West Bend VFW Post 1393 Holds Massive Celebration for Vietnam Veteran Tommy Downing
West Bend, WI — Hundreds of community members gathered this past weekend at VFW Post 1393 in West Bend to pay tribute to Vietnam veteran Tommy Downing, whose decades-long dedication left a powerful mark on the local veteran community.
The event drew far more people than expected, filling the VFW post with stories, laughter, and solemn remembrance, capturing the essence of a close-knit community honoring one of its own. Tommy’s journey began far from West Bend on a small dairy farm near Tomah, Wisconsin, where he grew up among eight siblings. His brother, Jim Downing, who spoke movingly at the event, described their childhood as grounded in hard work on a “hillbilly farm” with just 15 to 18 cows — lessons that shaped Tommy’s lifelong respect for hard labor and community service.
From Small Farm to Vietnam Frontline
Following his older brother Jerry to West Bend for work, Tommy was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War at around 19 or 20 years old. Jim detailed Tommy’s swift progression through military training at Fort Leonard Wood and specialized aircraft training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Within six months, Tommy was deployed overseas with the famed First Cavalry Division.
Tommy served approximately one year in Vietnam, a period that left deep emotional scars. “He was a country kid that probably saw things he wasn’t prepared for,” Jim said. Upon returning home, Tommy struggled to reconnect immediately but eventually found stability back in West Bend, where he built a second family at the VFW post.
Beacon of Service, Tradition, and Generosity at the VFW
Tommy’s impact on VFW Post 1393 went beyond attendance; he was a foundational figure who cared for the grounds with pride and invested personally in the post’s upkeep. One of his lasting legacies was the creation of a weekly “burger fry” on Tuesday nights — a fundraising tradition now affectionately known as the “Tommy Burger”. Susie Graff, a longtime VFW volunteer, recalled Tommy’s dedication to cooking the burgers to perfection and launching numerous community programs. “He was the first Santa Claus and Easter Bunny at the post,” Graff said. “He personally planted and maintained flowers, often paying out of pocket.”
Tommy’s generosity extended to children in the area, particularly during the holidays, where he quietly provided gifts. Graff recounted one Christmas when Tommy’s efforts to buy presents were initially met with resistance, leading volunteers to raise funds on his behalf — the donations far exceeded expectations, much of the money later donated back in Tommy’s name.
Community Mourns a Hero and Friend
The event to celebrate Tommy’s life was unplanned at a large scale, with the family opting not to publish a formal obituary. Still, thanks to the tight-knit network Tommy helped build, word spread quickly, prompting a turnout that left even his brother stunned. “Totally blown away,” Jim remarked as he absorbed the flood of support and reminiscences.
“He was a great guy and will truly be missed here,” said Susie Graff, summing up the heartfelt loss felt by the entire post.
As veterans and community members continue to remember Tommy Downing, his legacy lives on in the traditions he established and the deep bonds he forged. The VFW Post 1393 remains a testament to his spirit of service and communal care, a model for veteran organizations across the country.
Why This Matters
Tommy Downing’s story resonates on a national level for the veteran community, illustrating how service members often find new purpose and family through veteran organizations like the VFW. As more veterans reintegrate today, stories like Tommy’s highlight the importance of community support and ongoing engagement.
Ohio veterans and civic groups can draw inspiration from West Bend’s example as they develop similar programs fostering connection, remembrance, and aid for those who served. The ongoing tradition of “Tommy Burger night” exemplifies how simple initiatives can create lasting impact and unity.
Next Steps and Follow-Up
VFW Post 1393 will continue to honor Tommy’s legacy through upcoming community events and volunteer efforts. The post encourages all veterans and community members interested in learning more about supporting veterans’ causes to visit or contact them directly.
For readers across the United States, Tommy’s life and recent tribute remind us all of the power of dedication, service, and community — timely lessons as the nation supports current and future veterans.
