Sharpsburg VFW struggles after skill games ban and fire damage

Sharpsburg VFW struggles after skill games ban and fire damage Advertisement Updated: 7:12 PM EST Nov 11, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Chandi Chapman Anchor/Reporter Sharpsburg VFW struggles after skill games ban and fire damage Updated: 7:12 PM EST Nov 11, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Chandi Chapman Anchor/Reporter SHARPSBURG, Pa. — The Sharpsburg VFW Post 709 is navigating financial challenges after the removal of six skill games due to a statewide ban and damage from a recent fire. Cmdr. Nate Griscom said the loss of revenue from the skill games has impacted the post’s ability to support community initiatives. Advertisement "The profit from that was ultimately what we gave back to the community, our donations to the fire department, police stations, the different churches around here. It helped fund the Memorial Day parade that we have down in this area every year," Griscom said. To compensate, the post installed pull-tab ticket machines, but Griscom said they are not as profitable. The post also suffered damage from a fire. "The smoke was over chest height, and it just took the complete area out," Griscom said, showing pictures of the damage. Griscom also pointed out where the fire began. "Actually where the fire began and started and whatnot," he said. Despite these challenges, Griscom expressed relief that the VFW has been repaired and held its grand reopening this past weekend. Other veterans’ organizations across Pennsylvania are experiencing similar difficulties. The Pennsylvania Taverns and Players Association said some American Legions and VFW posts have been forced to shut down following the statewide ban on skill games. Michael Barley, a representative from Pace-O-Matic, the software provider for Pennsylvania skill games, described the financial strain on these organizations. "Some of these organizations are even talking about having to go back to the days where they were negotiating with the gas companies to see if they could keep the gas on. That's how tight the margins are," Barley said. Griscom said he wants the VFW’s message to be heard, especially on Veterans Day. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox. Make WTAE a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks JoBe Cerny, who voiced the Pillsbury Doughboy, has died Lessie Benningfield Randle, the last known Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, turns 112 They longed to hold their fragile NICU babies. A new device made it possible 106-year-old WWII veteran reflects on his service and provides life advice