 The name change was announced by Michelle Ramlow and Gus Otto, both
members of the Lincoln VFW.They wanted to make it clear that
although changes are beginning at the building, the Lincoln VFW
chapter is still
alive and well in Lincoln. Ramlow is the current commander of the
VFW, the first woman to be elected at the Lincoln post, and Otto is
a lifetime VFW member. The two are part of a committee known as Vets
11 that is now responsible for the day-to-day operations as voted on
by the VFW members.
Ramlow and Otto explained that the Vets 11 membership includes
VFW members, VFW Auxiliary members, as well as the Marine Corps
League and nonmembers of the post. The committee members also are
investors, with the group planning to change the fortunes of the
post, which has been facing economic hardships for several years.
The pair said the reason for the name change is part of a
concerted effort to change the image of the VFW into a new one,
where the community will want to use the facility for their special
events.
"A VFW should be a place where veterans are taken care of that
also offers a community service," Ramlow said.
She noted that the community's exceptional support in a
fundraiser two years ago helped get the VFW out from under dire
financial straits, but once everything was caught up, the hall began
to struggle once again.
"There wasn't a business plan. And you have to run this as a
business," Otto added.
There has already been one
significant change within the building. Christine and Wes Fuchs have
opened the Bunker Bar and Grill in the basement.
The couple totally reworked the basement with fresh paint and new
tables and chairs. The theme of the interior is perfect for the
building, displaying pictures and memorabilia that reflect the
sacrifices of our servicemen and women.
But that is only the beginning for the Vets 11.
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Plans are being formed for the upstairs hall to be refurbished as
well. Otto said the mismatched rectangular tables and old chairs
will be replaced with more friendly round tables and new chairs. The
upstairs will also see fresh paint and other wall and floor
treatments to bring it to the point that the community will want to
have special events at the center. The old, unattractive bar will
also be history.
"We want to make this a premier place where people will want to
have their special events," Ramlow said.
The committee also plans to actively seek additional funds to
help the center grow. Right now, a shed built and donated by Ken
Harnacke is being raffled off at a dollar a chance or six for $5.
Tickets can be purchased at the center, with the drawing to be held
on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The committee plans to have several more fundraisers, and Ramlow
said the community will be kept abreast of them as plans are
solidified. Both Ramlow and Otto envision that long-term, the new
center will be able to not only get back on firm financial footing,
but will also be able to help other organizations in the community
in some way with their fundraising projects.
[By
MIKE FAK]
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