VFW Post 76 Restoration Support Event

We’ve build from scratch, now let’s help the VFW76 restore of the beauty of their facility. The VFW 76 “Oldest VFW in Texas” is located in a home on the Riverwalk that was completed in 1904 (according to their website). It had the Petty family in it for many years, and the VFW moved in 1948. This Victorian style home, at one time, had 17 rooms, 5 fireplaces and 2 kitchens. Over the years, the owners did lots of modifications, some good and some not-so-good. The current leadership has plans to restore much of the original woodworking (covered by layers of paint), as well as numerous other projects. A year ago, Platoon 1 of Mission Continues had a social in one of the upstairs rooms, and a bunch of us got to talking about seeing what we could to do assist the VFW if they were interested in restoring this beautiful old building. In mid-December, I had a very fruitful meeting with Mr. Albert Mireles, the current Post Commander, Mr. Johnny Ornelaz, current Post Vice-Commander and Mr. Rick Zamora, an old friend from UTSA and the Building Committee Project Manager. They explained many of their long term plans for the facility and I offered to organize/lead a group of Mission Continues volunteers in assisting them. One of their early projects is to open up the front room on the first floor, by knocking out several walls. This will open up the staircase, which has a gorgeous stained glass window and chandelier, to view from the front door. This staircase, except for the risers, is full of beautiful wood trim that has been covered by layers and layers of paint… Also, on the second floor the front room, which opens out onto the deck, is full of tall windows, doors and floor trim that are covered by these same layers of paint. This project is different in that it will not be done in a single trip, or even two. What I envision is an ongoing work group that meets every week on Wednesday evenings to make progress on this massive project. Our first efforts will be to focus on the staircase, then the front room, then the hallway. The ladies bathroom, on the second floor, needs a lot of work… You get my drift. Mr. Zamora is also looking for volunteers with construction experience – I have NO IDEA what anyone’s experience is, so please indicate it when you sign up. I would like to start in January 2016, when the post is closed anyway for 2 months. Sign up at and be prepared for fun, hard work and the pride with returning an old beauty to some of her former glory! Dawn Roberson, 1st Platoon, Mission Continues

Type

Support Event

What To Wear

Mission Continues Blue Shirt, Long Pants, Close Toe Shoes

What to Bring

Work gloves if you have them

Inclement Weather

Inside event