Since 2013, Hockessin Athletic Club has proudly hosted HAC Salutes, our annual Veterans’ Day donation drive. During the HAC Salutes campaign, donors are invited to write a personalized message, whether it be a dedication to a family member who has served or message of gratitude to all veterans. Each message is then attached by-hand to an American flag. This cherished tradition culminates on Veteran’s Day with a powerful display of hundreds of flags posted along the drive leading up to Hockessin Athletic Club. Community members are invited to walk the grounds, read each message, and pay tribute to the brave individuals who have served our country. Thanks to the generosity of our members, guests, and sponsors, HAC Salutes has raised over $220,000 for local veteran-focused organizations over the years.
Passing the Torch
Through the HAC Salutes campaign, we have been honored to support Beds4Vets, a veteran-run, Hockessin-based nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans during their transition into stable housing, since 2021. For approximately $1,000, Beds4Vets can provide a veteran and their family with all of the essential household items from mattresses and shower curtains to pots and pans. Providing these basics helps ease the housing transition and considerably reduces the veteran’s risk of returning to homelessness.
Unfortunately, due to recent changes in federal funding, the allocation of veteran housing vouchers has slowed significantly. As Beds4Vets relies heavily on the VA to identify and assist veterans in need, the Beds4Vets board has made the difficult decision to pause all fundraising efforts until further notice. We are deeply grateful for the incredible work they’ve done and remain hopeful of supporting their mission again in the future.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce that the 2025 HAC Salutes campaign will benefit Hockessin VFW Post 5892. Your continued support will help this local organization serve veterans right here in our community
About The Hockessin VFW Post
Many people that live in Hockessin are unaware that there is a VFW right here in town. That’s right, and we have been at the same location for 80 years next February. We are home to local veterans, and we also have a very active Auxiliary. Below is a little background on our Post.
Bailey Brennan Chandler VFW Post 5892 was established on February 17, 1946. The land where the post was built was donated by the Buonamici family. The post was founded by men returning from World War II who wanted to help veterans and their families post war. Many long-term Hockessin family names can be recognized in the original charter – family names like Lake, Lafferty, Gebhart, Peirson, Sauers, Antonini, Gormley, and Brakin.
The Ladies Auxiliary was formed May 16, 1948 with 27 members. Today we have 64 Auxiliary members. Our post still supports our veterans and families in numerous ways. We help veterans obtain and utilize resources they are entitled to. We work with scout troops and offer scholarship programs through Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen. We contribute regularly to the food pantry at the VA Hospital. We have a beautiful hall that is available for rentals.
In the spring, we organized a Day of Service and 18 of our members gathered at the Friend’s Meeting Cemetery to clean up the grounds.
We are always looking for new members and the auxiliary is also.
— Ken Johnson, Post Commander
How to Contribute
Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and their families. You can participate in this year’s HAC Salutes fundraiser by purchasing a flag or flags for the display. Flags can be purchased at the Front Desk at Hockessin Athletic Club or online.
To learn more, purchase flags, or explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit hachealthclub.com/hacsalutes
