By Hanna Singh
After months of dedicated fundraising efforts within the Ruston community, the VFW Post 3615 of Ruston is excited to break ground at their new home as members of the VFW ceremoniously turned over dirt at 200 Memorial Drive in Ruston, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
VFW members and community gathered to celebrate the site of the future building and the successful raising of the funds to build it.
After meeting at the firehouse for several years, the VFW needed a new permanent location to conduct their meetings and events. To fund their new building and furnish it, members and local businesses collaborated on a raffle selling $10 tickets for a cooking trailer. VFW Post Commander Jordan Holmes expressed his appreciation for securing a location to begin construction on the new post.
“We’re glad to have a home. We haven’t had a home in a long time, with all our stuff in storage buildings and garages,” Holmes said. “We’re really thankful for all that the Lincoln Parish community has done to help with the raffle and everything.”
The VFW provides many services for the Lincoln Parish community, from putting up flags for holidays to providing scholarships to local schools. Public Works Director John Freeman explained the importance of a permanent location for the VFW and its impact on the community.
“The new post is the location where the veterans, the VFW post and the Auxiliary can come together for comradery and to plan community events. It will allow them to continue their service to the community,” said Freeman. “It’s a place for them to come and share as well as a place for them to finally call home.”
With the new post location established, the VFW Post 3615 can continue to provide invaluable support for veterans and residents of Lincoln Parish, while also offering a gathering space for events. The VFW looks forward to seeing the progress of the new building in the upcoming months.
