Martin Osterholtz VFW Post 9417

The Martin-Osterholtz VFW Post 9417 in Gold Bar, Washington was established on May 9, 1947, just two years after the end of World War II. Twenty-six local veterans came together to create a place where former service members could maintain the camaraderie and brotherhood they experienced during wartime while continuing to serve their community at home. Originally meeting at the Gold Bar Elementary School before constructing the current post building on 3rd Street, the organization became a lasting part of the Sky Valley community.

The post was named in honor of two local Gold Star soldiers who lost their lives during World War II: Second Lieutenant Frederick G. Osterholtz and Sergeant Turner Martin. Osterholtz served with the U.S. Army’s 218th Field Artillery Battalion in Papua New Guinea, where he was killed in action in 1943 during heavy fighting against Japanese forces. Turner Martin, a member of the Skykomish and Muckleshoot communities, served with the 76th Infantry Division and was killed in Germany in 1945 during the Allied push through the Siegfried Line. Their names continue to serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by members of the small mountain community during wartime.

Over the decades, the Martin-Osterholtz VFW Post and Auxiliary have supported veterans, military families, youth programs, memorial events, and community gatherings throughout the valley. The post also became internationally recognized in 2018 when members helped return a World War II Japanese Yosegaki Hinomaru “Good Luck Flag” to the family of fallen Japanese soldier Masamoto Abe. The emotional repatriation effort became a powerful symbol of reconciliation, remembrance, and humanity across generations once divided by war.

Today, the Martin-Osterholtz VFW Post 9417 remains both a memorial to local sacrifice and an active gathering place where veterans continue serving the Sky Valley community.