Ask this former Army soldier if he prefers Christian Gonzalez or Chris Gonzalez. He’ll say he’d rather you call him Gonzo.
Not an homage to an odd-nosed purple Muppet, but to journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
“If you’re a fan, you’ll understand,” he laughs.
Which probably means there’s some crazy stories in Gonzo’s past. And there’s the dilemma with many military veterans—there are the fun crazy stories from a liberty weekend, but then there are the serious crazy stories from a war deployment. Two different adventures, but both not to be shared with just anyone.
He understands the importance of veteran spaces where former military can congregate to share experiences, compare stories, learn from each other. Maybe laugh. Maybe even cry.
Gonzo found camaraderie after active duty with a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post. But two years ago, he met a group of veterans from Loveland’s VFW 5354 Branch Hill Post who needed help. The Vietnam-era vets had recently handed over the reins to the younger generation, who were slowly starting to make much-needed improvements.
For Gonzo, helping the young vets recharge a post with an entire gross revenue of $29,000 seemed like a perfect opportunity to involve his nonprofit organization, NXTStep Vets.
NXTStep Vets helps unemployed veterans find their purpose to thrive. Through its mental, spiritual, mentorship and career path pillars, NXTStep Vets hopes veterans can translate passions and purpose into financial freedom.
Gonzo realized improving the post’s physical grounds and mentoring the young members could showcase NXTStep Vets’ good work.
“We could make it profitable. And not just profitable, but where we’re actually investing money into the organization, improving our grounds, and giving back to the community,” he explains
One of the first decisions was to greatly expand the activities on the post property.
“We’re not a bar. We’re a community center.”
In an age where traditional social clubs like the Elks or Moose Lodges have lost membership, Gonzo realized that the new adult generation wanted something different than simply a place to escape and throw a few drinks back.
“Today, 20 and 30-year-olds have a different focus in their household. They want to spend more time with their families.”
VFW 5354 now hosts fishing derbies at its one-and-a-half-acre pond, and is home to dart tournaments, target shoots, football Sundays, bingo nights, live music and more. In fact, the post currently boasts the fastest-growing VFW membership in Ohio.
But new activities alone have not been the only reason for its success. Gonzo knew that—though having a veteran space to share personal stories is important. To improve mental health and a sense of usefulness, military veterans must integrate with their civilian communities.
“Everything that we’ve been doing since we moved forward is open to the public.”
Through social media, its website, and word of mouth, VFW 5354 has become a popular hangout in Loveland, where the civilian attendees have outnumbered the veteran attendees.
And that’s just fine with the veteran members. The members are the owners and operators. They decide and vote on its future—how money will be spent, how grounds will be improved, how the post will give back to the surrounding community. Ideas by all members are welcome. Majority vote rules.
Its current gross revenue is $416,000. And at least 25% of earnings are designated to charities.
More important than revenue has been the community connection.
“The canteen is open to all—as well as events on our grounds. Now the public understands who we are and what we are.” And during this month where we honor our military veterans and give thanks for their service, that relationship is what it’s all about.
NXTStepVets.org | VFW5354.org | 6653 Epworth Rd, Loveland
“We’re not a bar. We’re a community center.”