(Uncasville-WTNH, Sept. 20, 2006 7:50 PM) _ The VFW's new National Commmander wants to ban smoking in all the organization's halls and that had veterans in the state talking.
- by News Channel 8's Tina Detelj
The veterans we talked to say they fought for the right to smoke and make their own decisions and they do not want to see that change.
If you remember, VFW halls and other private clubs were among the only places people could have a drink and smoke after the state's new smoking law was implemented.
They have been congregating here for years, telling war stories and smoking but that could all change if smoking is banned at this VFW hall.
Marie Meziere, Uncasville VFW Post, says,"They come here to have a beer, to socialize, and have a cigarette."
Meziere says the veterans at the VFW Post in Uncasville are not too happy with the new National Commander's proposal to make VFW posts smoke free. Many here and at the post in Taftville are from generations when smoking was accepted and even encouraged through ads.
George Bousquet, post commander, says,"When I was in Korea they used to give us cigarettes."
Bousquet is a Korean War veteran and the commander of the Taftville Post. He says this type of change would not come without a fight.
Andy Pearson, Uncasville VFW Post, says,"They want to come in and have a cigarette and drink. They should be able to. They're the ones who paid the dues for all this to begin with."
Charles Muscarella does not smoke but feels his fellow veterans have the right to.
Muscarella says,"I did my time and that's the way it should be and that's the way I feel and I won't change my opinion."
The National Commander cannot force the posts to do anything, he can only lay out his vision and hope others see it his way.
Bousquet says,"The commander had said maybe put a separate room for smokers. Are you gonna put a bar out there too?"
The National Commander says he wants to make posts more family friendly so he is not only talking no smoking he is also talking cyber cafe and child care.
He wants posts to be seen as more than bars.
The National Commander has simply layed out his proposal. He does not have the power to force VFW posts to follow his plan.
They are private and make their own decisions.