By BARBARA POLICHETTI
This story was originally published in the Warwick Beacon, a publication partner of Ocean State Stories.
CRANSTON — There are physical, emotional and psychological adjustments, including the loneliness that comes from leaving the company of peers who were your comrades for years.
Marine combat veteran Garry Crum of Cranston served two tours of duty in Iraq and knows a thing or two about the challenges of coming back to civilian life. “Sometimes you just need to sit and talk with a friend who’s been there,” he said. “Sometimes you need to talk to someone who knows what it’s like to put your whole life on hold and what it’s like to try to come back from that.”
That desire to help other veterans is one of the reasons that Crum – backed by the support of family and friends – has spent nearly a year working to revive the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4651 in Cranston’s Knightsville section.
The post, located on Haven Street, had fallen on lean times, with dwindling membership and not enough resources to keep the building in good repair.
“The post was literally days away from closing,” Crum said recently. “I didn’t want that to happen.”
On Saturday, Crum’s hard work — and that of fellow veterans and their families – paid off when they held a rededication ceremony to celebrate the revitalization of Post 4651, which is also known as the Nelson-Mack-Narragansett post.
Mayor Kenneth Hopkins was on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the public was welcomed to come and see all the improvements that have been made.
“This is going to be a place for veterans, young and old, to come together,” Crum said, adding that the post will also be open to the public and hopefully be a comfortable gathering spot for veterans, their families and the community in general.
“This reopening marks a new chapter – one filled with opportunities for camaraderie, support and remembrance,” Hopkins said. “This post serves as a testament to [veterans’ bravery] and [is] a place where their stories and experiences can be shared and honored.
“It is not just a building but a sanctuary of respect, fellowship and resilience.”
Before and after the rededication ceremony, veterans and their families came up to Crum to thank him for his efforts. There were centerpieces of fresh flowers, and plenty of refreshments and laughter. A note of formality was provided by Marines from Crum’s unit, the 6th Motor Transport Battalion. Battalion members were present in their dress blues to help with the Marines’ annual Toys for Tots holiday drive.
Crum, 45, a businessman and father of four, said he is thankful for all the support he has received in reviving the VFW post. He is especially grateful, he said, to his wife, Delores.
A Providence teacher, Delores Crum was there with their children to cheer him on Saturday and have a good time as a family. “I know our veterans have seen a lot going to war,” she said. “And I understand the importance they are able to offer each other. But this is not just about war stories – it is also about having a safe place and family time.”
Crum’s mother, Judith Fortes, said that helping him refurbish the hall has been a united family effort and a lot of hard work, but she is so proud of her son and his commitment to help other veterans.
Crum said there is much more work to be done, and he hopes to use the post to help launch other efforts to help veterans, and perhaps turn the tide on veterans’ challenges with serious issues such as homelessness and suicide. He would like to renovate the second floor of the building in order to provide some living space that might be used by veterans who are working on finding their own homes. Also, he said, he sees the VFW hall serving as a resource center where wellness programs and other useful, helpful initiatives can be organized.
“The suicide rate is high among veterans,” Crum said. “After being in the military for years, it can be hard to come back to a life with a lot less structure. It’s been proven that ‘veteran to veteran’ programs work, and I want to do more.”
Editor’s Note: Barbara Polichetti, a Cranston resident, is a regular contributor to the Cranston Herald and Johnston SunRise. Contact Polichetti at barbarap@beaconmediari.com.
Read Ocean State Stories’ 2023 Veterans Day story about a veteran who lost his life to suicide.
