Leaving his Legacy at the VFW, Bob Oehmen Bleeds Red, White and Blue

There are several permanent fixtures at the in Tinley Park. There are the flagpoles, the monument, a bar, oh … and then there's Robert "Bob" Oehmen.

A World War II veteran, the 88-year-old has been volunteering at the post for 41 years. The unsung hero sat down with Tinley Park Patch last week to talk about his service and life thereafter. He was part of a U.S. Army anti-aircraft artillery unit from 1943 to 1946, he said.

"I served in the Pacific with McArthur," he said. "When McArthur went to liberate Manilla, he said 'I shall return.' I was with that group. I have seen enough action to make anyone squirm. There were a few shells that went right over my head. I've seen enough hell … More than I wanted to."

Oehmen raised five children and worked one full-time and two part-time jobs to do it, he said. It was when they grew up that he joined Tinley's VFW Bremen Post 2791, where he started out as a bar manager. He's been at the helm of several positions there over the years, he said, but today is the director of special events — often coordinating essay contests and graduation presentations.

"These things keep me going," he said.

Oehmen reached last week for a large blue book. Holding it close to him, he explained that it's one of eight he's compiled for the VFW—a feat he's been recognized for on a state level. As he opened it, he proudly showed photographs and newspaper clippings of the post's activities for the year.

While he talked, fellow veterans would often pop in to say hello. One in particular, Tinley resident Cliff Pappas, stopped and pointed in Oehmen's direction.

"If it wasn't for Bob, I wouldn't be in the post," he said, setting down a box he was carrying.

Pappas is now the junior vice commander at the VFW, he said, and volunteers as much as Oehmen did when he held the position.

"This is an all-volunteer job," Pappas said. "I just do it. I've been here every day for the past two weeks. … Bob is like a brother to me. He served and I served now we're very involved in the community."

When you meet Oehmen, you have a friend for life, others said. He commonly makes handmade cards for people on their birthdays and last year sent out more than 400 Christmas cards.

"I make my own Christmas cards, birthday cards, condolence cards, you name it," he said. " … It's kind of a personal deal, it doesn't take me long. When you're writing out the card, you're thinking about the person; maybe about some of the things in life you shared with them. This year I sent several hundred cards out and got 192 replies. I used to tape them up all over my house, but nobody came over to see them."

This year, he bought a large album to put them in, he said.

"Now when I get down, I open up the album and read the notes in the cards," he said. "It keeps my spirits up. I always like to remember people."

And he meets many of those people through activities at the post. Oehmen's wife, Charlene, also volunteers there, as she's been married to him for 41 years.

"I have volunteered here for 39," she said, adding that she typically works in the kitchen. … We are all getting older, so we could use more (help) …"

Oehmen spent 37 straight years going to the post every day, he said. Today, he doesn't drive and can't walk without assistance. But he bleeds red, white and blue.  

"I like the Veterans," he said. "I feel like I'm doing an important job taking care of all my friends and their families. I live and I'll die doing this. I love it. It's in my blood, I can't get it out."

The Bremen Post 2791 is on Facebook. If you would like to send Bob a card or send a 'Thank You' to any other veteran at the VFW post 2791, drop off or mail to VFW 17147 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477 or call 708-532-2333.