VFW Post 4227 in Toledo, Oregon, has long supported the surrounding community in a multitude of ways. One of its most unique outlets of support involves the sponsorship of two youth shotgun shooting teams.
With plenty of land and understanding neighbors, the post has its own Trap shooting range that the youth shooting teams utilize. The mild weather of the Oregon coast also allows for year-round operation, and the trap range is open to both VFW members and the public.
Reese Warfield holds up his Reserve Champion and High Point awards on June 15 at the Albany Rifle & Pistol and Trap Clubs in Albany, Oregon. VFW Post 4227 in Toledo, Oregon, assisted Warfield by providing their Post shooting ground as a place for the young marksman to practice.Marine veteran and Post 4227 Adjutant and Quartermaster Mike Petersen, an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer, ensures the safe conduct of all shooting activities allowing for a great environment for everyone.
The Post has served as the training location and sponsored the shotgun shooting teams representing the local chapter of the Oregon 4-H program and a team from the nearby Eddyville Charter High School for seventeen years. Students in both programs have their own team coach with the Post providing the range for all their practicing, storage for all equipment and expert instruction.
VFW support has translated into success as both teams earned awards at two different Oregon state championship events in June.
“This is a great accomplishment for both the fine young students and the veterans at the Post," Post Commander Jim Buisman said.
On June 15, 12 members of the Newport 4-H Program team participated in the Albany Rifle & Pistol and Trap Clubs for the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Championship. Eighth grade student Reese Warfield earned medals for both the Trap High Point and Reserve Champion.
On June 27 in Bend, Ore., amid challenging weather, students from Eddyville Charter School showed off their skills at the USA Clay Target State Championship. Despite strong winds and occasional rain showers, a total of seven members qualified for the follow-on National level competition.
Three of these seven, Josh Brown, Reese Warfield and Carter Bortan made all-state level. Bortan also took second place in the overall Varsity level competition. As a testament to her practice at Post 4227, Kate Huhn distinguished herself by taking third place in the Female Novice category, having only taken up the sport a few months ago.
Edited for style and length, this article was written by Andrew Dembosk, VFW Post 4227. This article is featured in the 2026 July issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.