Rosemount men’s auxiliary has hit the ground running

• Photo: Men's auxiliary

The Rosemount VFW Men's Auxiliary holds a number of events to raise money including regular taco dinners. Pictured from left to right are vice president Gregg Murphy, trustee Kelly Fiebiger, president Rich Henning and member Don Stein.

Talk about it

For years there was talk about starting a men’s auxiliary at the Rosemount VFW Post 9433. And then a couple of really determined guys got together and made it happen.

The group was chartered in January 2011 with 32 members. The goal, president Rich Henning said, is to “support the club and post any way we can.”

In its first few years in action the men’s group has supported the club by purchasing a Polytrauma gift for wounded veterans; installing a new mailbox, splitting wood for the club’s fireplace; purchasing and installing two AED’s; purchasing and installing a First Aid kit and installing a protective screen on the patio. The group also served the lunch held after the Memorial Day service at the American Legion.

Henning said each item was something the men’s auxiliary could do to help support the Rosemount VFW and the veterans who belong to the post.

To raise money for its efforts, former president Ken Volling said, the group holds a number of fundraisers throughout the year. Every Saturday during the fall and winter months the group hosts taco Saturdays. Additionally, the group has hosted pig roasts and a corn feed. The auxiliary’s next big event will be a Booya from noon until gone Nov. 11.

Besides providing funds for the auxiliary’s efforts, Henning said the events bring business into the club.

The auxiliary’s support doesn’t just apply to veterans. The group also helps those currently serving. In 2011 the group helped provide a deployment dinner for a group of the 34th Infantry Red Bulls and then welcomed the group back in 2012 with a re-integration dinner.

Vice president Gregg Murphy said being part of those events was a gratifying experience.

“I think it’s important to help serve those that served,” he said.

Going forward, Murphy said the men’s auxiliary hopes to accomplish more. He said Post 9433 has a list of improvements that need to be done including remodeling the bathrooms and the bar area. As funds and volunteers are available the auxiliary hopes to tackle some of those projects.

Henning said to be eligible for membership in the men’s auxiliary you must have a parent, grandparent, spouse or sibling who is a veteran of a foreign wars. At its highest the club had 48 members.

Henning’s involvement stemmed from his admiration of those who served. Helping the post, Henning said, has been fulfilling. He encouraged those interested to get involved.

Volling echoed his sentiments, “It’s been really a great experience working with all the guys,” he said. “We have a good group of guys that love to volunteer.”

For more information about the VFW Post 9433 Men’s Auxiliary call Rich Henning at 651-503-9574. The group meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the post.

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