The Gordon County Board of Commissioners received a detailed community impact report from SFC John Brown, Post Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5376 in Calhoun, during its most recent meeting. Brown outlined the Post’s revitalization efforts and its expanding role in serving veterans and residents since early 2021.
Post 5376, located at 406 West Line Street, was established on April 4, 1946, in honor of Pvt. Renis W. Barrett, a Calhoun native killed in action on July 27, 1945, in the Philippines. Barrett’s family gifted the property where the Post now stands, as well as the land across the street that houses the National Guard Armory.
For decades, the VFW played a central role in the community by hosting events and providing ball fields for local youth. However, participation declined over time, and the Post became largely inactive. In 2021, Brown assumed leadership and launched an effort to modernize operations, recruit younger veterans—many of whom still serve with the 1-108th Cavalry in Calhoun—and strengthen collaboration among veteran organizations.
Since January 2021, Post 5376 members have collectively logged 6,885 community service hours, representing an estimated $261,073 in community impact for Gordon County.
Photo courtesy of Gordon Gazette