By Bruce Karnick

The 2nd Street Depot is the name on the building that once belonged to the Hastings chapter of the VFW. Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 is the official chapter name, and yes Hastings, they are still here. They sold the bar in 2008 and moved their operations to the small mall near Coborn’s. 275 West 33rd is the current address. That sale was done to allow the smaller chapter to focus on helping the community and veterans instead of running a bar.

But what is the VFW? Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW is a nationwide organization built around supporting veterans and their communities. Hastings is fortunate to have two organizations in town with similar ties to the military, The Hastings American Legion. Yes, the American Legion is not just a bar, much like the VFW was not just a bar. Both are organizations built of military members. The primary difference is, to be a member of the VFW, you must have served in a recognized war, campaign or expedition on foreign soil or hostile waters. To join the Legion, you must have served federal active duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces after December Seventh, 1941. The VFW was established in 1899 and the Hastings Chapter was established in 1929, a legacy the current members are working hard to preserve.

The difference in membership requirements means the VFW has a smaller pool of people to gain members from. Nationally, as the members of the VFW age, they are losing members at an alarming rate. If you or anyone you know are Veterans that could be eligible to join, please do so or encourage them to do so. The VFW is an important organization that does a lot of the Hastings community and its Veterans. Even if you do not meet the requirements to be part of the VFW, there is an option to join the VFW Auxiliary. To join the Auxiliary, you only need to be a direct relative of someone who served, they do not need to be members of the VFW.

What is the local chapter about? The following is from their press release.

See VFW Page 3

The Hastings VFW moved from the downtown location in 2008 to the mall by Coborn’s. It’s current location is 275 33rd St West. Inset – The current VFW board. Left to right: Jim Murtaugh, Jeff Duvela, Rich Hullander, Mark Gehlhar, Commander Kevin Kehn, Paul Ollmann, Lou Plevell.

Photo by Bruce Karnick

From Page 1

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.