VFW breaks ground on new digs

WASILLA — The Valley is about to become the center of Alaska’s veteran community.

On Wednesday, the Veterans of Foreign Wars broke ground on a new state headquarters in Wasilla. The new facility will be on the corner of Knik-Goose Bay Road and Lakeview Street next to the existing VFW post.

The plan, in its current form started less than two weeks ago, said John Minnick, State Quartermaster for the VFW. Minnick said he presented the idea to the state convention on June 7, and the contractor began work Wednesday.

“We have never had a state headquarters,” said Minnick. “We have never had enough money to buy land and pay for the construction of the building. So I suggested building it out here.”

The land is owned by the Wasilla VFW post which is leasing it to the state VFW for 50 years with an option for another 50 years. Without having to pay for land, the VFW moved quickly to approve the plan and begin construction.

The new facility will house offices for Minnick and Gary Kurpius, the state adjutant. There will also be space for a full-time receptionist and part-time community service worker for the Valley.

“We used to work from our houses,” Minnick said. “This is going to be a big step up.”

The Wasilla VFW post and the RV campground will remain open. The total footprint will be 40-by-60 feet, half of which will be for the VFW. The other half will be rented out as office space. Big Dipper Construction is doing the ground work on the site, and Orion Construction is the building contractor.

“We are actually way ahead of schedule,” Minnick said. “Now, were looking at completion right around the first of the year.”

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.