‘We’re a million dollar post’: Abilene VFW recognized for community involvement

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – Abilene VFW Post 6873 recently returned from the Texas VFW State meeting at which it was designated an All-State and All-American post for its members community involvement and charity. Post Senior Vice Commander Mackie Crossan said it was a proud moment to see Abilene held up as a standard of generosity around the state.

“There’s nothing better than sitting in front of every Veteran that’s involved with this organization in the State… And hearing your name called for your post. And the work that post did. It wasn’t just me; it was this post that did it,” said Crossan.

While VFWs are known for offering meals, events, and services to local Veterans of foreign wars, many of them are very involved in their communities. This post hosts events such as live music, game nights, BBQ, and the ever-popular bingo, bringing in roughly $1,000,000 a year, 70% of which Crossan says goes right back into the community.

“We retain nothing. We’re volunteers, and we work for our Veterans and the community,” Crossan said.

The more than one thousand members of the fourth largest post in the state are directly responsible for the actions taken and decide which non-profits, Veteran resources, and youth outreach programs receive donations. All activity is decided through member voting.

The members elect to give a lot each year, but not for nothing. The members, non-member Veterans, and those just passing through all receive fellowship and camaraderie, which at times can mean a whole lot to a Veteran in need.

“We actually had one gentleman come in, and he was really down in the dumps. He’d come down to have a beer, and he had one bullet, and he was gonna use it… He just sat down, and somebody struck up a conversation with him…They all sat around and shot the bull… to this day, he’s still got his bullet, but he’s still here with us,” shared Crossan.

That person’s simple decision to stop by the post changed the trajectory of his life thanks to the involved and caring members of the post. Crossan said much of their outreach is focused on suicide prevention and mental health services. Even training their members in healthy ways of communicating with their peers about the topic.

“We help every Veteran in every way that we possibly can right here at this post,” Crossan said.

Veterans invest in themselves, each other, and the community; their generosity, much like their doors, open to all.

“It’s for everybody. The young, the old. It’s for everybody,” Crossan said.

The post is always looking for new members, as well as friends and family, to enjoy its events. Upcoming plans include a car show on Saturday, July 27th, and BBQ ribs night this Friday, July 19th.

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