APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Appleton American Legion Post 38 hosts a Brat Fry every week on Wednesdays, but this time around, it was a special one with extended hours.
All proceeds from the Brat Fry Extravaganza on August 20 went to raise money for Old Glory Honor Flights, which take veterans on a trip to Washington, D.C. to see various war memorials, often based on their specific unit.
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American Legion Post 38 Commander Jarrod Coulter said the trip provides healing for veterans, specifically mentioning those who served in Vietnam and didn’t get much of a homecoming.
“Especially [for our] Vietnam veterans who were not welcomed back, probably in the best way, the old glory’s purpose is to give back a little bit,” Coulter said. “We are more than happy to help fund it in any way that we can.”
At least one Vietnam veteran in attendance said he was on an Honor Flight in July, calling it an unforgettable experience that he couldn’t recommend enough.
“I was on the Honor Flight in July this year,” John Gollner said. “This was my first rodeo and everything they did was spot on, everything was coordinated, not a flaw.”
Gollner also said the support from American Legion Post 38 is priceless, calling it a pleasure to be honored for his service, even though he’s not one to say ‘Hey, I was in Vietnam.’
The goal of this year’s event was to surpass the $7,500 raised in 2024. This year, they’re hoping to get to at least $8,000, and with the crowd buzzing all day, it’s certainly within reach.
Local 5 will provide the updated totals after they are announced.
