A new building for a new year is the aim of a VFW post destroyed by a twister

INDIANTOWN, Fla. - Beyond the war memorial that stands off a rural Martin County road, sits a man in an empty field. But he holds the plans for what will rise up from this spot.

Three months ago, tornadoes ripped through the Treasure Coast. While there was some home damage in Indian River County, the Raymond Darling VFW Post 60-23 in Indiantown was destroyed.

"For sure it turned us upside down," said VFW Commander David Shelton.

Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time of the storm.  

Shelton now calls this a blessing in disguise.

"We're now able to build a building to meet the needs of the veterans and their families in this community and also to serve the needs of the community," said Shelton.

The site plan includes a new 6,500 square foot building to be built in front of where the old one stood.  The new building will be several times larger, and made of steel to better withstand high winds.

"It's bolted altogether all the way around.  It should withstand another tornado if one were to hit on this property," added Shelton.

Before any new building can be placed there, there's still the matter of getting rid of the rest of the old building.

This Saturday, members of the VFW will head out to the pasture behind their property and get rid of the debris remaining from that old building.

So far, the Post has raised about $24,000 dollars -- about half the cost of their new home.

Like a general on the battlefield, Shelton wants to execute his plan and be in the new home by this Veterans Day.