ABOUT US
The Crystal VFW is part of the non-profit Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, serving veterans and supporting other local community organizations.
Our restaurant and bar offer live music on Fridays, bingo, and other weekly events, among them pull-tabs and other fundraising entertainment. Outdoor patio seating overlooks the scenic Crystal Airport. Fundraising dinners are hosted on Wednesday nights.
Our banquet hall accommodates 250 people, and can be rented for private events.
Post History
The history of Crystal VFW #494 is a rich one that can be traced back decades.
Charles R. Knaeble, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knaeble, entered military service before the start of WWII in February, 1941. When the attack on Pearl Harbor took place months later, it was the standard “duration and six months.” He was in the invasion of North Africa in 1942, the invasion of Sicily in 1943, and saw duty in England for a while, including the D-Day Invasion of France in which Charles was a tank turret gunner. In August of 1944 Charles was killed in battle at Percy, France when his tank was hit by German artillery.
Originally, the Charles Knaeble VFW Post 494 was named after the Spanish-American War veteran Hugo Hartig, during ceremonies performed on March 28th, 1931. The first Auxiliary was formed in 1931, just three months after the VFW post was formed. Because of an error, however, the Post was not registered with the State Department of VFWs. In 1947, Commander Orville Danielson registered the post as “Charles R. Knaeble Post 494” as an honor to the young man killed during WWII.
The Club also sponsors a Voice of Democracy program, Patriotic Art program, the “Patriots Pen,” National Home for Children, cancer aid and research, Buddy Poppy Month, Loyalty Day, and firearm safety. In addition, the “Cooties” work at hospitals, and are involved in other civic projects for our area and communities.
Today, the Charles R. Knaeble VFW Post 494 is known for its civic projects, including the Avenue of Flags at Glenhaven Cemetery in Crystal, where personal burial flags of veterans are flown every Memorial Day.