Sharpsburg, Pa. – The Sharpsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 709 is confronting a double financial blow after the state’s recent ban on skill‑games and damage from a fire that gutted part of its facility.
Revenue gone, community programs at risk
Cmdr. Nate Griscom, the post’s commander, explained that the removal of six popular skill‑games – a source of steady profit for the organization – has sharply cut the VFW’s ability to fund its long‑standing charitable contributions. “The profit from that was ultimately what we gave back to the community, our donations to the fire department, police stations, the different churches around here. It helped fund the Memorial Day parade that we have down in this area every year,” Griscom said.
Without that income stream, the post has turned to pull‑tab ticket machines as a replacement revenue source. While the machines generate some cash, Griscom admits they are “not as profitable” as the skill‑games once were.
Fire damage adds to the challenge
Compounding the financial strain, a recent fire caused extensive smoke and structural damage inside the VFW hall. “The smoke was over chest height, and it just took the complete area out,” Griscom described, sharing photos of the charred interior. He also identified the point of origin, noting that the fire began in a specific section of the building.
Despite the setback, the post’s members rallied to repair the damage, and a grand reopening ceremony was held over the past weekend. The event marked a hopeful step toward restoring the VFW’s role as a hub for veterans and the broader Sharpsburg community.
Broader impact on veterans’ groups statewide
The challenges faced by Sharpsburg’s VFW are not isolated. The Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association reported that several American Legion posts and other VFW clubs across the Commonwealth are struggling to stay afloat after the skill‑game ban. Michael Barley, a representative for Pace‑O‑Matic – the software provider for Pennsylvania’s skill‑games – warned that some organizations are considering drastic measures, such as renegotiating utility contracts, to survive the tight margins.
Barley said, “Some of these organizations are even talking about having to go back to the days where they were negotiating with the gas companies to see if they could keep the gas on. That’s how tight the margins are.”
Looking ahead
Cmdr. Griscom remains optimistic that the VFW’s message will continue to resonate, especially as Veterans Day approaches. He emphasized the importance of community support for veterans and urged local residents and businesses to consider donating time or resources to keep the post’s programs thriving.
“We want the VFW’s message to be heard, especially on Veterans Day,” Griscom said, underscoring the post’s commitment to honoring those who have served.
The Sharpsburg VFW’s experience highlights how state policy changes and unforeseen disasters can strain local nonprofit veterans’ groups, reinforcing the need for community solidarity and creative fundraising solutions.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
