WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Men of Honor Society in Wausau is holding its annual ham and turkey giveaway for Veterans this weekend.
Beginning Saturday at 9 AM more than 600 hams and 120 turkeys will be distributed to Veterans at absolutely no cost. Sargent in Arms John Fust says the only thing Veterans need to show to get one is some proof of service.
“Anything that shows you are a Veteran; VA Card, DD 214, a Wisconsin Driver’s License with Veteran indicators, or an old [Military] ID which some still hang on to,” he said.
Saturday’s giveaway begins promptly at 9 AM at Opportunity, INC on River Drive, also known as the former VFW building. Since the food is given on a first-come, first-serve basis Fust says to get there early.
“We go through, check your ID, stamp your hand, it makes it go real quick. Last year we were through that line in about nine minutes.”
Veterans will begin lining up as soon as 7 AM or sooner, and Fust says for some the camaraderie of being in line has become more important than the giveaway itself.
“The line is a good time. It starts pretty early and it gets pretty long, and Vets like to talk to Vets so it’s pretty fun.”
He adds that the line and the giveaway take place entirely outdoors so anyone that is waiting should dress for the weather.
Fust says the event started with a few dozen hams about 11 years ago and has gone up from there. All of the food that’s given away is donated, and he says they are open to growing the event to include other items needed for a holiday meal.
“We are a 100% donation-driven organization. We will definitely take whatever we can get.”
Any Veteran can show up on Saturday and take a ham or turkey regardless of their need. The only prerequisite is that you have served the military in one form or another.
“It’s not about the need, it’s just showing our appreciation for the Vets for doing what they did and what they continue to do,” he said.
