Celebrating 25 years for the local VFW post were, from left, Vice Commander Al Shattuck, Judge Advocate Department of Arizona Bob Hysco, Mayor Linda Kavanagh and Post Commander Boe James.
Right now it’s just a dirt lot, but the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post has big plans for the property.
While two other veterans’ groups here have local home posts, the VFW plans to launch a capital fundraising program this fall to build its own home.
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Local VFW marks 25 years
Celebrating 25 years for the local VFW post were, from left, Vice Commander Al Shattuck, Judge Advocate Department of Arizona Bob Hysco, Mayor Linda Kavanagh and Post Commander Boe James.
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By Mike Scharnow, Times Editor
Right now it’s just a dirt lot, but the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post has big plans for the property.
While two other veterans’ groups here have local home posts, the VFW plans to launch a capital fundraising program this fall to build its own home.
Current VFW Post 7507 Commander Boe James emphasizes that the organization also wants its facility to serve as a veterans “community center” open to all former military personnel.
The group recently conducted a ceremony on its vacant lot off Palisades Blvd., adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce building, to mark its 25th anniversary of being in Fountain Hills.
Some 39 individuals have their names on the post’s official charter, dated Feb. 15, 1988.
Two of those charter members are still in the local VFW – Howard Asher and Norman Butler.
“Many say that the most important part of a building is the foundation,” said Mayor Linda Kavanagh at the ceremony.
“Well, I beg to differ – it’s the ground it stands upon…
“Today is the start of something big. I look forward to seeing your vision of the future.
“You are just one part of a great nation made free by many.”
Bob Hysco, judge advocate for the VFW Department of Arizona, congratulated the Fountain Hills post on its many accomplishments over the past quarter of a century.
“You’ve worked hard over the last 25 years to get this property,” he said.
“You have excellent fundraisers. Community service remains your main priority. I know you will continue to do that because you’ve done it all these years.
“Sometimes having your own building can interfere with that, but I know you won’t let that happen. You help out all the VFW programs and you do so much in the community for veterans and others.
“The VFW has a long history and tradition of helping veterans, and you are to be commended for your service.”
James said the future VFW home will be a community center where all veterans will be free to come and relax and enjoy themselves.
“Having our own home will allow us to do our missions better,” James told everyone. “That’s what we’re striving for.”
The site was then dedicated as the future VFW post home and veterans community center.
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