Appreciation for community on display at 2nd annual Wellington VFW's Day of Service

Along the bar top at Wellington's VFW Post 6941 Sunday afternoon sat containers full of steaming portions of macaroni and cheese next to beer brisket. First responders and community members took turns filling their plates. In a back room, multiple local organizations waited to connect people to resources. "We have all these resources in one place, so hopefully some of the local people that can't get out very much can come in, get some resources, some help that they need," said Dan Calala, commander of Wellington VFW Post 6941. Veterans, first responders and community members gathered together Sunday afternoon for the Wellington VFW's second annual Day of Service. The purpose of the event, organizers said, is to show the VFW's appreciation for the entire community. "We're here to support the community, support veterans and support the national organization," said Christopher Wesp, former commander of Wellington VFW Post 6941 and chairman of national programs. Wesp said the community event stems from the VFW national program. "Some time in May, they want you doing an event to get out there and benefit the community," Wesp said. Bill Wolf of Billy Boys BBQ tended the loads of food as community members lined up. Wolf, who also serves as an officer for the VFW Auxiliary, said giving back to the community during the event meant a lot. "I was not able to serve in the military, myself, to take care of our country, take care of our people," Wolf said, adding that previous generations of his family served in Vietnam and during World War II. "I always grew up here at the VFW, and it means a lot to be able to come in here and at least do something for the veterans that have done so much for us." Contact Garrett Looker at glooker@chroniclet.com.