Edward J. Kearns Memorial Post 6024, draws members throughout Saddleback Valley located in South Orange County. Cities include Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza, Trabuco Canyon, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Foothill Ranch. About VFW Edward J. Kearns Memorial Post 6024 (est. 1987):
Edward Joseph Kearns was a resident of Mission Viejo, inspired to establish a VFW Post for the local veterans. Edward Kearns was born February 1921 in Long Island, NY. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and reported to Naval Station Norfolk for training followed by reassignment to the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard. When WWII began, he was stationed at Naval Air Base Reykjavik, Iceland. He returned home briefly and married Rose Ekmanian before being transferred to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Kearns was assigned to the USS McDougal (DD-358) and became part of the Pacific Fifth Fleet commanded by Admiral Turner. The USS McDougal was a heavily armed flagship, part of Destroyer Squadron 9, assigned to protect transport ships and provide artillery fire with friendly forces on shore. The USS McDougal was also part of Task Force 58 as a destroyer es**rt at the Battle of Saipan during the invasion of the Marianas Islands. During this battle the Japanese incurred heavy losses including 428 aircraft, 4 submarines, 6 destroyers, 2 cruisers and 3 aircraft carriers. The ship was decorated with four battle stars. The USS McDougal also participated in the Liberation of the Philippines. Kearns was honorably discharged in 1962 as Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC). He then worked for 20 years at the Inglewood Post Office as a route processor. After retiring in 1980, he moved to Mission Viejo, where he became active in community affairs. He helped lay the groundwork for the creation of the Mission Viejo Library and in 1987 established VFW Post 6024. Ed Kearns passed away in 1995. In 1996, Post 6024 voted to adopt his name in honor of the man and his memory. VFW Post 6024 continues the legacy started by Edward Kearns and the Saddleback Valley pioneers. We thank them for their service and commitment. Feel free to contact us for membership information! Website:
https://vfwpost6024.org/home
Mailing address:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6024
P.O. Box 4457
Mission Viejo, CA 92690-4457
