Huron County View

Veterans organization has long-standing roots in Ubly




The current Thumb Veterans Organization Hall was constructed in 1912. In 1946, the organization was formed as a way for veterans to meet for fellowship while also helping the local community. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

The current Thumb Veterans Organization Hall was constructed in 1912. In 1946, the organization was formed as a way for veterans to meet for fellowship while also helping the local community. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

UBLY – The Thumb Veterans Organization (T.V.O.) has long-standing roots in not only the community of Ubly, but the entire Thumb area.

The current T.V.O. Hall building was constructed in 1912. On Oct. 17, 1946, the T.V.O. itself was incorporated – as a way for area veterans to get together and enjoy some camaraderie, while also serving the community.

The organization is open to any veteran – no matter what – other than a member cannot be dishonorably discharged from the military.

“That was one of the reasons why they started this organization – to make it open for any veteran,” said T.V.O. Commander Steve Irvine. “Without serving in a war, there was nothing available for them. So, they started this organization here.”

The T.V.O. currently boasts over 40 members from across the Thumb area, with every branch in the military currently represented. T.V.O. Finance Officer Ray Maurer, whose father was a charter member, said many people have not heard of the organization – as it is the only entity of its kind in the area.

Thumb Veterans Organization Commander Steve Irvine points out some of the rich history of the T.V.O. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

Thumb Veterans Organization Commander Steve Irvine points out some of the rich history of the T.V.O. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

“We’ve got a nice organization – a good group of guys – but a lot of people don’t know what we’re all about,” said Maurer “We’re here to serve the community and it’s camaraderie for veterans to get together.”

That commitment to service to the community has been what keeps the doors open for the T.V.O. Maurer said the T.V.O. Hall, located at 2153 Bingham St. in Ubly, is where the organization conducts most of its fundraising efforts – many of which have been lost over the past year due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

One of the T.V.O.’s largest fundraisers is its Sunday morning breakfasts, which take place the first Sunday in May and October.

“We definitely have the best breakfast in Ubly,” Maurer said.

Other fundraising efforts have included the Buck Burger event (for 39 years running until the pandemic), its Charity Football Mania, pork sandwich fundraiser and renting the building out to various groups and/or parties.

With the money raised, the group has been diligent at either making improvements to the historic building or donating to the local community.

Recent improvements to the building include adding an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), a chair lift to get people up and down the steps to the basement and a fully handicap-accessible bathroom on the main floor. And nearly all the work is locally contracted.

“We try to support the local businesses, because they support us with our fundraisers,” Irvine said. “We always try to go back and support them. It’s nice when you can give it back.”

Local donations over the years have included various school and community groups, events and parades, and performing color guard duties at funeral services for veterans and other events.

“That’s a main function that we’re here for,” Maurer said. “When somebody passes away, we furnish a color guard and do a salute with a cannon.”

Just after World War II, the T.V.O. Hall served as a National Guard Armory, which gives it even more historical significance. Today, it is much more multi-purpose – being used by not only the T.V.O., but the Ubly VFW, Ubly Lions Club, Ubly Community Club, Ubly Homecoming Committee and Alcoholics Anonymous.

“We have more organizations than just ourselves using this building, which benefits the community,” Irvine said.

After a long delay, the next T.V.O. take out/ drive thru breakfast has finally been scheduled for April 11. The breakfast runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the hall and costs just $5, with all proceeds going to support area veterans.

According to Maurer, the group is excited to get back to helping the community.

“When we’re able to do more things, we’ll do more things again, once we get back to normal,” he said.