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MISSION: Hastings VFW Post 1210 is a nonprofit 501c (19) organization established in 1929. We are dedicated to the support of United States military, Veterans, their families, and our local community. We foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. We serve our Veterans, the military, and our community.

OUR VISION: Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

OUR CORE VALUES: – Always put the interests of our members first – Treat donors as partners in our cause – Promote patriotism – Honor military service – Ensure the care of veterans and their families – Serve our community – Promote a positive image of the VFW – Respect the diversity of veteran opinions – end In gathering information for the story, members were throwing their stories out rapid fire. One such story stood out about how the VFW helped them with benefits they had know idea were available to them. This member had hearing damage from combat, and it was something he thought he just had to live with. That was not the case. The VFW helped get him in contact with people at the VA Hospital. There, not only did the doctors work to help improve his hearing situation and his overall health, but they also guided him through the process of collecting damages for his lost hearing.

One thing is apparent, the current members of the VFW share a common bond that many do not, and that bond gives them the gift of support. They support each other with their weekly visits, they support the community with their hard work and the funds they raise. The VFW is a large community partner supporting many organizations in town, in fact, more than 50 percent of the funds they raise stay right here in Hastings. Something the VFW is very proud of. What does the VFW do for the community?

• VFW Post 1210 ensures proper military honors are given at the funerals of our departed local veterans

• Co-host community Memorial and Veterans Day events

• Provide Color Guards for local events

• Provide Volunteer Services and Bingo to the Minnesota Veterans Home, Hastings • Provide U.S. Flag retirement services within the community

• Ensure the placement of US Flags at each local Veterans grave site during Memorial Day

• Award graduating high school seniors with scholarships each year, 5 x $1500 = $7,500.

• Sponsor numerous youth activities such as a baseball team, a hockey team, the VFW Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy Programs

• Decorate the Veterans Memorial at Levee Park with Wreaths every Holiday Season and for the Annual Holiday Hoopla

• Additionally, they have provide monetary support to numerous other local and area charitable organizations and other activities such as the United Way of Hastings, Hastings Family Services, Quilts of Valor, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, United Heroes League, the Military Vehicle and Arms Museum of Minnesota in Hastings, the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, the Dakota County Technical College Service Lounge, Hastings Community Halloween Party and Hastings High School’s All Night Graduation Party and many others!

How does the VFW fundraise? The most recognizable piece of fundraising they do is Poppy Sales through the auxiliary. They have also maintained their charitable gambling via pull tabs at the Depot Bar. Along with the pull tabs, they run meat raffles on Saturdays in the fall and winter also at the De- pot. The difficulty with charitable gambling is proceeds from that cannot be used for rent, utilities, building improvements or supplies. That means they need to rely on other sources to pay for those things. They do receive minimal income from membership dues, but with the declining and aging membership, that may not be enough to sustain them for the future without the addition of new members. That is where you, the reader, come in.

As stated above, this wonderful community and veteran resource can be kept alive and well with an influx of new members, both Auxiliary and Veteran. Of course, donations are always welcome. The Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 has not hit the point of no return. It is not even close, but to preserve the legacy of an organization that is approaching 100 years in operation, every action taken now can build it back stronger for generations of Hastings residents to benefit from.

For membership information or to donate visit www.vfw.org, call the VFW at 651-422-0348 or email [email protected] They are also open on Wednesday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Another great way you can support not only the VFW, but a local business is on Veterans Day. This year, Spiral Brewery is chipping in with a Tap Take Over. Visit Spiral Brewery on Veterans Day, November 11th, from 5-9 p.m. For every beer they sell, they will make a donation to the VFW Post 1210.