Time is running out for the General Jesse M. Lee VFW Post 1550 in Greencastle.
Earlier this month, Commander Mark A. Rogers wrote a letter to the community highlighting the post had been a part of the community for over 80 years, but noted that a lack of veteran participation and community support over the last several years has brought about the decision to close the doors at the end of June.
Rogers said Post 1550 has struggled financially for several years for several reasons.
"We have struggled financially for several years now, mostly due to facility costs from inefficient and outdated equipment. Secondly, member participation has really fallen off over the years, we still have over 200 members and almost 150 auxiliary. After writing letters to members, a social media campaign, and our winter markets, this did not energize the members or the community. We have realized that we cannot continue with a brick and mortar organization," Rogers told The Putnam County Post.
As for what's next, Rogers said the VFW has voted to sell the property and reinvest the funds in a potential scholarship for veterans and their children as well as finding somewhere in Putnam County to build a smaller post that is "more efficient and sustainable."
"The active members will still work in the community on VFW projects," Rogers said.
Despite the closure of the doors at the end of June, Rogers says there is still plenty veterans and the community can do to show support.
"We all stood shoulder to shoulder to fight for a cause we believed in, right, wrong or indifferent. We need to remember it's not just a bar club. Our mission is to help fellow veterans in need because we have a common bond, raise veteran issue awareness in the community and be an organization that gives back to the community. We can all work together to better our community, through programs like clothe a child or supporting the homeless and needy families in the area. Putnam County has a long history of military support that reaches all the way back to the civil war, it would be great to see that come back again," Rogers said.
