The air on Feb. 10 seemed filled with the smell of spent charges of ammo, the stench of blood, sweat and, yes, probably even a little fear as living Avon veterans recalled their war stories at Friendly's Restaurant on West Main Street.

From the sandy beaches of Omaha to the jungles of Da Nang, and now the rocky terrain of Afghanistan, veterans have gone where few care to tread and many unfortunately fail to return.

In Nov. 27, 1945, a group Avon veterans established the Gildo T. Consolini Avon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3272, former post commander William Newman said, naming it in honor of the first Avon soldier to fall during World War II. 

“This is typical in naming a post,” Newman explained. Consolini was killed in action in the South Pacific in 1943. 

The first group consisted of 78 men, Newman said, including veterans from the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II. 

Since its inception, the group has held its monthly meetings at the Prince of Thomas Savoy Society’s building on Old Farm’s Road.

Robert E. Campbell, retired U.S. Army, served on the staff on Gen. George S. Patton from 1942 until the end of World War II. 

Robert Matava and Alfred Cialfi, both retired U. S. Marines, fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. 

Mickey Bennett and George Holewik, both retired U.S. Army, lived through the horrors of the Vietnam War. 

Each of their stories is unique, each important. 

Recently celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2010, the post has had over 500 veterans join its ranks, mostly from the Avon and Canton communities Newman said. 

“What is really great about this post is, though I have only been a member for about 11 years, there are guys who have been members for 50 years… 65 years since the beginning.” 

They have also been awarded All State Post honors several times, Newman said.

“What that entails is two things: strong membership and strong community service,”  he explained

There is a wide variety of activities they do in the community including their popular poppy drive, "last salutes" to veterans who have passed away, supporting veterans’ causes, as well many activities involving active duty service members, he added. 

Desert Storm veteran, Lee Wilson, who served in the U. S. Army, explained not all veterans are eligible to join the Avon VFW 3272. “You have to have served in the military during combat.” 

In other words, Wilson said, the veteran has to have been awarded one of the five branches military’s combat ribbons. 

Newman stressed this includes any veterans who served 30 days or more during the Korean Conflict beginning in 1949 because a defense medal was awarded in 2002 for their service. 

Their local VFW website, recently revamped by Wilson, goes extensively into the requirements of the Post’s membership. 

What is truly unique to Avon VFW Post 3272 is their veteran history project, spearheaded by Newman. 

These histories are a compilation of the veteran’s military schools, decorations, and memorable events that occurred during his or her time in service. 

Newman said they have completed “80 plus veterans’ histories, many World War II guys, many of which are gone now.” 

In addition to giving a copy to the families, Newman said there is a collection being stored in the historical room at the Avon Free Public Library.  

“It is open to anyone who is or has been a member of our post,” said Newman.  “It is for the family. There is really no place where you have their history. It is a nice keepsake, especially when they are gone.” 

“We hope people in the community will read them and see what these guys went through, especially the young people.” 

Newman said the local VFW is the only post that has taken on this type of project. 

Today, he said the post has 20 Iraqui veterans and two women veterans, included in the pool of 174 veterans that are part of the local VFW. Other veterans are invited to come to the VFW's Thursday coffee meet-and-greet at Friendly's at 10 a.m. and visit with other town veterans.

The names of 719 Avon veterans from the Avon community who served the United States from the Mexican War to the Gulf War are also etched on the War Memorial in the Avon Town Green.

Flags fly every day in memory of the Marines who lost their lives during the Battle of Iwo Jima at the memorial on Rt. 9 on the town line between Newington and New Britain.

The memorial was built through the efforts primarily of two marines - Matava and Cialfi, who survived this infamous battle.

Matava’s brother, Edward, 18 years old at the time and a fellow marine, did not.

“We dedicated this monument to the people of Connecticut,” Matava said. 

Raising over $200,000 to construct the monument, Matava said the eternal flame and the over 100 flags that fly are daily reminders of what veterans have given and continue to give for their country.

Veterans just like themselves.