Two years ago, the New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars office pulled the charter from Milford’s Harley Sanford post and closed the organization temporarily while they formed a team to review financial records. The building that the chapter has occupied since 1945 had been listed for sale without notification to the state, according to Wayne E. Mosier, the post’s commander. This violated VFW bylaws and upset members, who raised concerns to the state office.

“They pulled the charter and closed the place down,” said Mosier, who was part of the team that the state VFW formed. “We were in dire straights.”

Today, the Harley Sanford post is fiscally sound and thriving, according to Mosier. He said the post now has proper accountability for all financial transactions.

“We not only recovered financially,” said Dick Hillman, the post’s quartermaster, “but we have been able to give money back to veterans and the community.”

On Purple Heart Day last year, the post hosted a motorcycle run that raised thousands of dollars for Clear Path NE, an organization in Devens, Massachusetts committed to veterans. They also covered the veterinarian costs for a veteran’s service dog, according to Hillman.

Hillman said the post has also provided assistance to a local family struggling financially, assisted veterans with accessing and navigating processes for VA benefits, and remained a place for camaraderie and support for all veterans of foreign wars. And the post continued its tradition of participating in the town’s Memorial and Labor Day parades.

“Our success is a result of each veteran stepping in to help” he said. “This includes our auxiliary members who host breakfasts each month and our annual children’s Christmas party.”

According to Hillman, the organization has recruited new members- several younger veterans, who bring different perspectives to current needs. He said that while they still find connection at the VFW, the younger group sees their peers struggle with PTSD and work to support them and organizations that provide services for them.

“All of this was critical to getting us back on our feet and prospering,” he said. “We are proud of our record in helping veterans.”

Any veteran interested in being a part of Post 4368 activities should contact Dick Hillman at the post at 603-673-9817. The post will pay your first year membership dues. A copy of your DD-214 is required.