The James W. McCartney Post No. 6765 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America was activated in 1946 in honor of the memory of James McCartney who gave his life for his country in December 1943. Charter members, Thomas Lynch, Jim Mosser, Richard Mosser and Stephen McGirr, Endeavored to form an organization to help veterans and their families at home. The group met in the Midvale firehouse and the post became a reality on May 12, 1946. Thomas Lynch was the first post commander.

Wives of the post men, Jane Lynch, Genevieve Herrick, Adeline McCartney, and Marie Gardella followed in the footsteps of the post determined to form an auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary to the James W. McCartney Post No. 6765 was inaugurated on August 3, 1947.

The local post has been honored to have one of their members. Samuel J. Stafford, serve as a commander of Passaic county V.F.W. and Mrs. Mary Stafford, auxiliary member, has held office of Passaic County President. Jim Jordan, past commander of the local post, served as National Aide Decamp to the National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The post and auxiliary grew and faithfully met its obli­gations to the state and national organizations and to the service men's families. They were eventually able to pur­chase an old garage in Midvale on Ringwood Avenue. With the generosity of town individuals and business men, the post renovated and remodeled the building into the present post home.

Their projects have been the poppy sale which finances the rehabilitation of the service men in hospitals and helps needy service men and their families at home. The post sponsors a scholarship award at the Lakeland Regional High School; promotes Americanism by sponsoring the Voice of Democracy Contest; present flags and literature on proper flag etiquette; accepts the responsibilities of civil Defense, the safety of children on bike programs and promotes swim programs and other recreational activities for the youth. The V.F.W. has also presented an outstanding citizenship award yearly.

Through the years the James W. McCartney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6765 has contributed to the betterment of the borough of Wanaque.

One important project was the restoration of the Midvale Cemetery. Joseph Herrick, William Van Wilpe and Charles Trovato volunteered their services. They raised and restored hundreds of grave markers and monuments which had been vandalized over the years, also planting flowers and grass.

Through the dedication of these veterans and the constant care which they have been giving, the cemetery is a peaceful and well kept part of our town.

The Post is helping with the upkeep of Addice Park. A playground for the youth of the borough.

The Post also worked to present our town with a memo­rial to honor our armed services. The men, soliciting for donations and helped in the repairs.

The monument is a tribute to all men and women who served in World Wars I & II, Korea, Viet Nam and Desert Storm.

With the help of the residents of Wanaque and the Veterans the Borough can take pride in this achievement.

The Post still visits their comrades in Veteran Hospitals also giving parties in Nursing Homes during the year.

The Auxiliary sponsors dinners for veterans from Lyons Hospital inviting them to the Post Home for dining and dancing and gifts.

The Post and the Auxiliary give their help to Veterans and children in time of need.

"Jim" McCartney can be proud of the Post which carries his name.

James W McCartney, Seaman First Class, gave his life while serving aboard a submarine, the USS SCULPIN, during WWII.

To learn more about him please click here to read a letter to his wife Adeline from James Forrestal.

For the story of the sinking of the USS SCULPIN click here...

For additional information please go to...

Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

USS SCULPIN (SS 191)
November 19, 1943 - 63 Men Lost

http://www.csp.navy.mil/ww2boats/sculpin.htm

or

USS SCULPIN (SS-191) Memorial Page

http://home.cshore.com/sbice/SS-191Mem.html

Worn Flag Deposit Box

James McCartney VFW Post has placed a 'WORN FLAG DEPOSIT BOX' outside the Post home at 425 Ringwood Avenue, for all who wish to dispose of their worn or tattered US Flags. In this way, the VFW can dispose of them in a dignified manner as prescribed in the bylaws and regulations of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. US flags should never be disposed of in a disrespectful manner such disposing of them with the weekly garbage collection. The collection box is for US FLAGS ONLY.

For information contact: Arthur Boyd, President
Wanaque Veterans Building Association:
973-835-9181

For the Official Website of the VFW of the United States click here...

Visitor # since 6/25/03