Elk Grove VFW Post 2073
We meet at 1800 on the second Thursday of each month at the Veterans Hall, District 56, located at 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757.
At 1800, we begin with our No Veteran Eats Alone dinner, a time for fellowship, conversation, support, and a good meal with fellow veterans and their families. Our monthly meeting follows at approximately 1845.
VFW Post 2073 is proud to honor and support veterans through camaraderie, community service, remembrance ceremonies, parades, funeral honors, and local events. Whether you are looking for a place to connect, share stories, laugh, serve, or simply enjoy the company of fellow veterans, you are welcome here.
For additional information, contact us HERE.
Commander Michael (Mike) Retzlaff
Fellowship and Service
Coffee, Fellowship & Veteran Resources
Every third Thursday from 1000–1400, veterans are invited to gather for coffee, camaraderie, and conversation in a welcoming environment with fellow veterans and community members. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 55.
Veteran Service Officers (VSOs), VA representatives, and other veteran resource organizations may also be available to provide information, assistance, and support services.
📍 8230 Civic Center Drive
Elk Grove, CA 95757
Troopathon Care Package Packing
Join volunteers on the first Monday of every month from 1000–1200 as we help assemble care packages for deployed service members.
📍 3105 Fite Circle, Suite 108
Sacramento, CA 95827
Monthly Canned Food Drive
Support local veterans and families in need by bringing canned food donations to our monthly VFW meeting. All donations benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank.
Volunteer With Us
To get involved, volunteer, or receive additional information, please contact our Post Commander.
HONORING VETERANS
Some of our Post members have been gifted Quilts of Honor. Click here to see photos of the presentations.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Elk Grove Quilters Guild for their generosity and support of our veterans.
Four Chaplains Memorial Service:
Each year, on the Saturday closest to February 4th, the VFW joins with the Marine Corps League and the American Legion to host the Four Chaplains Memorial Service. Join us at 10 am on January 31st to remember these veterans.
We were grateful that the Elk Grove Citizen highlighted The Four Chaplains Memorial Service in an online feature. We especially appreciated reporter Idaly Valencia attending in person and publishing a thoughtful follow-up piece about the memorial and those it honored. https://www.egcitizen.com/2026/02/10/563193/in-honor-of-courage-sacrifice-and-unity.
Veteran Resource Fair:
The Resource Fair was on March 13th at District 56. If you were unable to attend, additional veteran resources and information can still be found at the ElkGroveVeterans.com website.
Memorial Day:
Join us this Memorial Day for a Ceremony and Walk for Veterans as our community gathers to honor, remember, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Click HERE for additional details.
Veteran’s Day Parade:
We are looking forward to another outstanding Veterans Day Parade on November 11th.
Whether you would like to walk with us, ride on a float, volunteer, or cheer from the crowd, we would love to have you join us as we honor America’s veterans together.
Are you part of a veteran, civic, youth, or community organization interested in participating? Additional parade information and participation applications can be found here: Veterans Day Parade – Elk Grove Veterans
Voice of Democracy (VOD)
This is a Scholarship Speech and Essay competition held each year by the VFW. Our Post will be accepting entries until October 31st. Information packets and entry forms were left with the Career Counselors at high schools in the Elk Grove Unified School District last week.
More information, including entry forms can be found here: Youth Scholarships – VFW
Join Us
VFW Post 2073 welcomes eligible veterans who want to continue serving, supporting fellow veterans, and strengthening our local community.
Membership offers opportunities for camaraderie, fellowship, community service, veteran advocacy, remembrance ceremonies, and supporting veterans and their families.
Whether you are newly separated from service, a longtime veteran, or simply looking to reconnect with fellow veterans, there is a place for you here.
Interested in joining?
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us, we’re happy to help.
Commander Michael “Mike” Retzlaff
mikeretzlaff@sbcglobal.net
Purple Heart/OIF-OEF Membership Campaign
Are you a Purple Heart Recipient or a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom? You may be eligible to have your first year’s membership dues paid for by the VFW Department of California. Be part of the oldest combat veteran organization in the nation.
The funding for this membership campaign will not last long. This offer goes fast. Contact us for more info.
Have you considered being a paid up for life member?
