VFW Post 8463 to hold open house and dinner Saturday
VFW Harney Point Post 8463 in Cape Coral will hold an Open House and dinner Saturday from 4-6 p.m. to encourage the public to come out and learn more about what they do while enjoying a delicious Italian-style meal.
Membership opportunities are available as a veteran of foreign war, or auxiliary member-having served, but not overseas, or being blood related to a veteran – are available.
Dues vary depending on time served, which you can inquire about at the event.
“This is such a great organization, people don’t always realize how much we do for our veteran community,” said Harney Point Post volunteer, Kat Dycus. “We’re geared towards the men and women who have served. The camaraderie and understanding amongst our members is amazing. It can be an emotional thing. I see such companionship.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars members slogan, “No One Does More for Veterans,” is demonstrated through fundraising and charitable donations.
The non-profit group helps Cape Coral Charities, Kiwanis, local VA homeless vets, Toys for Tots, Gold Star Mothers, provides veterans Sunday breakfast, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and many more organizations.
They even provide education grants to local Eagle Scouts.
Their auxiliary group’s slogan is “Unwavering support for uncommon heroes,” the two together, celebrates years of tradition, community service and veteran family service.
Their purpose is to speed rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans’ widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities.
“Our group is very involved with homeless veterans,” said Dycus. “We collect money for them, along with supplies such as blankets and clothes, everything is donated to charity.”
Harney Point Post has a service officer for veterans to guide them through VA housing, disability and all veteran services.
The meal will be prepared by Dycus, as she was a chef for 30-plus years, in their large banquet facility that is also available for functions such as weddings, showers, etc.
They have live entertainment nearly five nights a week, said Dycus, and are geared towards the now younger generation of veterans.
“We’re a friendly, younger VFW,” she said.
The facility also has a bar, or, “canteen,” an outdoor patio, dance floor, stage, full kitchen, free parking and can house up to 200 people.
Members consist of veterans from across all spectrums of the military, with Commander Bill Brennan, an Army and Vietnam veteran, at the helm.
For Dycus, she belongs to honor her father, an World War II Army veteran in his own right, and believes that even if you did not serve yourself, becoming an auxiliary member to commemorate a family member is important, and something she certainly cherishes.
“I’m so proud of what I do for them, and who we help,” she said.
Harney Point also offers a full-service Honor Guard to fallen veterans, complete will 21-gun salute.
“The Honor Guard impacts a lot of people,” said Dycus, a part of the Honor Guard. “It helps families with the grieving of a lost family member.”
“Get to the point,” is the group’s witty catch phrase, welcoming all veterans who wish to be part of their family.
Admission to the dinner is $5.
VFW Harney Point Post 8463 is at 4709 SE 11th Place in Cape Coral.
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