About
The VFW was established to assist veterans. Our mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts and to serve our veterans, the military and our communities and advocate on behalf of all veterans. The purposes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States are fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their surviving spouses and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States Post 1649 Santa Barbara,Ca Welcomes You
Help your local VFW make a difference in the lives of those who served in your community today and donate.
At the Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States Post 1649, the wellbeing and respect for those who have served is at the forefront of what we’re working together towards. Our programs and activities are designed to be a catalyst that helps the local veterans in the community. Learn more about the positive impact we have on both the veterans and the community and join us in helping those who have served the country to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy.
Farewell to a Local Hero
John Suzuki
It is with great sadness and humility that we say goodbye to our Post Service Officer, Korean War Combat Veteran and friend John Suzuki. May you take your seat in the Hall Of Heroes until we regroup again. Our freedom today is due in no small part to your service and sacrifice as a member of the United States Army. We are forever grateful to you John.
A Celebration of John Suzuki's Life with Military Honors will be held on June 20th at the Veterans Memorial Building at 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd beginning at 12 noon until 3:00 pm
Latest Stories
VFW Post 1649 Firing Team renders Honors for US Air Force Veteran during Memorial at the Santa Barbara Elks Club on Oct 27, 2018
VFW Post 1649 Recognizes Local Business Jedlicka's Saddlery with Award
Santa Barbara VFW Post 1649 presented Josiah Jenkins and Jedlicka's Saddlery with the Patriotic Citizens Award for their devotion to displaying the American Flag daily at all of their stores.
Veterans Day Remembrance
Santa Barbara Cemetery
November 11, 2019 10:00 AM
Come and join family and friends as we remember those who served in our nations Armed Forces. On this day we strive to honor Veterans who are living and those who have sacrificed and who now wait for us who are left behind to regroup one day. May they never be forgotten.
Sponsored by the VFW Post 1649 Santa Barbara,Ca and the PCVF
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Wendy Church and Wanda Cota of Post 1649 Ladies Auxiliary help to keep the 2019 Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade watchers fed and hydrated.
Award is given to VFW Post 1649
The 2019 Service Award is presented to Santa Barbara VFW Post 1649 on behalf of the local Sea Cadets. The award was accepted by Post Commander Church and Wendy Church of the VFW Post 1649 Auxilliary
VFW Sponsored Annual Events
You Can Make a Difference
Partner with Us
Volunteer Your Time
Upcoming Events
- Sat, Aug 24Jedlicka's Saddlery
Our Projects
Support Services
Assistance to the Local VA Clinic of Santa Barbara
The VFW Post 1649 supports the local VA Clinic in Santa Barbara by providing Bus Tokens free of charge to Veterans in need of transportation to and from medical appointments who have no means of their own to travel as well as coffee and utensils for use with refreshments and snacks.
Education & Outreach
Making a difference in the future by focusing on the youth.
VFW Post 1649 veterans volunteer to speak to students at local schools about what it means to serve your country. The Post also sponsors local students who compete in District, State and national VFW contests such as The Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen. Winners are given awards and a stipend and the school is recognized for their support.
VFW Post Honor Guard and Firing Party
Doing What’s Needed
VFW Post 1649 volunteers attend funerals for veterans of all branches of service. The Post has an Honor Guard and a Firing Party that is all volunteer to render honors to the deceased if requested by the family. "We that remain must never forget"
News & Views
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Military Honors rendered by VFW Post 1649 during the funeral for local veteran US Army First Sergeant Jack Calderon
On behalf of a grateful nation and your brothers and sisters.....Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Until we regroup brother.....rest easy
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News & Views
Latest Stories

The Voice Of Democracy Essay Contest City of Santa Barbara SMHS Student, Principle and School recognized by VFW Post 1649
In January 2019 the Santa Barbara VFW Post 1649 awarded a local student with a Certificate of Merit, Medal for the VOD (The Voice Of Democracy) , a VFW Challenge Coin and a Medallion for placing first among the area schools in the VFW's VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY CONTEST.
San Marcos High School Student wins First Place in VFW Essay Contest
The Commander Jacobs and Vice Commander Church present SMHS Student "Izzy" with a Certificate of Recognition, Commemorative Plaque, Voice of Democracy Medal and Medallion, Flag Desk Set, VFW Challenge Coin as well as a Check for $200 for her First Place winning essay on the importance of voting as a US Citizen.


The VFW Auxiliary also presented the local student "Izzy" with a Certificate of Recognition for her first place winning essay.
VFW Auxiliary President Wendy Church presents Certificate of Recognition to the Essay Winner for the City of Santa Barbara
News & Views
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VFW Post 1649 Volunteers to lay wreaths at local cemetery
Wreaths Across America TM
VFW Post 1649 Supports UCSB ROTC
Annual Support of the UCSB ROTC "Surfrider Battalion" throughout the year as well as with Incoming Class Ceremonies and Graduating Class Ceremonies recognizing the students
"Freedom is never free"
VFW Store
Patriotism Is Back In Style!
Click on the Link above and visit the VFW Store and show your colors with pride! We have Hats, Shirts, Flags , Coffee Mugs and other Gifts for the Distinguished Veteran of Foreign Wars of the United States

VFW Post 1649 Officers
Jonathan Church
Commander
Dieter Dupont
Vice Commander
Fredrick Cota
Junior Vice Commander
Pablo Paredes
Quartermaster
Coby Dillard
Chaplain
Gary Jacobs
Judge Advocate
Stefan Landfried
Surgeon
Mark Thies
Adjutant
John Suzuki
Service Officer
Trustees
Ed Montanez
Michael Conroy
Carlos Flores