Serving Veterans & Our Community
VFW Post 2073 is proud to work alongside fellow veteran organizations and community partners to honor veterans, support their families, and preserve the traditions of military service in Elk Grove.
Together, we participate in and support a wide range of events and programs throughout the year, including:
- Color Guard and Honor Guard services
- The Four Chaplains Service at the Veterans Hall
- Memorial Day ceremonies
- The Veterans Resource Fair at the Veterans Grove
- POW/MIA remembrance services
- The annual Veterans Day Parade
One of our favorite traditions is welcoming veterans and community members after the Veterans Day Parade with free hot dogs and fellowship as we come together to honor those who served.
Our Mission:
To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Our Vision:
Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
Our Core Values:
- Always put the interests of our members first
- Treat donors as partners in our cause
- Promote patriotism
- Honor military service
- Ensure the care of veterans and their families
- Serve our communities
- Promote a positive image of the VFW
- Respect the diversity of veteran opinions
Make a Difference Today, Join the VFW. If you don’t qualify to join the VFW, please join the American Legion and help us to help your fellow veterans! We have 2 American Legion Posts in Elk Grove. This link will take you to the American Legion Elk Grove website. From there, you can make contact with both Posts to find the one that fits your schedule and where you feel welcome. Post 55 meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month and Post 233 meets on the 4th Thursday of each month.
Our Story of Service
For years, the local veterans groups have worked to earn the title of “Veterans Helping Veterans” which is a proud tradition that we are happy to be able to continue with the support of the Cosumnes Community Services District and the City of Elk Grove.
Have you visited the Legion Memorial Grove, next door to the Old Rhodes School House and the Veterans Memorial at Elk Grove Regional Park. Those tributes to our veterans comes from Cosumnes Community Services District.
Not only are we blessed to have so many great local veterans groups to assist our fellow veterans, we are so happy to have a Veterans Hall at the Elk Grove Community Center. It is located at 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Each of our veterans groups have a presence at the Veterans Hall.
We also are proud of the committment to our veterans shown by the City of Elk Grove. In addition to our Veterans Hall, we have a wonderful area dedicated to our flags at Veterans Grove at District 56.
The City also supports us with a street naming program as well as the veterans banners seen flying along Elk Grove Blvd, Civic Center Drive and Bruceville Road. Read more about that below.
Not only are we known for our service to our Veterans, our community has recognized several of our Veterans as the Elk Grove Citizen of the Year.
Military Tribute Banners
Many people have seen the military tribute banners displayed along Civic Center Drive, Bruceville Road, and Elk Grove Boulevard and have asked how to honor a veteran or service member with a banner recognizing their service.
One of the many reasons we are proud to call Elk Grove home is the strong support our community shows for veterans. These banners are made possible through the City of Elk Grove.
For approximately $150, a banner can be created and displayed for one year in honor of a veteran or active-duty service member. At the end of the display period, the banner is presented to the veteran or their family as a keepsake.
Click here to learn more.
Also, did you know that the City of Elk Grove often names streets after veterans. Yes, they do. You can learn more on the City of Elk Grove Website.
You can read more about the City’s support of veterans in the November-December issue of the Elk Grove City Newsletter as well.
Quilts of Honor
We are currently building a gallery to recognize and honor all of the Quilts of Honor recipients from our Post. Until then, please enjoy these photos from the November 2022 presentation.
Presented by the Elk Grove Quilt Guild to:
Senior Vice Commander Janis Gannaway
Post Service Officer Rich Hussey
Past Post Commander Jason Goree
Support Our Heroes Today
Join us in our mission to empower and support Elk Grove veterans. Your contribution makes a difference. You will find a donation button on the local veterans websites where you can support them directly. Additionally, each organization holds resources fairs where local employers and service organizations can meet with veterans to offer their services.
Look for our next fundraiser so that you can help us help our fellow veterans.
Should I join the VFW or the American Legion or the Marine Corps League?
You may join any of the veterans groups for which you qualify. It is not unusual for veterans to be members in more than one veteran group.
The VFW accepts Veterans of the US Military who served overseas in a combat zone or received hostile fire pay.
The American Legion generally accepts Veterans of the US Military no matter where they served.
The Marine Corps League accepts only persons who are serving, or who have served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, or United States Navy personnel attached to the Marine Corps.
There are other veterans groups in our community. Learn more at ElkGroveVeterans.com