Congratulations to VFW Post 1316

History of George L. Douglas VFW Post 1316

George L. Douglas VFW Post 1316 in Little Rock, AR, is a historic African American post, chartered in May 1936, founded by veterans who fought for benefits, with its first commander, George L. Douglas, hitchhiking to D.C. for their charter, and the post has remained active, serving veterans and advocating for their rights for over 89 years. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong advocate for African American civil rights and racial equality in the military. She supported the desire of the African Americans from Arkansas to have their own Post. Lieutenant Walter E. Parker accompanied a group of black men to Washington D.C. to lobby Washington on behalf of the black members, so that they may be granted a charter for their own Post. George L. Douglas was instrumental in spearheading and leading the black members on this task. The Post was named after Walter E. Parker until September 12, 2022. 

Key Historical Points:

• Founding: Received its Congressional Charter in May 1936.
• First Commander: George L. Douglas was instrumental in its formation, traveling to Washington, D.C., to secure the charter.
• Identity: An African American VFW Post with 100% war veteran membership, highlighting its deep roots in the Black veteran community.
• Advocacy: Like the national VFW, Post 1316 supports veteran causes, from educational benefits (like the 21st Century GI Bill) to improved VA healthcare, continuing the legacy of securing rights for service members.They focus on community support, have a strong legacy of advocacy (like the GI Bill), and actively help members, including recognizing delayed medals for veterans like Albert Morgan. 
• Local Impact: The post actively works to support its members and the community, as seen in their recognition of Vietnam veteran Albert Morgan receiving his Bronze Star decades later. 

What's the mission of the George L. Douglas VFW Post 1316?

The mission of the George L. Douglas VFW Post 1316 is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, to serve veterans, the military, and the community, and to advocate on behalf of all veterans. 

The post achieves this mission through core objectives such as:

• Promoting Patriotism: Maintaining allegiance to the U.S. government and Constitution.
• Assisting Comrades: Providing relief to veterans and their families in immediate financial or emergency need.
• Community Service: Engaging in local outreach programs, including an annual bike drive for underprivileged children and supporting JROTC programs.
• Legislative Advocacy: Ensuring veterans' needs are a priority for lawmakers by meeting with elected officials and testifying in Congress.
• Honoring Service: Perpetuating the memory of fallen comrades and recognizing the sacrifices of service members and their families.

VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Context:

The national VFW organization began with veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) forming local groups to fight for their benefits, leading to a unified voice for overseas veterans, advocating for healthcare, monuments, and support systems like the Buddy Poppy program. VFW Post 1316 embodies this mission in Little Rock, ensuring that African American veterans' experiences and needs are met within the broader veteran community. 

The George L. Douglas VFW Post 1316 is one of the oldest Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Arkansas, having been established in Little Rock nearly 90 years ago. 

Key Historical & Operational Facts

• Establishment: The post was assembled in May 1936, making it a long-standing institution for veterans in the Little Rock area.
• Location: It is currently located in a historic building at 2304 Arch Street in downtown Little Rock.

Current Leadership (2025–2026)

As of late 2025, the post's elected leadership includes: 

• Commander: Curnie Bryant
• Senior Vice Commander: Raymond Trice
• Junior Vice Commander: Ronald Stigall
• Quartermaster: Dishoungh White

Past Commanders of VFW Post 1316

While a comprehensive historical list of all past commanders is not publicly indexed, the following individuals have been identified in leadership roles: 

2025-2026

Curnie Bryant Jr. Post Commander

2024-2025

Kenneth Williams Post Commander

2023-2024

Debra R. Mattocks/Kenneth Williams Post Commander

2022-2023

Debra R. Mattocks Post Commander

2021-2022

Hurbert D. Anderson /Curnie Bryant Post Commander

2020-2021

Hurbert D. Anderson  Post Commander

2019-2020

Edward Clark Post Commander

2018-2019

Arnold Williams Post Commander

2017-2018

Roy Edmonds Post Commander

2016-2017

Leon N. Hamilton Post Commander

2015-2016

Leon N. Hamilton Post Commander

2014-2015

Leon N. Hamilton Post Commander

2013-2014

Leon N. Hamilton Post Commander

2012-2013

Leon N. Hamilton Post Commander

2011-2012

Leon N. Hamilton Post Commander

Community Involvement and Advocacy

The post maintains a high level of community activity, often focusing on youth and underprivileged citizens: 

