The New Wenatchee Veterans Hall

For those involved with veteran organizations around the Wenatchee Valley, you’ve probably heard about the Wenatchee Veterans Hall. It has been a decade-long adventure to create a safe and dedicated space for Veteran use without the need to pay rental fees or be part of an organization.

Until recently, that space had been located at 512 S Chelan Ave, in a detached building on the grounds of the old church-turned-community-center. A space that was well-designed for hosting small events and created in an agreement with the City of Wenatchee, the old Veterans Hall has not been maintained as a facility dedicated strictly to veteran use. Other groups were able to pay to rent the space, often taking priority over the scheduled (non-paying) veteran meetings. The new Veterans Hall aims to change that, focusing strictly on use by and for veterans first.

A space by and for Veterans

In order to make sure the new space is managed according to this standard, a formal structure was needed. Five individuals, representatives from local veteran organizations, make up the strictly independent Board of Directors that manages the new Veterans Hall. Currently that Board includes George Turner (Army), Bob Ashford (Marine), Ron Bruno (Marine/Army), Sarah Simonson (Air Force), and Dan Beattiger (Army).

Through negotiations with the City of Wenatchee over the past 2 years, a space suitable for a dedicated Veterans Hall has finally been found – the former banquet room in the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 204, located at 1206 N. Wenatchee Avenue.

The 3,000 square foot space is currently undergoing renovations to meet the anticipated use, including building a small meeting room and creating a “coffee station” with a sink, cabinets, and a small counter space. There will also be a stage (with ramp access) where the American Flag will always and properly be on display with the POW/MIA flag as well as the flags representing all branches of the military.

Members of the Board explain that there is a lot of work still to be done, but thanks to arrangements with local volunteers, it is progressing at a good pace. They are looking forward to hosting a Grand Opening once the renovations are complete.

Looking Ahead

When asked about their vision for the space, Board members listed a number of potential uses, such as meetings for groups who do not have a quiet space of their own, training or presentations hosted by a veteran or veteran-related organization, and more.

Any veteran, veteran group, or veteran service organization looking to use the space should contact Bob Ashford, the schedule manager for the Veterans Hall, at 509-669-3741. Other questions regarding the Veterans Hall, including volunteer opportunities, should be directed to Ron Bruno via email [ron.bruno@frontier.com] or phone [509-679-2359].

Pictured below: Current decor for the Veterans Hall includes many of the Downtown Heroes banners that lined downtown Wenatchee and East Wenatchee streets this past November. Board members are hoping to do some more painting to lighten up the otherwise-claustrophobic space. Also on display are some of the same memorabilia from the old location (in the glass cases).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•