Last Updated: Thursday, January 3, 2008 10:31 AM CST
Local VFW supporting the community through bingo proceeds
by Michael Skubal - Daily News Staff - mskubal@rhinelanderdailynews.com
It's groups like the VFW that make the local world go around. You've got to wonder some days how those in need get enough food, how veterans can afford a stay at Camp American Legion or how Habitat for Humanity ever gets a house built.
The Ray Rousseau chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is part of the answer. On New Year's Day they made donations ranging from $100 to $500 to a number of local organizations.
Mike Perry, Commander, wanted to make sure everyone knew the VFW was helping local groups.
“The money we donate comes from our Bingo proceeds,” said Perry. “Our Quartermaster, Ralph Larson, gets a lot of credit. We send packages to service personnel overseas, Tara Zarm helps us with access to names.”
Most of the members of the VFW are veterans of World War II. Over 1200 vets from that conflict die each day. Locally, the VFW colorguard, the only active colorguard in the area, played for more than 20 funerals last year. The group is always looking for new members. Most members of the National Guard that have served in Afghanistan and Iraq are eligible.
The Rhinelander VFW is the only one in the nation with three generations of the same family active in the service organization, the Hill family. The donations announced New Year's Day included $500 each to the two food pantries in town and $225 to the Military Support Group.
Donations of $100 were made to the Salvation Army, Camp American Legion, Toys for Tots, the Rhinelander Historical Museum, WXPR, The Alzheimer Association, the Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence, Camp Tesomas, the Rhinelander Area Girl Scouts, the Rhinelander Area Campfire, The Table at St. Augustine's, the 4H of Oneida County, Downtown Rhinelander Incorporated, The Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, the Rhinelander Ice Association and the Bessemer 4th of July.
How can you help? Stop in for Bingo on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:15. The VFW Club Rooms are at 120 West Park Street, behind Print-Pack.
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The VFW handed out checks on New Year’s Day. Left to right are VFW Commander Mike Perry, Lynn Feldman of the Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence, Quartermaster Ralph Larson of the VFW, Ralph Staus of the Emergency Food Pantry, Bob Ayles of the Rhinelander Ice Association, Ken Williams of the VFW, George Baker, Tri-County Coordinator for Vilas, Oneida and Forest Counties, and Guy Hansen of the Rhinelander Food Bank.
Michael Skubal/Daily News
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