HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. — VFW Post 6077 has been active in Hawkinsville for more than 40 years.
Overtime post commander Denisa Adams says the property has fallen into disrepair, so she is hoping the community and veterans can come together to give the post new life.
Off Old River Road in Hawkinsville, woods cover up the sign reading 'VFW POST 6077.'
"We are going to clean up the yard, we are going to do some cleaning on the sides here, we are going to clean up the back behind us," Adams said.
Adams says the 50-acre post, which has a lake and dance hall, requires a lot of maintenance. It's a task she realizes she isn't going to be able to do forever.
"I'm getting older too and if we stay stagnant, it (VFW) will soon die," Adams said.
That's one of the reasons why VFW members picked up trash off the property over the weekend. They even cleaned up on the inside to save the post that some cherish.
"What we are trying to do is change the future of this VFW and really wrap it around the veterans, their families, and the community," said veteran Calvin Skidmore.
Adams says inside they plan on replacing the windows, tearing down the wood panels and even adding a small bar.
She added the main goal is having a place where veterans can be safe, while having something fun to do.
"We are hoping to bring in Bingo, bring in some dancing again, " Adams said.
She says another challenge they face is getting the younger generation to come out to the VFW, but she hopes these improvements will increase membership.
In 2018, they counted 78 members but Adams says this year that number jumped to 95, which is a step in the right direction.
She says they keep their Facebook page updated with events.