RADFORD – Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation have announced a charitable contribution of $2,500 to Radford – Montgomery VFW Post 776 to help the post recover from a recent break-in and act of vandalism that significantly damaged its facility.
Around Labor Day, a break-in occurred at VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery), causing thousands of dollars in damage. Windows, doors, and equipment were severely damaged, including a safe that stores the Post’s Honor Guard rifles. An historic World War I rifle was also removed from its display case and various items were taken.
Funds for the post’s recovery come from the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant program, which was created with a $25,000 charitable contribution made by Churchill Downs Incorporated as part of its Salute to Service during the 2025 Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. The grant from Churchill Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation will cover most of the cost to help the post and recover from the break-in.
“Churchill Downs is proud to support VFW Post 776 in its time of need,” said Aaron Palmer, Director of Virginia Government Relations for Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums. “We were honored to provide the financial support that created the Post Home Improvement Grant and are gratified to see it being put to such good use.”
“For more than 80 years, VFW Post 776 has been a place where our community’s veterans have found support, camaraderie, and fellowship,” said VFW Post 776 Commander Nathan VanHoy. “The September break-in shook us, but it did not break us. Our post is coming back even stronger because the support of our friends at Colonial Downs, the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and the entire New River Valley community.”
“Congratulations to Commander VanHoy and the veterans of Post 776 on the post reopening and recovery after the September break in,” said VFW Virginia State Commander Doug Hoffman. “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia, I want to thank the good people at Colonial Downs in New Kent, and the entire Churchill Downs organization, for supporting the veterans in Radford and all Virginia veterans.”
“VFW Post 776 has been an important part of the Radford community since 1944,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “The September break in was devastating to the entire Radford community, especially to our veterans. I am grateful to the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and to Colonial Downs, for providing the emergency financial support that helped Radford’s VFW Post recover.”
“I was shocked and dismayed when I heard of the break-in at VFW Post 776 in Radford,” said Delegate Jason Ballad. “The people affected by this crime are veterans who put their lives on the line for this Nation, and I was very pleased when I heard that the criminal responsible was apprehended. I commend the resilience of Post 776 members and Post Commander Nathan VanHoy on quickly reopening after the Sept. 2 break-in, and I offer my deepest thanks to Colonial Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation for providing funds to ensure that this local resource for veterans was able to re-open.”
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