KVOE News file photo.
Six years ago, members of VFW Post 1980 considered selling the building at 932 Graphic Arts to offset financial woes dating back to 2014. That conversation ended with the building still under post control.
Now, with a combination of factors — money included — a sale of the building can’t be avoided.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Tuesday, Post Commander Phil Sickler says the building is beyond the post’s ability to pay for repairs, and there has been a change in membership dynamics over time. However, there are also lingering effects after different employee tax documents were apparently — and inadvertently — not filed with the Internal Revenue Service as needed between 2014 and 2018.
Sickler says the building sale comes as the post works to regain its nonprofit status, but that process is lengthy and hasn’t resolved yet.
With everything in mind, Sickler says there will be a formal vote of post membership at 6 pm May 13 at the post. All members are encouraged to attend and participate. Following that meeting, there will be a Memorial Day farewell event from 3 pm to dark May 26. Having said that, Sickler says the building may be sold but the post will remain active in the area. He also says the VFW Post 7957 and American Legion Post 5 are willing to help as needed as the transition continues.
Residents wanting to support Post 1980 during the transition are asked to call 620-342-9864 or email vfw1980@gmail.com.
