Many of you have, or will be enjoying the company of your family members as we all celebrate Thanksgiving. What about those brave men and woman that are currently serving our Country in hostile areas overseas? I hope that you will stop for a minute and offer your thoughts and prayers for their healthy and safe return. Take one more step with me if you will to talk about who cares for our military after they return to civilian life? The Veterans Administration cares for our Vets as far as the budget will allow. But where do those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan go to be with people that understand what they have gone through?
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) halls sprang up all around the Country in the early 1900’s. Finally our returning Vets had a place to go to talk, socialize, or ask for help in coping. The Guilford VFW Hall was a laundry mat in the 1930’s and the trolley passed by right on Mill Road. It has had two additions to get it to the footprint it occupies today. What many don’t know is that it operates almost exclusively on the income of the rental of the hall. No money comes from the federal government… None! Not surprisingly, VFW Halls are closing their doors permanently at alarming rates all over the Country.
Guilford VFW Commander and lifetime Guilford resident Larry Santamaria approached me three years ago asking my building advise. The boilers were on their last legs, there were many leaks, lots or rot, and NO building insulation. After a long hard look at the building, we decided to start a movement to tear down the existing building and rebuild a new one in its place- For free to the Veterans! You can read much more about this project at http://www.shorelineoutandabout.com/demo/groups/rebuild-the-guilford-vfw-hall-at-no-cost-to-the-veterans
What we need most right now is money and the fundraising continues. Donations can be made at any time to the Guilford VFW- New Building Fund PO Box 173 Guilford, CT 06437. You may also go to www.guilfordvfw.com and donate through PayPal. If you are a tradesperson willing to donate some time, a materials supplier willing to help, or just want to stay informed of news and event; call or email me your contact information. We are a long way from our goal, but the need and desire to start this project gets stronger every year. If you are making year end tax exempt donations, please consider the Guilford VFW.
In future columns I will be discussing Residential burglary/ fire alarms, why everyone should have them, Can I make my basement into living space, and Finished Flooring Types. Please email questions or suggestions for future articles to sspurrell@nbict.us
Neighborhood Builders, Inc (NBI) has been building and remodeling on the shoreline since 1986. No job is too big or too small. Please call Stephen Spurrell at 203-453-3777. Connecticut Home Improvement #522685 New Home #8
Please tell your friends to get Out and About!
Related posts:
- Shoreline Cares: November, A Month Of Giving
- Ct Small Businesses Host “Operation Home For The Holidays” November 14 th Fundraiser
- Matt Scott And Ed Talk About VetsFest 2010 On WTNH’s Good Morning Connecticut
- Connecticut Sports Foundation
- VetsFest 2010
