SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Sullivan VFW building is no more.
There’s nothing left of the building except for a slab of concrete. The EF-3 tornado that hit Sullivan on March 31 destroyed the building.
According to Assistant Post Commander Evan Hamilton, the group plans to rebuild. However, Hamilton says insurance won’t cover the total cost of what has been lost.
Fortunately, the VFW is getting some additional help.
Longtime VFW member Larry Cox said he was out of state when the building was destroyed.
“I was in Florida and got the news and I told my wife at that point ‘We’re going home’,” Cox said. “I came back from Vietnam in 1970 and I became a member then.”
Cox said he’s glad that the Sullivan VFW plans to rebuild at the same location. He also appreciates the help of the band, “Full Circle”, who will be performing in a benefit to raise funds for the rebuilding project. Band member Lonnie Bedwell said it’s their way of giving back.
“This is a very small way to help give back to them,” Bedwell said.
The band will be teaming up with the nearby Linton VFW to hold the benefit.
“It is our honor to be able to help fellow veterans of our area that has went through a devastation,” Linton VFW Post Commander Russle McDonald said.
The money raised during the benefit will be given directly to the Sullivan VFW to help them with their needs.
Cox said that he is grateful for the effort.
“It just shows you the brotherhood for veterans and how we care about each other,” Cox said.
The benefit will be held Saturday night at the VFW Post located on Main Street in Linton. Doors open at 6 p.m., with Full Circle playing 80s and 90s music from 8 p.m. to midnight.
While the event is free, attendees will be able to make donations for the rebuilding effort.