• Monthly Buddy Poppy/ Membership Drive: The Manual of Procedure provides that Post relief funds may be used for programs such as Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, Citizenship Education, and Community Service as long as suggestions in the chairperson’s guidebooks are used as an example of promoting these programs.  Posts are further reminded that Section 711 of the Manual of Procedure provides that non-profit organizations, exempt from taxes under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, may assist with the distribution of Buddy Poppies, provided there shall be no division of proceeds. A donation to these groups may be made from the Post general fund.
• Annual Bike Drive: For over 18 years, the post has partnered with the "Arkansas Stop the Violence" movement to donate brand-new bicycles to underprivileged children during the holidays.
• JROTC Support: The post sponsors programs like the Cloverdale Middle School JROTC, the only program of its kind in Arkansas, by donating equipment such as boots to student cadets.
• National Advocacy: Members actively participate in VFW legislative efforts, meeting with elected officials to ensure veterans are prioritized in policy decisions.
• Youth Essays: It sponsors the national essay competitions to engage students in patriotic themes. 

The post's official website is vfw1316.com, and it holds regular membership meetings on the second Tuesday of every month. 

• Community Impact: Post 1316 is active in local philanthropy, notably participating in the annual Arkansas "Stop the Violence" bicycle drive, where it donated 20 new bicycles in December 2025 to assist underprivileged children.
• Community Service Impact: Post Quartermaster meets weekly with MacPark Group's meeting held at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Stakeholders and friends of MacArthur Park envision the surrounding neighborhood to be attractive, safe and useful for residents and visitors, and becoming part of a vibrant urban environment that links commerce, entertainment, recreation, work and everyday life with a citywide system of parks, open spaces and natural settings, friendly to all pedestrians.
• Educational Support: The post sponsors the Cloverdale Middle School Junior ROTC program, the only one of its kind in Arkansas. In recent years, members have funded equipment for the unit, such as purchasing new boots for student cadets. The post sponsors annually the Watson Chapel High School JROTC with two Antique Bronze JR ROTC Medals and two Recognition certificates costing $52.85.
• Facilities: The post serves as a community hub, offering "quality equitable cultural entertainment" and inviting local artists and bands to perform for members and the public. 

Historical Significance

Named after George L. Douglas, the post operates as a nonprofit veteran service organization dedicated to fostering camaraderie among overseas conflict veterans and advocating for their rights and entitlements. It holds regular monthly meetings on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 PM. 

What other ways does the post support youth programs in Little Rock?

In addition to sponsoring the Cloverdale Middle School JROTC program and the "Stop the Violence" bicycle drive, George L. Douglas VFW Post 1316 supports youth programs in Little Rock through other national VFW initiatives which the local post actively promotes and implements. 

Key programs and initiatives include:

• Youth Scholarship Programs: The post participates in national essay competitions that award significant scholarships:
• Voice of Democracy: An audio-essay competition for high school students (grades 9-12) where the national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship. A Little Rock Central High School student from Post 1316 was a winner at the district level in early 2025.
• Patriot's Pen: An essay contest for middle school students (grades 6-8) where participants reflect on patriotic themes, competing for over a million dollars in annual awards.
• Teacher of the Year Award: The post recognizes exceptional teachers (at elementary, middle, and high school levels) for their commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism.
• JROTC Cadet of the Year: Annually, the VFW honors outstanding JROTC cadets from local high schools who demonstrate outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership in their JROTC Battalion and community involvement.
• School Adoption: A representative mentioned the post has "adopted" Carver-Washington STEAM Magnet Elementary School, indicating a specific commitment to supporting that local institution with various forms of help such as the annual Thanksgiving Food Basket drive.
• Patriotic Art Contest: The post can promote the "Illustrating America" art contest, which encourages elementary and middle school students to express their artistic abilities based on patriotic themes.
• Patriotism Promotion: The post supports general youth activities by integrating themes of service and patriotism, often working with various local youth groups, after-school programs, and school clubs.