Well-kept secret

The Veteran's Center in Bigfork is probably one of the best kept secrets in town, but members don't want it to stay that way.

Sure, the nondescript building along Highway 35 is known for great burgers and Friday night shrimp feeds, but there are a lot of other things people may not realize the club offers to the general public, according to past VFW commander Kenny Teeples and his wife Audrey, who helps lead the VFW's women's auxiliary.

The 120 local VFW and American Legion members may be known for taking the lead in honoring past veterans on Memorial Day at the Little Brown Church, but they also are active with the Boy Scouts year-round. And they have scholarships for students, for example, that are rarely taken advantage of, Audrey and Kenny point out.

They keep two miles of Highway 35 leading into Bigfork from the north clean of garbage, a task that most people may not appreciate. They also sell flags and magnetic signs to the public, as well as retire old, worn and faded flags on Flag Day. But most importantly, they help vets.

"We help all vets and their families," Audrey said. "Money, food, transportation; you name it, we've probably done it."

"We strive as a group of veterans helping veterans," current VFW commander Jason Varner added. "If we can't answer a question we can steer you to someone who can."

"A lot of people don't realize we offer wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and other accessories on an emergency basis to vets and their families who need them," pointed out Vet Center Manager Lisa Pluard.

"We're a small group, but we are active," Kenny said.

Although the center is a place where vets can find helpful services, anyone with a family member in the armed forces can get free prepaid international and domestic phone cards for troops.

"They sure didn't do that when I was in Korea," Kenny mused. "Times sure have changed."

This Sunday all vets can enjoy free draft beer, one of the little specials that go on now and then at the Vet Center. And for everyone else, there's one of the highest shake-a-day pots in the valley going on-nearing $800 earlier this week-and that may be the best secret of all.