On April 14, The Northwoods Veterans Post will be hosting “Bowling Thunder,” a fundraising event at Les and Jims Lincoln Lanes in Merrill. The cost is $20 per person or $25 the day of the event. Register online at ventbrite/bowlingthunder, or in person at the VFW Post 1638 or Les and Jims Lincoln Lanes. All proceeds benefit the construction of a new Northwoods Veterans Post.
The building will be located on the corner of Sixth Street and Johnson Street and will serve the eight essential service organizations which include the local VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. With the help of contributions from the community and local grants, they hope to raise $2.8 million. Church Mutual donated the 4.3 acres of land which will house the new 14,376 square foot building. Other donors include the B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation, American Legion Post 46, VFW Post 1638, Weathershield, and Rock 94.7. One hundred percent of the donations will go towards this project.
The current VFW building, built in 1904, has escalating maintenance, repairs, and utility costs, has limited accessibility to veterans with disabilities and is unable to provide the needed support of aging veterans. The amenities in the new building will include a medical room, weight room, eight offices, four meeting rooms, a computer lab, kitchen, storage building, volleyball courts, and access to hiking, biking, ATV and snowmobile trails.
“Our Veterans deserve so much more,” said John Rathke, Post Commander. “Our goal is to be the destination of choice for veterans, but we need the support from everyone in the community. In honor of a Veteran, you can purchase a service tag, support medallion, or glass brick or make a tax-deductible monetary gift. Our Veterans deserve an adequate facility and a special place of honor to call home. Help us help them.”