To inform. To entertain. And, most of all, to serve veterans—this is the mission of the new VFW 10209 Legion 418, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. This is a single post that represents the combined efforts of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“We never want to turn away any veteran who needs help, regardless of where or how they served,” said VFW Post Spokesperson Jim Sales.
To this end, the post will be hosting two upcoming events that serve to support vets in separate but equally important ways.
Veteran Benefits Day will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 18 at the post. Representatives of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to offer valuable information regarding programs and services available to today’s vets. Veterans can learn about their benefits, enroll in the VA, make claims on the spot and enroll in the eHealthy Vet program.
“Take advantage of the opportunity,” reads an event flier. “You earned it!”
Sales agrees. “So many health and life benefits are available to veterans,” he said. “They need to know about them.”
Next week will mark the return of the popular Country Western Night at the Post, nicknamed Hernando County’s only country venue. Live country western music, line dancing, and delicious down-home food will be offered at this popular fund-raiser, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 25, at their venue, 14736 Edward R. Noll Dr., Spring Hill. The event will kick off at 6 p.m., with music and dancing celebrated at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per person for a night of country fun.
“Country Western Night was so popular the first time, we decided to do it again,” said Sales. “It’s $5 admission. They may purchase meals at food trucks outside. The truck will be there by 6 p.m.”
Popular musician Kris Pierce will provide the entertainment. “I loved performing at the first Country Western Night,” said Kris Pierce. “Now we’re back for round two.”
Kris Pierce will provide live entertainment, performing country music favorites and leading some spirited line dances. A vocalist, entertainer, and songwriter, this native of Tampa has performed throughout the country, singing country classics such as “They Call Me the Breeze,” “God Bless the USA,” “Tin Man” and “Sold.” He has performed previously at Summerfest at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills, All About Women’s Expo at Brandon Town Center and at Elks and Eagles lodges throughout the area. Learn more about this talented artist at https://www.krispiercemusic.com/.
“I come from a family of veterans and have so many vet friends,” said Pierce. “I perform at many vet events.”
Pierce promises that his second Country Western Night performance will provide more great country music. “I always let the audience set the tone of the performance,” he said. “It’s going to be fun.”
According to Sales, free country line dance lessons will be available to all of those interested.
“At the first Country Western Night, so many people had fun learning country line dancing,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “makes me want to try it myself!”
Proceeds from this and other VFW Post events benefit the newfound partnership between these two veterans organizations, providing a myriad of services for veterans who seek their aid–helping them prepare the paperwork needed for government benefits, seek counseling and health services, procure information about resources in regards to food, housing, etc. From a listening ear to a helping hand, this new partnership is making major changes in this county’s range and availability of services for all vets, without limiting aid to veterans based on where and when they served their nation.
