John Metzger is a Legacy Life Member of VFW Post 2671 and has been a member of the American Legion Post 280 for more than 30 years. 

John was a Chaplain’s Assistant who served two years in the US Army which included a tour in Vietnam from January of 1969 until January of 1970.

Along with American Legion and the VFW, John is also a Lifetime Member of the D.A.V. His other memberships include the West Frankfort Moose, the Benton Eagles, and the Benton Boneyard Boccie Club.

John served as Commander of the VFW District 15, Department of Illinois, from 2003-2005. The District earned All State Honors once in that two year period.

John currently serves at the Youth Activities Director for the Department of Illinois VFW.

He has attended the VFW National Conventions in Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Reno, Phoenix, Las Vegas, St. Louis, and Louisville. John also attended the Washington DC Legislative Conference in March of 2006.

John has served as Director of the District 15 Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen programs for more than 15 years. He has also served as the Director for the VFW District 15 Golf Scramble for the past 12 years.

John serves his community by being on the Illinois Association of School Boards.

In 2017 he was selected as Citizen of the Year for the Benton/West City Chamber of Commerce.