VFW Post in Three Points Undergoes Urgent Recovery After Fire

UPDATE: Recovery efforts are underway at VFW Post 10254 in Three Points, Arizona, as veterans and community members work tirelessly to rebuild after a devastating fire earlier this month. The fire, which occurred in early September 2023, destroyed much of the interior, but a committed team of volunteers is determined to restore this vital community hub.

“There was no definite decision on what the origin of the fire is,” stated Morgan McHose, an Army veteran and quartermaster for VFW Post 10254. “It wasn’t anything nefarious such as arson or a failure of a piece of our equipment.” The sounds of hammers and saws resonate as they embark on a deconstruction phase expected to last two to three weeks.

The effort to salvage and rebuild is fueled by a strong sense of community. “It’s gonna take a long time,” McHose acknowledged, “but we’re going to rebuild it better.” The team is removing walls, ceilings, and smoke-damaged equipment, including recent improvements that were “really heartbreaking” to dismantle.

Despite the destruction, some items have been salvaged, including glass plates. Chuck Murdock, a two-year member and 30-year Army veteran, emphasized the importance of the VFW as a community gathering place. “So if you want to get together and socialize… this is a great place,” he noted. “There’s always something going on, so it really builds community.”

The veterans are not just focusing on the immediate cleanup; they are thinking long-term about the reconstruction. “We’ve gotta think long-term,” Murdock said. “Every penny we can save by doing some of the work ourselves is a good thing.” McHose aims to have the facility operational again within six to nine months, stating, “We’re resilient and we’re stubborn, so we’ll make it happen.”

Insurance is covering most of the reconstruction costs, but the post is actively seeking volunteers to assist with the deconstruction efforts. Interested individuals can join the team at 10111 S. Sasabe Road, typically available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Support has poured in from the community, with McHose expressing gratitude for donations received from across the state and beyond. “We’ve had other VFW organizations that have heard about our plight sending money in,” he said. “The American Legion has been a huge support as well.”

Additionally, local AMVETS have been organizing fundraisers every few weeks to aid the VFW Post 10254. “They don’t have to go out of their way to help us, but they do,” McHose expressed, emphasizing the humbling nature of the community’s support.

Once operational, McHose assures the funds will not only benefit the VFW but will also be reinvested back into the community by hosting various events. For more information on how to help or to volunteer, visit the VFW Post 10254 Facebook page.

As recovery efforts continue, the spirit of resilience and community shines bright at VFW Post 10254, proving that together, they can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever.