VFW post recognizes pawn shop's support

CRESTVIEW — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview recognized a local company for its support of projects benefiting local veterans.

The organization presented a thank-you gift to Bryce Jeter of Dan's Discount Jewelry and Pawn Sept. 1 at the store for its donation of a $500 Dan's Pawn gift card.

"We used (the gift card) as a fundraiser. We raffled it off in order to use the money towards veterans programs, and we also do scholarships and post improvements," Warren Wiedemann, the post's 2017-18 commander, said.

Post 5450 provides many services to its 400-plus members and their families, as well as the community.

They include:

•providing meals to veterans in need

•sending care packages to deployed members

•information gathering and dissemination for projects serving area veterans; for instance, alerting members to a Veterans Administration program of free Walgreens flu shots for enrolled vets

•securing funding for meals, building upkeep and medical provisions

•hosting fundraisers for area residents in need

"We work mostly off donations. When the average needs arise is when we do whatever we can to help," Wiedemann said.

In November of 2016, the organization won a Home Depot remodeling grant. Store employees and VFW members worked to replace ceiling tiles and fans, doors and air conditioning units, landscaped the lot, and painted the building inside and out. They also added a recreation space outdoors where members could socialize.

The post is located at 2240 West James Lee Blvd. W. in Crestview.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview has burger nights every Friday at a cost of $8 per plate, with a 1/3-pound burger and homemade French fries. Proceeds benefit the post.

You may also call 682-5552 to make a donation.

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VFW post recognizes pawn shop's support