Post History
In November 1945, following the discharge from the service at the conclusion of World War II, comrades Elroy Wilm and John Egofske Sr., a charter member of Waukesha Post 721, decided that New Berlin should have its own VFW Post. In preliminary efforts they obtained 12 members.
In January, 1946, the post was chartered with a membership of 40 veterans from New Berlin, Muskego, Big Bend and Vernon. The post was named in honor of three residents who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom:
Lt. Gerald A. Hoeppner
Staff Sergeant William R. Horn
Sergeant Benjamin A. Horn
Lieutenant Hoeppner, the first New Berlin serviceman to die in World War II, was killed by a sniper’s bullet in Luxembourg on November 25, 1944.
The Horn brothers lived in Muskego from 1923 until they entered the service. Sergeant William Horn was killed in Luxembourg, Germany on February 19, 1945. Sergeant Benjamin Horn was killed in Italy on April 18, 1945.
The post was organized to honor all servicemen and service women, to aid veterans in time of need and to support the community through volunteer work. Our facilities are made available for use by various organizations. Our ball fields and sports area support recreational activities of the community.
It is difficult for someone who has not served to understand the degree of comradeship and the common bond of service and sacrifice that exists among veterans who gave years of their lives to serve, defend and fight for freedom and our way of life.
The post originally met in the old Town Hall which was located near National Avenue and Casper Drive. Elroy Wilm was elected Charter Commander and served from 1946-1948.
In 1947, the post purchased the 16 acres of ground where the VFW now stands. Members built a 10’ x 20’ refreshment stand which at times also served as the meeting hall.
In 1947, the Women’s Auxiliary of Post 5716 was organized with Miss Marion Egofske as president. The current president of the women’s auxiliary is Jackie Hermann. The Auxiliary is an active and dynamic part of the post.
In 1948, Ralph Sharping was elected Post Commander. Commander Sharping was instrumental in organizing and sponsoring teams and caring for the ball fields. When he died in 1975, the athletic field was named “Ralph Sharping Memorial Field” in appreciation
for his work and dedication.
In 1953, construction of the clubhouse began. Post members Johnny Egofske, Merrill Hull and Ken Buetow were the contractors. Except for the block walls, post members did all the work. Building then measured 30’ x 40’.
In 1957, the Post and eight other organizations joined to form the New Berlin Fourth of July Commission. The July 4th celebration was held on the post grounds until the New Berlin Parks and Recreation Department assumed responsibility for this event.
In the 1960s, the upper and lower halls of the building were added. The post provides a fraternal and civic gathering place where groups can meet to satisfy patriotic, educational, historical and recreational needs.
Post meeting facilities have been used for gatherings of the New Berlin JCs, 4-H Club, Prospect Hill Lions, New Berlin Athletics Association, the New Berlin Community Band, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sno-Hawks, high school groups, social events and public hearings. Fund-raising activities for Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, the Muskego Health Fund, an American Field Services Fund and the traditional Buddy Poppy Program are also supported by the Post.
The Post lends wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, bedside tables and hospital beds to New Berlin shut-ins and handicapped, free of charge. Achievement awards are presented to deserving people and donations are made to various nonprofit organizations.
The Post Honor Guard participates in parades, celebrations, and funerals for veterans, and the Post sponsors the annual Patriotic Citizens Day, awarding flags and citations to persons nominated.
The Post’s Memorial Hall holds many special memories for its members: weddings, dances, parties, times of camaraderie, of years in service and of those no longer with us.
We welcome all eligible veterans to join our family and become active members of Hoeppner-Horn Bros VFW Post 5716. For eligibility, click here.