07/30/2026
A History of Corporal Fred Seifert Memorial VFW Post No. 1668
Saint Joseph, Missouri
Corporal Fred Seifert Memorial VFW Post No. 1668 has served the veterans and citizens of Saint Joseph, Missouri, for more than nine decades. Chartered on June 1, 1933, the post was organized after the charter of the former Jack Schneider VFW Post No. 135 was revoked. On June 8, 1933, veterans of the former post organized a new Veterans of Foreign Wars post and elected Ernest B. Collins as its first commander.
When the charter was issued, the post was simply VFW Post No. 1668. The charter remained open for sixty days before members selected the name Corporal Fred Seifert Memorial Post No. 1668, honoring Saint Joseph native Corporal Fred Henry Seifert, Company M, 139th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, who was killed in action during the opening day of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on September 26, 1918. Seifert became one of Buchanan County's earliest World War I combat casualties and has remained the post's namesake ever since.
The organization incorporated with the State of Missouri on May 21, 1937, under the name Corporal Fred Seifert Post Number 1668 of St. Joseph, Missouri, and has remained in good standing since that time.
Throughout its history, Post 1668 has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of veterans. During the post-war decades it became a center for fellowship and community service, sponsoring youth athletic programs, hosting social events, supporting military families, and partnering with civic organizations. Newspaper accounts from the 1970s through the 1990s document the post's involvement in state championship softball tournaments, veterans' activities, patriotic events, charitable fundraisers, and community entertainment. The post also weathered difficult periods, including financial challenges during the late 1980s, yet remained active through the dedication of its members.
For many years the post maintained an active Auxiliary, which supported veterans, military families, and community programs. Although the Auxiliary is no longer active, the post continues its mission through the efforts of its members and partnerships with other veterans organizations.
Today, Post 1668 is recognized as one of northwest Missouri's most active Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Its members conduct patriotic ceremonies throughout the year, including Loyalty Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, September 11 Remembrance, Veterans Day, POW/MIA awareness events, and American flag retirement ceremonies. The post sponsors the Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, and Teacher of the Year scholarship programs, supports JROTC and youth organizations, and actively promotes Americanism within the community.
The post also serves veterans directly through its Veterans Service Officer Program, helping veterans obtain VA benefits, military records, disability claims assistance, and referrals to accredited service officers. Through its Veterans Assistance Program, members provide emergency financial aid, transportation assistance, food, clothing, home repairs, medical equipment, and other support to veterans and their families.
Community involvement remains one of the hallmarks of Post 1668. The post regularly provides meeting space for organizations including the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 11, the Joint Veterans Committee, and the Freedom of the Road Riders. Members participate in community events, distribute Buddy Poppies, educate the public on legislative issues affecting veterans, conduct recruiting activities, and maintain a visible presence at civic gatherings throughout Saint Joseph.
The post has consistently pursued excellence in VFW programs. During the 2023–2024 program year, members documented more than 800 volunteer hours while completing extensive community service, legislative advocacy, veterans assistance, recruiting, POW/MIA awareness, and Veterans Service Officer activities. Their efforts earned All-State recognition from the Department of Missouri.
Governed by the VFW National Bylaws, Manual of Procedure, Department of Missouri Bylaws, and its own Standing Rules, Post 1668 continues to fulfill the mission established more than ninety years ago:
To foster camaraderie among veterans of overseas service.
To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
To promote patriotism and Americanism.
To serve the Saint Joseph community.
To honor the memory of Corporal Fred Henry Seifert and all who have served in defense of the United States.
From its founding in 1933 to the present day, Corporal Fred Seifert Memorial VFW Post No. 1668 has remained committed to its motto of "No One Does More for Veterans," preserving the legacy of those who served while continuing to meet the needs of today's veterans, their families, and the community it proudly calls home.
