Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
For far too long, the local Craig Valley VFW Post #4491 was in desperate need of both a new heating system and air conditioning system. Thanks to a collective effort from the community that is no longer the case.
Many Craig County residents donated so the VFW Post could afford an updated heating and air conditioning system. Several people extended their professional help, especially Hunter Cunningham with Spartan Heating and Air.
The following were recently installed: mini-split units in the large meeting hall, a split unit for the small front meeting room as well as the kitchen.
VFW members said they are very happy and beyond appreciative for the gesture. Post Commander Billy Lee said, “We don’t have to cut wood to heat in the winter, and we can now stay cool in the summer. Anyone wishing to donate wood can bring it to the Post or call, and they will pick it up.”
Much appreciation goes to: Cunningham and Spartan Heating and Air, Danny Kendall, Kenneth Looney, Joanna Rock, Crossroads Church, Craig County Community Church, Robert Falsone, Minnie Guthrie, John Green, James Arkenbout, Betty Hughes, Jim Cady, Glen Taylor, Billy Elmore, Dorcus Martin, Pete Hutchison, Mildred Humphreys, George Marklin, Linda Lee, Jeanne Guthrie, Lloyd Huffman and Wesley St. Clair.
A special recognition was awarded to Gary Wright and Adams Construction Company for their continued support to the VFW Post #4491, and everything that they do for Craig County as a whole.
“Gary and Adams Construction Company have donated to our heating/AC and our water projects for a couple of years,” Lee said. “He has also helped in our community with the Field of Dreams and in paving the high school parking lots.”
Lee also noted that Wright recently donated a Ruger 10-22 22 long rifle to the VFW to raffle off at the Craig County Fall Festival this year. “Ruger made one Trump rifle for each County in the USA when Trump won the Presidency, and Gary Wright gave us the one from Craig County,” he said.
Wright’s plaque read: “To Adams Construction from Craig Valley VFW Post #4491 for your continuing support.”
The note on the eagle read: “Recognizing Gary Wright for your continued support and help to Craig Valley VFW Post #4491.”
This new addition will add a favorable attraction to the future rentals for the VFW. For anyone interested in renting their facility for a function, it is only $75 per day (with trash taken away by the renter) or $100 (if the VFW disposes of the collected trash). The facility has several tables and chairs that are available with the rental and a full kitchen.
The VFW will be hosting a cookout for the high school football team and coaches in August which they are excited about. Also, the VFW will be serving their famous annual fish dinner on Saturday, August 18. Tickets will be on sale soon.
The Annual Veterans and Active Duty Military HONOR dinner will be on Sunday, November 11, at 1 p.m.
Current fundraisers include a raffle of a 55-inch TV and the one of a kind Ruger one Trump 22 long Rifle. Rifle tickets are $5 each while TV tickets run for $2 each or six for $10.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at Pine Top, Helms Hardware, Carpers Quick Mart, Orange Market and at the upcoming Fall Festival on Saturday, October 13. Contact Billy Lee at 540-864-6169 for more information.
Post members added, “We wish to add a big thank-you to the people of Craig County for all your support for our VFW!”
