The Core Belief: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 39 was established to ensure the bond forged by service endures for life, and to passionately defend the entitlements earned through overseas sacrifice. We believe those who sacrifice abroad deserve unwavering support, respect, and community at home.

The VFW exists primarily to serve and advocate for United States veterans of overseas conflicts, their families, and their communities.

VFW Post 39 exists for the same fundamental reasons as the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, but with a deep local and historical significance to its community.

·         To provide a place where eligible veterans can gather, share common experiences, and support one another.

·         To assist veterans with their benefits (VA claims, compensation), offer support to military families, and engage in local charitable and patriotic activities.

·         To uphold the VFW's national mission of fighting for veteran rights and earned entitlements.

VFW Post 39 has a unique historical significance. It was established in January 1919 at Emmet Riley’s restaurant following the end of World War I, making it the oldest VFW post in the south and one of the oldest in the world. The post is named the “Lawrence Melzer Tate post” after the first St. Petersburg man to make the ultimate sacrifice in WWI, symbolizing a commitment to forever honor the fallen. It is a priceless historical landmark. Its location connects the modern city directly to the community’s earliest efforts to care for veterans returning from World War I. It is highly accessible to veterans living throughout the city and surrounding areas, including those who rely on public transportation. Veterans' services and camaraderie are most effective when they are easy to reach.

It serves as a community center, hosting events like live music, line dancing and community-based events such as Pride and the District Halloween trick or treat, which is critical for generating the funds needed to carry out our veterans’ assistance programs. These public-facing social activities and rental of its hall generate the revenue needed to fund its primary mission: providing direct support, assistance with VA claims, and charitable aid to veterans and their families. Without this income stream from the downtown community, the post's core services could be financially threatened.

The post has a strong focus on inclusion, welcoming all veterans, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Its location in a vibrant, progressive urban district helps it maintain this inclusive atmosphere.

The post actively works to preserve a vast collection of military memorabilia and history spanning from the Spanish-American War to modern conflicts. It houses a library and museum with military memorabilia and history spanning over a century, which is a resource that would be difficult to relocate or replicate. Its presence anchors St. Petersburg’s deep, continuous connection to U.S. military history.

VFW Post 39 Vision

"As the historic and enduring anchor of veteran support in St. Petersburg, VFW Post 39 exists to honor the legacy of our nation's overseas veterans, starting with those of World War I, by fostering inclusive camaraderie, providing essential assistance and earned entitlements, and serving as a vital, community-connected hub where every generation of veteran is welcomed and empowered."