The Sawmill Brewery in Merrill, is hosting a “Brats for Vets” fundraiser on July 18 from 4-6 p.m. with music from Tom Jordan. 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 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 wellness room, fitness center, eight offices, four meeting rooms, an education center, 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.”