Honorable service
You served honorably or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. An Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge meets this requirement.
A place to belong, a way to keep serving
Join Post 5036
You have already served. Here in St. Charles, that shared experience can become friendship, practical support, and another way to show up for the community we love.
Post 5036 is a place to know people who understand service, and to put that experience to work for veterans, young people, and our neighbors.
There is no need to have it all figured out before you visit. Come as you are, meet a few people, and see whether this feels like your kind of community.
What membership looks like
Good company. Work that matters.
Members look out for one another and keep serving St. Charles. Some help a veteran find support. Others mentor students, stand together in remembrance, or lend a hand at a community event. You can find the place where your time and experience fit.
Meet the people behind the Post
Our members have stories that began in uniform and continued through family, work, and service at home.
Read veteran stories →Meet Post officers →No commitment needed
Start With Coffee.
Morning coffee is an easy way to meet members and ask what Post 5036 is really like. You do not have to be a member to begin a conversation.
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Veteran Center, 311 N. 2nd St., Suite 109, St. Charles, IL 60174
Membership eligibility
Can I join the VFW?
VFW membership has two requirements. If you are unsure how your service fits, talk with us before ruling yourself out.
Qualifying service
Your service is verified by an authorized campaign or expeditionary medal, ribbon, badge, or insignia, Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay, or 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea.
What to bring
Your service record helps us confirm eligibility.
Your DD Form 214 often contains the discharge and qualifying service information needed to join. If you are currently serving or do not have that form, ask us what other military documentation may work.
Membership options
Choose what works for you.
Post 5036 currently lists annual membership at $45. Life membership is also available, with cost based on age. Confirm the current amount and options when you apply.
Membership is more than dues. It is a chance to build relationships and keep making a difference close to home.
Ready when you are
Take the next step with Post 5036.
Complete our online membership form. If you would rather meet us first or have a question about eligibility, coffee is always a good place to begin.
The membership form opens on Fillout, a separate form service used by Post 5036.