VFW Gets a New Commander

Joe Edler, a 37-year resident of Aquebogue, has been named commander of Riverhead VFW Post 2476.  He replaces longtime, well-known commander Gene McShery.

During his tenure as commander, McShery was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame for his work with the VFW, including the restoration of the town's World War II Monument and the Eternal Flame that stands at the corner of Court and West Main Streets.  

When McShery announced six weeks ago that he was leaving for Florida, post members moved to name Edler as their new leader.

"I was next in line and they voted me in," said Edler, who rose through the ranks, previously serving as the post's color guard sergeant, jr. vice commander and sr. commander.

Edler is a two-year Vietnam veteran, who grew up the Brooklyn and entered the army before he was drafted. Following his term of service, Edler worked in the construction industry and later at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital as an engineer. He's since retired.

Edler says he just starting to settle into his new position and has a lot of work ahead of him.

"We are out for our fellow veterans," said Edler.  "Whatever we can do to help."

Priority one, said Edler, is raising funds for the post. Aside from its annual poppy drive, Edler hopes raise the post's bank by holding a chinese auction in conjunction with the women's auxiliary sometime after the holidays. He anticipates it will be successful.

There is much money needed, if the VFW wants to continue its good work in the community, said Edler.

Eacy year, the VFW provides several scholarships to outstanding students.  Though its Patriot Pen Program, students in grades six through eight can earn scholarships, and JROTC members are eligible for two other scholarships that the VFW post provides annually. 

Last year, the top two JROTC members each received $100 certificates.

Aside from its scholarship programs, the VFW provides support to fellow veterans.

"The veterans who are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan are having a hard time finding jobs and housing," said Edler.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans who served in the military since September 2001 is at 10.2 percent — the rate for all veterans is 8.1 percent.

With a motto of "honor the dead by helping the living," Edler said, "We want to do what we can to support them."

Edler is working on creating a website for the VFW to reach out to its 232 members, fellow veterans and the community for support.

"It is something we never had before," Edler said.

Edler said he is also looking forward to the unveiling of the new World War II monument on Pulaski Street that the VFW has been busy restoring.  The memorial, which was constructed in 1946, had deteriorated to a state of disrepair. Over the last several years, local veterans groups have worked together to restore the memorial with plaques honoring the veterans of WWII and those who have served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf, and Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new memorial, complete with new flooring, walls and a walkway, is slated to be officially dedicated in December.

Edler and his wife, have five children and 11 grandchildren.