Our History

Heyde-Pillow VFW Post 1301 was organized in 1934 when a group of veterans from Williamson County met with the purpose of organizing a Post. The name Heyde-Pillow was chosen for the post in memory of Albert D. Heyde and Earl H. Pillow.

Heyde was the son of George C. and Jennie Heyde. He was married to Vanolo Haverporth. Heyde enlisted in the Army on April 23, 1917, in Omaha, Nebraska and went overseas June 1, 1917. He was attached to Company L, 16th Infantry, 1st Division and fought in the battles of Bethlemont, Rambecourt and Cantigny. He was wounded in the battle of Cantigny and died in a first aid hospital.

Pillow was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Pillow. He enlisted in the Army on April 29, 1918 and was attached to Company M, 311 Infantry. Pillow attained the rank of corporal and fought in the battles of Arras and St. Mihiel. He was wounded while leading his crew in routing a machine gun nest at Grand Prix in the Argonne Forest and was carried from the field to a base hospital in Vichy, France where he died on November 25, 1918.

The national organization of the VFW granted a charter to Heyde-Pillow Post 1301 on March 25, 1934. On October 22, 1964, the officers purchased 30-plus acres where the Post is now located. Ground was broken August 8, 1977. The Post is located about two miles north of New Illinos Route 13 just east of Illinois 37.

(L-R) Dick Sheer, Dale Heltsley, Mark Heltsley

Located at our Post is a memorial wall formed through the efforts of a committee made up Vietnam veterans.

We are a not-for-profit organization that supports most local and county organizations. Our Ritual Team handles over 100 funerals for veterans annually. Flags are put on the graves of veterans at local cemeteries prior to Memorial Day.

Post 1301's civic programs include flag dedications, donations to youth sports and games and programs at the grade school. The Post sponsors the Voice of Democracy essay contest for students and aslo holds a poppy sale to help disable veterans.

Our Post donates to several organizations both locally and county-wide. Recently, we donated $8,000 to the Marion Police and Fire Departments, the Johnston City Police and Fire Departments, the Williamson County States Attorney's Office and the Williamson County Fire Protection District.

Our veterans participate in civic parades and every year we have a cookout at the Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center for the veterans there. We also provide monthly entertainment for the veterans at the V.A., including bingo, other games and food.