By Sandy Meyer
While we as a nation celebrate those who gave their life for their country in May and thank the veterans who fought for us in November, what some don’t know is that while those veterans may not be serving their country anymore, many are still serving their community. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8108 in Riverview is one such example.
“The misconception about us is that we are just a bar where old folks drink and tell sea stories,” said Craig Stinson, Post 8108’s Commander. “It is that,” he laughed, “but we do a lot out in the community that people aren’t aware of.”
Recently one of the VFW members needed yard work and maintenance done to his house. The elderly man known as “Smiley” lives alone and is a WWII veteran. Members from Post 8108 stepped up and cleaned up his yard and rebuilt his bathroom floor which had completely rotted away and become a danger. They also take him breakfasts and dinners. “No Man Left Behind” is a motto that Post 8108 follows to the end.
In addition to being involved in service projects to help veterans in need, the post offers an all-you-can-eat breakfast every Sunday from 9 a.m.–12 Noon for $7. It also offers a 12-14 ounce New York Strip steak dinner with baked potato and salad every second Saturday of the month from 5-7 p.m. for $10 in advance or $12 at the door. These events are open to the public and are family friendly. Funds raised go to a Relief Fund which is set aside to help veterans in need like Smiley.
“These funds are monies that we keep restricted to only be used for that,” said Post Commander Steve Spears.
Post 8108 is also currently collecting DVD’s, books and puzzles for veterans. These items can be dropped off to the post which is open seven days a week.
To find out more about how to contribute to the VFW, visit www.vfw.org. For a schedule of events or to join the local Riverview post located at 7504 Riverview Dr., call 671-9845 or visit www.facebook.com/VFWFL8108/.
