CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Sulphur Springs VFW Partially Destroyed by Fire

Sulphur Springs VFW Partially Destroyed by Fire

By Hayley Wielgus

Sulphur Springs veterans gathered to see the remnants of their V.F.W. post.

The popular gathering place caught fire early this morning.  Firefighters said part of the building is a total loss.  Inside were photos and awards and many of those were saved.

For the past 30 years, the Sulfur Springs V.F.W has been Tom Miller's pride and joy.

"It meant a lot to me," Miller said. "I put a lot of time and my money into this place, making it what it is today."

Miller, a nine-time Post Commander, stood by and watched as the community gathering place went up in smoke.

"It wasn't too good," he said. "I don't want to tear up, but this was my post and I'm proud of it."

"A lot of the older generations who served in the military have been coming here for years," Sulfur Springs Firefighter Danny Haywood said. "So there's a lot of history tied up in this place."

Haywood said it took hours to put out the fire.  His crew called Hopkins County Firefighters for assistance.

"We put them on the salvage and overhaul aspect," Haywood said. "They were able to remove the artifacts, plaques and pictures."

"They do an awful lot for the community, for the youth, for the elderly people, for the needy, in addition to the veterans, of course," VFW Dave Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick has been a part of the Sulphur Springs VFW for nearly 20 years.  He said the building where the charitable bingo is held is the only part that can be salvaged.

"Hopefully that will be the first part of the building that's rehabilitated," Kirkpatrick said. "And bingo can get back on the road and more support from the community activities can continue."

Now Miller said they will focus on building a new building and new memories.

"We're not going to quit," Miller said. "We're going to continue."

The VFW supports several Little League baseball and football teams, as well as a VA hospital and nursing home.  They said the fire will not hold them back from supporting those charities.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Sulphur Springs investigators said it was most likely accidental.