Commander
Anthony Owens
- Responsibilities
- Leads Post meetings and oversees Post business, officers and required reports.
- 7189cmdr@gmail.com (Not active yet)
OUR POST
About Us
VFW Post 7189 · Decatur, Tennessee
VFW Post 7189 brings together veterans in Decatur, Tennessee, through the shared experience of military service and a continuing commitment to one another.
As a local Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, our purpose is to strengthen fellowship among eligible veterans, support veterans and their families, honor military service, and contribute to our community.
We believe veterans deserve respect, recognition, and access to the benefits they have earned. Our website connects members, families, and neighbors with Post information and trusted veteran resources.
Our values center on service, patriotism, respect, and care for others. We welcome conversations with eligible veterans interested in membership and community members interested in supporting the Post.
Explore our meetings and events, meet our officers, learn about our Honor Guard, or contact us to find your next connection with Post 7189.
Connect with Post 7189
Learn about military funeral honors and how families can find official assistance. Local Post arrangements require coordinator confirmation.
Officers & Positions
Meet the Post officers and learn about their responsibilities. Contact details appear only when approved for publication.
Elected Officers
Senior Vice Commander
Ed Bidon
- Responsibilities
- Assists the Commander and presides when the Commander is absent.
- Email not published.
Junior Vice Commander
Trey Jackson
- Responsibilities
- Assists leadership and presides when the Commander and Senior Vice Commander are absent.
- Email not published.
Quartermaster
Bill Scott
- Responsibilities
- Manages Post funds, dues, financial records and authorized payments.
- quartermaster@vfw7189.org (Not active yet)
1 Year Trustee
Matt Carter
- Responsibilities
- Reviews monthly financial reports and helps audit Post records each quarter.
- Email not published.
2 Year Trustee
John Fry
- Responsibilities
- Reviews monthly financial reports and helps audit Post records each quarter.
- Email not published.
3 Year Trustee
Geoffrey Surprenant
- Responsibilities
- Reviews monthly financial reports and helps audit Post records each quarter.
- Email not published.
Appointed and Additional Positions
Adjutant
Mike Beard
- Responsibilities
- Maintains meeting minutes, membership records, correspondence and required reports.
- adjutant@vfw7189.org (Not active yet)
Chaplain
Tom Chadwick
- Responsibilities
- Offers spiritual support and comfort to members and families, and leads prayers and memorial observances.
- Email not published.
Benefits Advisor
Jim Chick
- Responsibilities
- Shares local benefits resources and refers federal benefits questions to the Department Service Officer. This role does not establish VA accreditation.
- Email not published.
Judge Advocate
Otto Appelt
- Responsibilities
- Advises the Commander and Post on VFW rules, bylaws and organizational matters. This title does not establish attorney status or legal services.
- Email not published.
Surgeon
John Fry
- Responsibilities
- Promotes health programs for members and the community. This title does not establish medical qualifications or clinical services.
- Email not published.
Officer of the Day
Otto Appelt
- Responsibilities
- Helps prepare meetings, checks membership credentials and assists with ceremonial duties.
- Email not published.
Guard
Otto Appelt
- Responsibilities
- Controls admission to Post meetings and assists with meeting room procedures.
- Email not published.
Communications Officer
Geoffrey Surprenant
- Responsibilities
- Coordinates Post news, public outreach and communication with members and the community.
- communications@vfw7189.org (Not active yet)
General summaries draw on VFW officer, ritual, chaplain and public relations guidance. Read the VFW officer guidance (2026 edition). Communications Officer uses the VFW public relations role as a general guide. Local duties follow Post bylaws and confirmed assignments.