---

The Backus American Legion and its Charitable Gambling partner Willards Saloon and Eatery recently donated $2,000 to a local Pine River veteran to help fund the construction of a cabin that was donated to the veteran and required complete renovation. This project is also supported by the Minnesota Veterans Project (MVP) that is coordinating funding and renovation. MVP is a Pine River based Veterans service non-profit that was officially incorporated on June 6th, 2023. Presenting the donation on behalf of the Backus American Legion Post 368 are Brad Taylor, Commander and Bobbi Taylor, 1st Vice Commander. Pictured left to right is Theresa Gould (MFP), Deb Sommerfeld (MVP), Brad Taylor, supported Veteran, Bobbi Taylor, Doug Zaske (MVP), Rob Walton (MVP) and Kim Bachmann (MVP). A second donation of $2,000 was presented from the Walker American Legion Riders #134 (ALR) to (MVP), The Walker ALR donation to MVP is for use in funding the renovation costs of a cabin. Presenting the donation on behalf of the Walker ALR are Brad Taylor, Director and Bobbi Taylor, Secretary. Photo by Travis Grimler / Echo Journal Newspaper.

---