WESTOVER, W.Va. — The Westover VFW Post 9916 has experienced flooding from recent storms. Water shooting up to two feet out of toilets and sewage smell were the main concerns from the rain. Commander Wilbur England joined WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” to give details.
“We had just spent three years putting the Post back together,” England said. “We put it back together with volunteers and donations. To stand there and be helpless and watch what was happening, it was one of the most disheartening days I’ve had in my life.”
Previous flooding at the Post resulted in up to four inches of water in the area. While there wasn’t as much water this time, the property still experienced excessive damage.
“We had a really devastating water leak,” England said. “It filled up the upstairs and when it came downstairs, the place was full of metal rafters and it just followed them everywhere in that Post. It brought down ceilings and took down our wall, as well.”
People on site did anything they could to help get water out, but eventually professionals were hired to fix areas with the most damage.
“Most of this was our floor,” England said. “We actually had sewage come out into our main canteen. We were shoving it out the door with two sow shovels.”
Because of professional help, the Post owes $14,000. They already have $7,500 but are looking to raise the second half by taking donations.
“I take checks, but I appreciate every dollar that’s coming in,” England said. “That’s really appreciated. Especially from people that I work with and know.”
While there’s a hefty amount of damage, construction and clean up is coming along well.
“We should be back by next week,” England said. “But, it’s going to take a work party down there sometime this weekend and we are going to get it cleaned up and get back to business.”