I first met Wes Anderson through my work as a manager for the Hillyard VFW Post 1474 in 2016. Although a member of Post 51, Wes would come into our Post pretty often. He always ordered Iced Tea. Sometimes he would stay 5 minutes, other times hours. Sometimes he'd be in a good mood, other times a foul mood. Initially he and I would greet each other, say our pleasantries or crack a joke, but that was pretty much the extent of it.

I knew he had a good sense of humor and could be moody, but not a lot else. Over time though, I noticed he and our Canteen Manager, Crystal, who is also my wife, develop a good rapport. That eventually developed into a good friendship. My role changed over the years from a Bingo Program Manager, to a Food Services Program Manager to a Special Projects Manager. Throughout all that I found that Wes could be intrusive, helpful, very knowledgeable and extremely stubborn.

He was loud, sometimes rather obnoxious, a real  know-it-all,  and he had a habit of involving himself in many matters that didn't require his involvement. However, he could also be very generous, kind and thoughtful. He loved to command a room full of attention.

My wife kept telling me all the things he would do to help her. So I paid closer attention and I started to really see that side of him. On one occasion, my wife and I were tending bar for a very large and important function, and we fell behind a bit, and without being asked Wes jumped right in to help. He bussed tables, washed dishes, took orders, the whole 9 yards. He helped save it for us that night and he humbled himself to do it. After that, I realized that the only thing he really wanted to do was help. And once I saw him in that light, Wes' and my relationship became closer and closer. 

The aforementioned night would not be the last time he would do something like that. It took some time but eventually we earned each other's complete trust and respect. Wes would go on to become both an inspiration and a mentor to me. Once, when I confided in him about my uncle's death in 2012, at the age of 61 from cancer related to exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, Wes then confided in me about some of his experiences in Vietnam. Wes usually liked to keep things like that relatively close to the chest, or in military terms, "maintain operational security", but this time he really opened up to me.

He told some heart wrenching tales, and I could see how deeply he had been affected by living with those terrible memories and the weight that he carried on his shoulders. I learned why those experiences led him to a lifetime of service to his comrades and their families through the many programs of the VFW. Little did we know at that time that roughly seven years later, Agent Orange would come to take the life of Wes as well.

Wes was a man of many complexities. I've seen him yell and scream, rant and rave for extended lengths of time, storm out of meetings, cause a scene during official functions more than once, but I was able to recognize that all of those actions were built on a foundation of passion for the things he believed in. It's that same passion that I recognized when I have seen him become emotional and cry, show profound insights, display immense compassion, great selflessness, and uncommon generosity.

Wes had made it his life's mission to help improve the lives of veterans and their families in any and every way that he could. He served at all levels of the VFW, local, District, State and National. He represented veterans on numerous boards, advisory councils, and served as an officer in many veterans and non-veterans non-profit organizations alike. He was involved in many different aspects of City and State services to the community. And he made sure that the interests of veterans and their families were well represented in everything he did. The truth is that he was involved in so many different veterans affairs that I truly couldn't tell you the extent of them all. And we will remember him for his dedicated life of service!

Wes had asked my wife and I for some management help at his Post as it struggled financially. This required me to attend many more meetings and planning sessions than I would have preferred, but rather unexpectedly, and refreshingly, Wes informed everyone in attendance at said meetings, Crystal and I knew what we were doing, we had his complete trust, and to leave us alone to do our jobs. He demanded to be in the know about everything we did, but he did not micromanage, and we greatly appreciated that. Wes had done so much to help us and we couldn't help but do our best to return the favor.

Wes showed tremendous strength and will power as he battled cancer over the past year. Many people didn't know and that's the way he wanted it. My wife and I had become a part of his inner circle of the few that were aware of all of the details of his struggles. It was difficult to watch this once strong leader slowly decline, while desperately trying not to outwardly show it and remain present and active in the VFW. Jessie, Michael, Derek, Crystal, Kim, and several others worked tirelessly to see his vision through at Post 51.

As Wes lay on his deathbed he had a last request. He issued a challenge to VFW members and community members alike to donate $20 to his VFW, Post 51 in his memory and as his legacy. He specifically asked that I write and issue this challenge. It was unexpected, but I was honored to be chosen to do that for Wes. Kim assisted me with that and Wes was able to approve it before he passed away.

If you haven't seen it, here is a link to his challenge: 

https://vfw1474.orghttps://vfw1474.org/uploads/documents/1000001962.JPG

Please consider his final request and pass it on.

Shortly after, his family and close friends were able to say their goodbyes to him before he passed. As per his last wishes, please support him and legacy by meeting his challenge and supporting his family through this difficult time. I already miss you, Wes. Rest in Peace, my friend. -Jake Ingram 7-14-2026