On a familiar stretch of Lancaster Avenue, the stone building of VFW Post 845 stands as an often misunderstood landmark. For many who drive by, the letters “VFW” conjure images of smoke-filled bars and old war stories. But step inside, and you’ll find something very different — a vibrant, welcoming community space that’s as much for neighbors and families as it is for veterans.
“People still think it’s a place just for veterans,” said Commander Tom Flick. “We hear it all the time, ’Oh, I thought only veterans could go in there.’ That’s just not true. Anyone can join us as a social member. You don’t have to be a veteran to support veterans.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (or VFW) is a national organization founded more than a century ago to support those who served overseas. Post 845, chartered in 1932, has deep roots in Downingtown. Yet, as Flick explains, the mission has evolved far beyond just helping veterans.
“Our social members are actually the ones who keep this place running,” Flick said. “They’re neighbors, friends, people who just want to give back. Every dollar spent here goes right back into the community — whether that’s helping a veteran, funding a youth scholarship, or supporting a local nonprofit.”
The Post’s membership includes not only veterans but also families, community volunteers, and Downingtown residents who see the post as a welcoming gathering place.
Three Pillars of Service
For Past Commander, current PA VFW District 9 Jr. Vice Commander, and Purple Heart recipient Ernie Griffith, the VFW’s purpose can be summed up in three pillars: veterans’ support, youth outreach, and community engagement.
“We help veterans here in Chester County, first and foremost,” Griffith explained. “Then we focus on youth. Scholarships, essay contests, and sponsorships for local programs. And finally, we work to be a pillar of the community, supporting other nonprofits and helping anyone who’s struggling.”
Among the Post’s many initiatives are the Veterans Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to veterans in hardship, and scholarships such as Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy for local students. The Post also collaborates with the Boy Scouts, hosts Eagle Scout projects, and maintains flag retirement boxes on site.
Inside the Post, the atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood pub than a private club. The bar and kitchen are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, serving sandwiches, entrees, and specials like the crowd-favorite Prime Rib Night. Live music,
karaoke, and themed dinners — from Frank Sinatra nights to open-mic Thursdays — bring the space to life.
“We’re not that dark, smoky bar people picture,” said Griffith, who served in Iraq. “We’ve got live bands, great food, families that come in, kids who sing karaoke. It’s just a great place to be.”
Social memberships cost only $40 the first year and $30 annually after that (or $25 for early renewals) and come with full access to the Post’s events, restaurant, and outdoor spaces.
The Brandywine Home Association, a separate nonprofit that operates alongside the VFW, holds the post’s liquor and food licenses, ensuring that the space remains open and accessible to all.
Honoring Service, Inviting Connection
From hosting Fall Fest and car shows to renting out its hall for parties and fundraisers, Post 845 has become a fixture of Downingtown life. Every dollar raised, whether through events, membership dues, or food sales, is reinvested in the community.
“Every bit of it goes right back out,” said Flick. “We’re all volunteers here. Nobody gets paid. So when you buy a drink or attend an event, you’re helping a veteran or a youth program somewhere in Chester County.”
That local focus is something Board member Matthew Konchel is particularly proud of.
“This is about Downingtown,” he said. “We want people to feel proud that their support here makes a real difference, right in their own backyard.”
Beyond its social side, the Post remains true to its roots as a veterans’ organization. Each Memorial Day, members place flags on graves throughout the region, conduct rifle salutes for fallen service members, and help organize the Downingtown Memorial Day Parade. On Veterans Day, the post offers free meals to all who’ve served; regardless of whether they’re members.
“Service doesn’t end when you take off the uniform,” Konchel said. “That call to serve — it’s still part of who we are. The VFW lets us keep doing that, whether we’re helping veterans or just being part of this community.”
For Griffith, who spent nearly a year recovering from combat injuries after being hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq, that sense of connection has been invaluable.
“When you get out of the military, it can be a shock,” he said. “You lose that sense of belonging. Being here gave me that back… the camaraderie, the purpose, the family. It’s therapeutic.”
A Message to Veterans and Civilians Alike
While Post 845 continues to serve as a haven for veterans, its leaders hope to broaden awareness that everyone in Downingtown is welcome.
“You can walk through these doors whether you’ve served or not,” said Flick. “Maybe you just want a place to relax, meet people, or give back. Whatever it is, you belong here.”
The Post is also hoping to attract more women veterans and younger members from recent conflicts. “It took me 30 years to get involved again,” said Konchel. “People get busy with life but we’re here when they’re ready.”
As it nears a century of service, Downingtown’s VFW Post 845 continues to redefine what a veterans’ organization can be; not a closed circle of old soldiers, but a living, breathing part of the community.
“We’re all a big family out here,” Flick said. “Everybody knows everybody. It’s kind of like the show Cheers; when you walk in, everybody shouts your name. That’s the feeling we want people to have when they come through our doors.”
For veterans and civilians alike, the message is simple:
This isn’t just a post. It’s a home.
