VFW Auxiliary trying to improve life for Vets in Talkeetna, across the nation

Last weekend the VFW Men’s Auxiliary held a charity event to raise money for Veterans projects. It was only the latest in a long effort to help people in the community and nation-wide, and as a way to thank veterans for their service. The VFW Men’s Auxiliary recently helped community members do repairs on for a Talkeetna vet.

About 64 people attended the Old Time Saloon night at the VFW last week. Patrons could play a variety of games, including hold’em, five card stud, black jack, cribbage, darts, and 9 ball, while a three-piece band of local musicians played tunes all night. It was a charity event to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior project, who help veterans with prosthetic limbs live active lifestyles.Leonard Horner helped organize Old Saloon Night. It was just the latest in a series of events to raise funds for veterans projects. The VFW Men’s Auxiliary has sold hamburgers and hot dogs through the foot ball season, and just this year had raised several thousand dollars for veterans projects.

Horner also helped organize a work party to help insulate the floor of Bob Johnson’s home, which was built by members of the community several years ago after Johnson’s home burned down in 2009. He says Johnson had been cold lately in his house, so he went to take a look.

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After organizing a work party of community members, the VFW and the Talkeetna Bachelor society helped pay for some materials, and Horner covered some of the costs himself. Rodney Huey helped with the work, and when he got to Johnson’s house that morning, he found Horner already under the building looking at the insulation.

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So they wrapped the house with the insulation board and re-fastened the vapor barrier to improve heat retention. Horner says he was inspired to give Johnson a hand based on how he was raised.

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Chris Hardon was on hand for the work party to help insulate Johnson’s floor. He says that being willing to pitch in is what makes this community strong

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The Men’s Auxiliary continues to look for ways to support veterans in the Northern Susitna Valley.