The Waseca VFW is in dire straits, and its salvation can only come from within, club officials say.

“We need membership,” Post 1642 member Ron Fuchs said of the key factor in keeping the club viable — and valuable to the community.

“Along with membership comes volunteers, which leads to fundraisers, which leads to fixing up the building and giving back to the community.”

Fuchs said the Waseca VFW has donated well over $1 million to community endeavors over the years but now has trouble simply paying its bills.

“Gambling is way down because of the economy, and the smoking ban really knocked us in the head. The bar revenue is just enough for it to stay open. And come tax time we have barely enough to pay taxes.”

But the most pressing problem is membership numbers. Though it lists 500 veterans on its membership rolls, about 15 come to meetings, and Fuchs said it’s a constant challenge to attract more.

“I’ve been trying to beat the bushes the last couple years, but you can’t drag them into a meeting and beat them over the head.”

The Waseca VFW’s plight is not uncommon among service clubs in general. Fuchs said about half a dozen Minnesota VFWs close each year, and the Twin Cities’ sole VFW — in St. Paul — is on life support.

Fuchs said generating membership interest among his fellow Vietnam veterans is key, but those vets became embittered over treatment they received upon their return and have shied away from joining.

Waseca VFW Commander Ted Westling, a 40-year-old Gulf War and Iraq War veteran, is one of the few post members hailing from a conflict other than World War II or the Korean War.

He thinks there are enough young veterans in the Waseca area to help sustain the VFW, but the meter is running on its future and the club can’t hold out indefinitely.

“I guess it will continue until the banks tell me I’ve got to close the doors.”