SPOKANE, Wash. — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 received a new paint job that transformed the building from beige to patriotic colors.
The renovation started Saturday morning and will continue for several weeks. It marks the first major exterior update to the building in over 100 years.
“I wanted to repaint it, to give the community a fresh look at who we are and what we do,” said Wes Anderson, commander of VFW Post 51 and Vietnam War veteran.
Anderson led months of fundraising efforts to make the project happen. The work includes complete repainting and restoration.
“It is a building our members of the post can be proud of,” Anderson said.
Post 51 is the oldest VFW post in Washington, established in 1915. The organization has served as a way for veterans to connect for over a century.
“It is a place where I can come and relax. And I know if I say something, they are either going to laugh at it or throw me out of the place,” said Butch Bishop, a post member who served in the Marine Corps.
Bishop said what makes the place special is simple: “It’s the comradeship, plain and simple, that is just what it is.”
Bouten Construction, Ace Hardware and other local businesses provided free supplies and labor. Post members donated around $1,000.
Anderson said seeing the transformation means a lot to him. “It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like we’re accomplishing something… Make the community aware of who we are.”
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