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The VFW Post 2582 is searching for a larger facility to better serve the veterans in Suffolk.

The goal of the VFW is to meet veteran’s needs. To do that, Post 2582 needs more members, and for more members, they need more space. For more space, they need more money, and for more money, they need more members.

“It’s a cycle that is killing us slowly,” said Daniel Hockman, post commander for Post 2582. “We’ve been trying to find a new location, and we’re hoping the community could help.”

The post is currently located in the former youth center for Wilroy Baptist Church, 308 Williams Road, and meets every fourth Thursday of the month. Hockman hopes to get the word out so that the post can grow its membership and the community can help Post 2582 find a bigger home.

“We are looking for either land we can build on or a building at least 3,000 square feet that we can have on a shoestring budget,” said Hockman.

The post gives aid to veterans whenever and however they can. For example, this year the post helped build a wheelchair ramp and provide a hospital bed for a veteran who experienced a stroke so that he could live a close to normal life. Another veteran called for help with her electric bill, and the post called the electric company to help her get on a payment plan to catch up and keep her lights on.

One of the many limitations the post has faced is having to pass along opportunities to help. For example, one veteran came to them for help because he started needing a wheelchair, and the one-story house had doors too narrow for him to fit. Due to a lack of resources, the post had to pass it along to the district post, which was able to widen the doors.

“We try to help veterans when we can,” said Hockman. “A bigger space will allow us to help veterans on a bigger scale.”

With the extra space, the post can offer more to its members and the community. The post could have a facility with internet access to help veterans find jobs, open doors for community events and have staff available to answer emergency calls from veterans in need.

The post is looking for help from the community, if anyone has or knows of any land or building the VFW Post 2582 could use. Any inquiries can be sent to cdrpost2582@vfwva.org and donations can be sent to 308 Williams Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. To learn more about the VFW, visit vfw2582.org.