CAMDENTON, Mo. — Camdenton’s VFW has put out a call for help, as the post faces the daunting task of finishing its new facility.
The building is partly complete, but the combination of contractor problems and unexpected expenses has left the VFW stranded, and in need of cash to help finish the project.
“For years, this VFW post has been trying to open a lounge, but it never happened,” said Post Surgeon and Iraq veteran Keith Lucas.
Post Commander and Afghanistan veteran Ross Reinhart added, “We all agreed that we needed a new building but not just a bar. We need a place that we could have events.”
The post moved forward with that idea, hiring Smith Commercial Construction & Drafting as the general contractor for the project. A foundation was poured, walls began to go up, but post leadership saw work was slowing down, and new costs were springing up.
“We fired our General Contractor who started the project, due to the building being 2 months past the initial opening date and our budget is $100,000 over what it should be at this point,” Reinhart stated.
But the post doesn’t have the option of simply sitting on its hands or pausing the project indefinitely. Reinhart said, “Our old building and all of the land is tied up in this building. If we do not get the money to get it opened to make revenue then we will lose everything. Our post will shut down.”
It’s a tough spot for the VFW. Reinhart pointed to the hard numbers: “We need to raise $600,000 to finish the building.”
That number is to complete the facility, but Reinhart says the plan is to open it in three phases, as the funds come in:
First, the canteen (bar) will open, to create a revenue source. Revenue from the bar would be put back into finishing the building (after paying operation expenses).
Second, a family-friendly, military-themed landmark restaurant would open to the community. (“We need military pictures, decor, etc. So if [anyone has] stuff in a box in the attic, we want it,” Lucas said.)
Finally, the VFW would open its event/community center.
To raise the needed funds, the VFW has launched Operation Help, and is planning a community event on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be entertainment, games, bounce houses and an auction, along with tours of the new building as it currently stands.
Individuals and businesses can also donate online or learn more at helplakeveterans.org and donations can be mailed to the post, VFW Post 5923 PO Box 407, Camdenton. The post is a 501(c)19 and donations are tax deductible; donation receipts are available upon request.
Why VFW?
Reinhart and Lucas agree that the VFW historically has not done a great job of communicating its purpose and value to the community.
“It’s not just your grandpa’s VFW anymore,” Reinhart said.
Not just your grandfather's VFW. Afghanistan Veteran Ross Reinhart, left, and Iraq Veteran Keith Lucas get ready to watch the NFL draft at the Camdenton VFW Post No. 5923 bar on Wednesday, May 8, 2014.
The local post is multigenerational, with Korean War vets alongside soldiers who served in Afghanistan. VFW leaders work to connect those groups—with the aim of helping those who served recently and may be experiencing PTSD. Older veterans can understand those struggles in unique ways, Reinhart and Lucas say.
Community veterans’ organizations are seeing a changing of the guard: with fewer WWII and Vietnam vets around, those who served in more recent wars are stepping into positions of leadership. The post’s current leadership — the three main officers — are all under the age of 40. And they all have school-aged children.
Even beyond its service to veterans, the VFW is a presence in the community: raising money for local classrooms, honoring local teachers, and helping needy families at Christmas.
But now, the Camdenton VFW is in need, and its leaders are hoping the community will lend a hand.
Reinhart ended, "We need donations. We need sponsors for our events. We need people to come forward and help. We need more members, all eras...males and females.”
Lucas added, “Come back, members that gave up. Come help, eligible veterans that want to help."
