Lowcountry VFW post keeps veterans connected as it marks 50 years

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms is helping former service members stay connected while continuing to serve the veteran community.

Post Commander Cayton Johnson, who grew up on Isle of Palms, served in the Army for 22 years and was deployed six times. He said the bonds formed in the military can last long after service members take off the uniform.

After high school, Johnson attended West Point and began an Army career in aviation, flying Apache helicopters. He also met his wife, a fellow Army officer, during his time in the service.

In 2007, Johnson and his co-pilot were shot down south of Baghdad while serving as part of the surge forces in Iraq.

“Our aircraft took fire, and we weren’t able to keep flight,” Johnson said. “We had to figure out a way to get on the ground because the aircraft was coming apart.”

Both survived.

“Fortunately, my co-pilot and I walked away from it,” he said. “Not necessarily unscathed, but no acute injuries that we had to worry about at that time.”

Johnson continued his mission during that deployment and served until retiring in 2021. Today, he leads the post dubbed the “Post on the Coast.”

The post provides a way for veterans to maintain their connections and advocate for their community.

“Additionally, we work with legislators to advocate for veteran movements or veteran bills that might be benefiting the veteran community,” he said.

Johnson says the post also has scholarship programs for the youth. Post members also donate and fundraise for different veteran support organizations.

The post’s charter was signed in 1976. Its members and their guests will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 14.