American Legion, VFW posts prepare for revenue loss during partial shutdown

It’s the last day to gather in groups at restaurants and bars, with new coronavirus restrictions starting at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. Veterans’ service organizations are preparing for a challenging four weeks.

“A lot of people don’t have a place to go and this is it for them so we’re just praying we get through,” Kelly Kunza-Pierce, the Roseville VFW Post 7555 club manager, said.

Signs are posted throughout the restaurant and bar area reminding members to practice social distancing, avoid congregating at the bar and use hand sanitizer.

They’re still recovering from the last shutdown. This time, however, she said they’re better prepared.

“We were watching [the numbers] rise and we were like, ‘We need to do something this time, we need some kind of revenue,’” she said.

They are selling merchandise once again as a fundraiser.

In a change from the spring, they’ll also be keeping their kitchen open during the four-week partial shutdown. Curbside pick-up will be available Monday through Friday from noon until 8 p.m. Menus will be posted on their Facebook page.

“I’m just trying to get the word out that we’re doing curbside to-go,” she said. “We’re doing comfort food for everybody."

Kunza-Pierce hopes it will also help keep them connected. She’s most worried about those veterans or family members who live alone. Some have also lost loved ones during the pandemic.

“A lot of the members here think of us as their family,” she said. “I’m praying we can reopen after this. I want us to still be here especially for the members of the club. We need to have a place for them to come.”

The Minnesota American Legion is also expecting challenges with the new restrictions.

“I have talked to several Legion family members, they’re sort of scrambling right now to figure it all out but especially bars and restaurants, they’ll be losing much-needed revenue,” said State Commander Mark Dvorak. “The revenue isn’t just needed to keep the building afloat but certainly to fund all of our various programs in the American Legion for our veterans, our children, youth.”

He said American Legion posts also experienced setbacks during the pandemic. On Friday, Dvorak learned that three buildings are now up for sale because those posts were unable to rebound from the spring shutdown.

He expects others may not reopen after these four weeks.

“I think that’s pretty much a fact,” Dvorak said. “We’ve had some reopen that are struggling, we’ve had others that have not been able to afford to open.”

They’ve made difficult choices this year as an organization, including canceling summer baseball. Dvorak called the decision “devastating.”

“That was one of the toughest decisions we had to make,” he said.

They have also adapted during the pandemic by hosting blood drives and COVID testing events at Legion buildings. They’ve started wearing masks while volunteering and conducting meetings over Zoom.

According to Dvorak, they are still planning the Oratoricle Contest.

“We’re still trying to figure out how we can still do that through Zoom or whatever to avoid the in-person contact,” he said. “Veterans are flexible, they figure it out and they get it done. We will do that in the next few months, absolutely.”

Even though American Legion posts may have fewer hours over the next month, there will still be services available. Dvorak said veterans can reach out to the Department Service Officer through their website for help.

“If we all work together, we will get through this and we’ll be stronger for it,” he said.

Kunza-Pierce said they will also work to continue to support veterans during this time.

“We’re here for you, you served us and we want to serve you,” she said.

The Roseville VFW Post will be accepting Toys for Tots donations through Dec. 13. Anyone can drop off a new, unwrapped toy by calling 651-483-5313 when they arrive at the Post.