Highland Lakes VFW fish fry benefits the community and the Burnet post
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
BURNET — Ronald Harrod, the junior vice commander of Highland Lakes VFW Post 6974, knows what he wants for the local post.
“My objective is to make this a model post for posts all across the country,” he said. “We’ve had our struggles, but we’re working hard to make things good.”
The first step is the Highland Lakes VFW Post 6974 fish fry fundraiser Aug. 17 at the facility, 1402 Buchanan Drive, starting at 3 p.m. The event includes live music and a large selection of door prizes.
Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $16 for children. Harrod admitted the costs might appear a bit high, but he pointed out it includes some wonderful entertainment and chances for door prizes. But on top of that is the cause.
“We do a tremendous amount for the community,” he said. “We give scholarships for the local high school students. There’s just a lot we do for the community that would be lost if we weren’t here.”
And the main goal of the fundraiser is just that: Keeping this particular VFW’s doors open.
Already, the businesses and individuals from Burnet and Marble Falls have rallied to support the Burnet post.
“Everywhere I go, people say they’ll help,” Harrod said. “We have several restaurants and businesses helping out with the food and door prizes. It’s been great to see how people support the post and the veterans.”
People have even volunteered to help out while Harrod and another post officer were sitting and chatting at a Burnet restaurant. As the two talked, a couple stepped inside, noticed the two veterans’ VFW hats and struck up a conversation with them.
As Harrod shared the VFW’s story and details about the upcoming fundraiser, the couple didn’t just buy a ticket, they offered to perform.
“They said, ‘We’re musicians, and can we come out and play?’” Harrod said. “The support has been great.”
The couple will entertain during the fish fry along with the Lake Bottom Jazz Combo. Harrod said folks can expect about three hours of music.
“Oh, they’ll probably take a few breaks,” Harrod added with a laugh.
While VFW posts seem rather ubiquitous, many people don’t really understand their role or what they do. And their main objective isn’t to host bingo games.
VFWs can trace their roots to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection organized to help secure rights and benefits for themselves. While they had served their country valiantly, many returned with injuries and little or no medical care.
Since its inception, the VFW has been a leading voice for veterans issues and needs.
“It’s an important organization, and this a good post,” Harrod said. “We’re dedicated to making this post the best.”
For more information on the event or to help, call Harrod at (830) 613-7328.
daniel@thepicayune.com