Contrary to what many may think, several activities hosted by the VFW are available to anyone who would like to attend. As it’s commonly referred to, the VFW is one of those organizations that contribute to the small-town vibe that so many love about the Tri-Community. Poker nights, Taco Tuesday, Pool & Horseshoe Tournaments, Swapmeets, and Friday Night Steak Dinners are some of those activities that give the VFW its uniqueness.
Recently the VFW has undergone some significant renovations, primarily funded through fundraisers, membership donations, and a generous grant from Home Depot. Starting on the outside, they have improved the parking lot with gravel, leading up to the front of the building, where they have several accessible parking spaces atop a concrete slab for easy access. They have also upgraded the hall’s interior with new carpet, lights, remodeled bathrooms, and built, from the ground up, a full-service kitchen. The new kitchen allows them to serve even more meals during their “meal” nights and increases the appeal of those who may wish to rent out the hall for their next event.
Something is going on almost every day during the week at the VFW for either guests or members to enjoy.
Mondays are Poker Night from 6-8 pm. Try your hand, no pun intended, at poker without having to travel to Vegas. It’s a great time, and you’ll be among friends as you rake in your winnings at this great local event. Buy-in is only $2.00, so you won’t break the bank if you happen to be the one not raking in the winnings.
Every other Tuesday, the VFW hosts Taco Tuesday, where they serve up “yummy” pork, beef, or chicken tacos for just $1.50 each. Fill your belly with as many tacos as you can eat. A popular dish in the Tri-Community, with several restaurants offering a Taco Tuesday, means that you can still enjoy Taco Tuesday on the off weeks when the VFW is not serving. Maybe even start a Tri-Community Taco Tuesday Blog. The next Taco Tuesday at the VFW will be on August 24, 2021.
On Wednesdays at the VFW, it’s Pool Night. Pull out your pool cue and show off your skills from 6-8 pm. Pretend your Minnesota Fats as you attempt to become the one to beat at next week’s tournament. There is a $5.00 buy-in.
On August 14, 2021, the VFW will be hosting their monthly swapmeet beginning at 7:00 am. A relatively new addition to the VFW lineup, the monthly swapmeets are becoming a popular event. Sellers are always welcome; give the VFW a call for more information. A horseshoe tournament will follow the swapmeet, starting at noon.
One of the best steaks in the Tri-Community that nobody knows about comes from the VFW. It’s no secret anymore! By far, the most popular weekly event held at the VFW is their Friday Night Steak Dinners. Dinners come with salad, baked potato, vegetables, and dessert. Meals are served to order and always with a smile. It’s a great place to gather with friends to enjoy a great meal and relax and catch up. You’re sure to see somebody you know because it’s the place to be on Friday nights in Phelan. Dinner is served from 5-7 pm, and Steak dinners currently cost $18.00. There are other options available, a different one each week. The options are a rib dinner for $16 on August 13, 2021, fish & chips for $12.00 on August 20, 2021, and pork chops for $12.00 on August 27, 2021. Additionally, the VFW offers a vegetarian dinner.
The VFW is also looking for new and returning members. All veterans who have served in a foreign war and their family members are eligible for VFW membership. It’s essential to keep this organization strong as they support local veterans and support veterans programs, and give back to the community with patriotic donations. They offer many activities such as horseshoes, pool tournaments, Friday Night Dinners, corn hole tournaments. If you don’t see an activity you like, then you can join and start one yourself.
VFW Posts are often thought of as “just a place to drink. This is not so at the Tri-Community VFW. They are a family-oriented group and encourage youth to participate in many of their activities and ceremonies throughout the year.
The member of the VFW would like everyone to know that veterans are not just a bunch of “old men.” The VFW is an active organization of WW II, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans working to improve their community, serve our veterans, and show their pride in our country. VFW Post 9415 is a service organization and non-profit organized under charter to the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.
For more information on any VFW events or to become a member of the VFW, give them a call at 760-868-1999, check out their Facebook page at “Tri-Community-VFW-Post-9415,” or stop by the VFW Hall located at 4892 Neilson Road in Phelan. Just look for the big tank.
