Newton VFW to reopen Jan. 23 after temporary suspension

The rumors of the Newton VFW Post 1655 closing its doors for good is not true. However, resignations and failures to hold mandatory monthly meetings did cause the post to be temporarily suspended two weeks ago by the Department of Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars until corrective actions could be taken.

Michael Young, state commander of Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars, told Newton News in a statement that the post was officially suspended on Jan. 10. The suspension itself is not a negative action but more so meant to allow a review of what events led to the Newton VFW’s current status and find solutions.

“As department commander, the intended goals are for the department to come along side the post and do our sincere best effort to support and help revitalize the Newton VFW into a successful and, ideally, community-focused and engaged by the members there in Newton,” Young said in his statement.

Following the post’s Jan. 12 meeting, new leadership was decided upon. Joseph Cockerton was named the new post commander and Ryan Sibinski was named the new quartermaster. In a phone interview with the newspaper, Cockerton said the Newton VFW, 315 1st Ave. W., will be ready to reopen 4 p.m. on Jan. 23.

The 33-year-old post commander brings young blood to the leadership team of the Newton VFW, and with that comes some needed changes. Cockerton said the social environment in particular will take a turn for the better, and he hopes to improve community support for the facility while serving as post commander.

“The younger generation is stepping up,” Cockerton said. “I don’t think that’s a very common thing in the world of the VFW or the American Legion. I’m grateful that I get the opportunity to be one of the newer, younger guys of our generation. Without the newer generation, the VFW or any place in general can’t succeed.”

Are events coming back? Absolutely. But Cockerton said those are still in the works at the moment, including the ever-popular bingo nights.

Either way, the new leaders want to uplift the environment to appeal to younger veterans. As a veteran himself — he spent 10 years in the Iowa National Guard and served a tour in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011 — Cockerton truly wants the VFW to be there to help in any way it can.

The Newton VFW offers a relief fund for veterans and families in need, and it can direct them to other valuable resources.