UPDATE: Recovery efforts are in full swing at VFW Post 10254 in Three Points, Arizona, following a devastating fire that ravaged the building’s interior in early September. Volunteers, including veterans and community members, are urgently working to deconstruct the damaged facility, determined to rebuild it better than before.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation, with Morgan McHose, an Army veteran and quartermaster for VFW Post 10254, stating, “There was no definite decision on what the origin of the fire is. So it wasn’t anything nefarious such as arson or a failure of a piece of our equipment.” The sounds of hammers and saws fill the air as they remove walls, ceilings, and equipment marred by smoke and fire.
McHose estimates that this deconstruction phase will last at least two to three more weeks, as the team works to salvage whatever they can. “It’s gonna take a long time. We’re taking down everything inside you can imagine,” he explained. The emotional toll is clear, with McHose noting that they are losing improvements made over the past few years. “However, we’re gonna rebuild it better so we’ll get through this.”
The VFW Post has served as a vital community hub for nearly 50 years, hosting social events like Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fridays. Chuck Murdock, a member since 2021, expressed his disappointment at the destruction but emphasized the importance of the space. “It’s a great place to get together and build community,” he said.
McHose hopes to have the facility operational again within six to nine months. “We’re resilient and we’re stubborn, so yeah we’re going to make it happen,” he stated confidently. Most reconstruction costs will be covered by insurance, but local support has poured in, including donations from across the state and from VFW organizations nationwide.
The VFW Post is actively seeking volunteers for the deconstruction efforts. McHose invites anyone interested to join. They are typically on-site at 10111 S. Sasabe Road from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays. “We’ve had people mailing in donations throughout the state and out of state,” he noted, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming community support.
Local organizations, including the American Legion and AMVETS, have also stepped up, conducting fundraisers every few weeks to assist the VFW Post. “They don’t have to go out of their way to help us, but they are,” McHose said. “It’s very humbling to get all the support from local veterans.”
As recovery efforts continue, McHose assures the community that the funds raised will benefit not just the VFW, but also the community once operations resume. For those wanting to help, visit the VFW Post 10254 Facebook page for more information.
The resilience and unity of the community shine through as the VFW Post 10254 embarks on this challenging journey toward recovery. The determination to rebuild is palpable, ensuring that this vital hub will rise again, stronger than ever.
