The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 992 in Walla Walla, Washington, stands as a beacon of service, camaraderie, and dedication to our nation’s veterans. Beyond its mission, the post proudly bears the name of a local hero, Walter Grant Farmer, whose sacrifice and legacy continue to inspire our community.

Walter Grant Farmer was born on December 5, 1896, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Walter and Mary Farmer. Seeking new opportunities, his family moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where Walter grew up deeply connected to his community. His father worked diligently as a farmer, instilling in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and service to others.

When the United States entered World War I, Walter Grant Farmer answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He demonstrated extraordinary courage in some of the war’s most pivotal battles. During the fierce fighting at Chateau-Thierry, he was exposed to gas attacks, which left him severely ill. After recovering over three months, he returned to the front lines in the Blanc Mont sector. There, during a brutal engagement, Walter was wounded by machine gun fire. Despite receiving medical care, he succumbed to his injuries 19 days later, on October 22, 1918, in France. He was only 21 years old.

The young Marine’s body was returned to his hometown three years later, arriving in Walla Walla in late December of 1921. On January 10, 1922, he was interred at Mountain View Cemetery with full military honors. The local community gathered to honor his service and sacrifice. His grave stands as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who serve. You can find more details about his final resting place on his Find a Grave page.

In honor of his sacrifice, VFW Post 992 was named the Grant Farmer Post. This naming not only memorializes his courage but also symbolizes the commitment of our local veterans to uphold the same values he embodied: service, sacrifice, and community.

Recently, while undertaking an extensive clean-up and reorganization at the post, volunteers uncovered a long-forgotten treasure tucked away in a dusty corner of the storage room—a single photograph of Walter Grant Farmer. The photo had been hastily stored and overlooked for decades, yet it now stands as a powerful link to our past and a reminder of the legacy we are entrusted to preserve.

Recognizing the importance of this discovery, copies of the photograph have been made, and conversations with the Fort Walla Walla Museum are underway to ensure Walter Grant Farmer’s story and sacrifice are appropriately honored and remembered for future generations. This discovery has rekindled our commitment to restoring the post as a cornerstone of support and pride for veterans and the community alike.

Since its founding, the Grant Farmer Post 992 has been a pillar of support for veterans and their families in the Walla Walla area. From providing resources to fostering camaraderie among service members, the post continues to carry forward Walter Grant Farmer’s legacy by ensuring that no veteran’s sacrifice is forgotten, and no veteran’s need goes unmet.

As our community continues to grow and evolve, we invite all members to learn about Walter Grant Farmer and reflect on the values he represents. By doing so, we honor not only his memory but also the countless others who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Let us come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of service and to support our veterans, who are the backbone of this great country.

Walter Grant Farmer’s story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of those who serve. VFW Post 992 stands proudly in his name, a living tribute to his legacy and a commitment to carrying his torch of service forward. Together, let us ensure that his story continues to inspire future generations.