.
- Members and guests must follow the rules posted in the Canteen.
Ready to join the Camraderie?
Membership has its privileges-and our canteen is one of them.