Benson VFW Post 2503 Receives ‘Patio for Patriots’ Renovation From Local Hardscape Community
OMAHA, Neb.—October 19, 2022—Work has been completed on a new 950-square-foot patio renovation project at the VFW Post 2503 in Benson. The project, Patio For Patriots, is being gifted to VFW Post 2503 through product, labor and equipment donations from the local hardscape community of contractors, vendors and product manufacturers, with Watkins Concrete Block Company facilitating the project.
Mike Newcomer, Hardscape Sales Representative for Watkins, came up with the idea for the project as a way to give back to the veterans of the community.
“I have had this idea of giving back to the veterans and the community through the help of local hardscape contractors in my head for several years now,” Mike Newcomer said. “I am thankful that Watkins, VFW Post 2503, and all of those that donated their time, equipment, and materials provided me the opportunity to make this come to fruition.”
The 950-square-foot patio renovation project included tearing out an existing concrete patio that was in need of repair and replacing it with a reimagined concrete paving stones patio and fire pit designed by Kyle Warren, Creative Designer for Watkins Design Studio. The space includes a 20-foot by 13-foot American Flag designed into the patio utilizing various paving stones.
The patio features Dimensions 12 inch pavers, Brooklyn Border Pavers, Holland Stone Pavers, Mega Arbel Pavers, and Concourse Freestanding Wall Block for the Firepit.
Watkins received an outpouring of support on the project with the local hardscape community donating all products, services and equipment.
- Abe’s Trash Service: Donated dumpsters
- Alert Distributing: Donated the burner for the firepit
- Anderson Plumbing: Donated gas line materials and installation for firepit
- Antler Country Landscaping: Donated trees and labor for the project
- Belgard: Donated all 950 square-feet of pavers
- Cavanaugh LandEscapes: Donated equipment and labor for the project
- Innovative Outdoors: Donated equipment and labor for the project
- LC Hardscapes: Donated equipment and labor for the project
- Limitless Landscape: Donated equipment and labor for the project
- NMC Cat: Donated a skid steer rental
- Pinnacle Landscapes & Demolition: Donated equipment and labor for the project
- SunCo: Donated equipment and labor for the project
- Techniseal: Donated polymeric sand
- Watkins: Facilitated the project and donated block for the firepit
- Yard Market: Donated equipment and labor for the project
The Patio for Patriots idea and design was met with appreciation from the VFW when presented in August. The process moved quickly with the help of all who were involved. Demo work began on September 24, with installation work beginning on September 28.
“We appreciate the community’s support in helping make this happen,” Dan Raabe, Post 2503 Quartermaster. “The reaction from our members has been very positive, the new patio will provide a nice addition for our veterans to enjoy and gather around the fire pit.”
Work on the Patio for Patriots was completed on October 1.
A dedication Ceremony is set to take place on October 29 from noon to 4 p.m. at the VFW Post 2503 located at 8904 Military Rd, Omaha, NE 68134.
About Watkins Concrete Block Company, A NEBCO Company
Watkins Concrete Block Company, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska was incorporated in 1946, manufacturing only a handful of concrete block products. Today, Watkins is part of a network of block manufacturers throughout the state of Nebraska that are owned by NEBCO, Inc. Watkins manufactures over 400 items in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors including standard concrete block, segmental retaining wall components and architectural concrete block. Watkins product line also includes concrete and clay pavers, clay face brick, manufactured stone veneer, natural stone, caulking, sealants and a variety of accessory products for both the residential and commercial construction and landscaping markets. Concrete block and segmental retaining wall components are manufactured on-site at Watkins, just east of the Watkins’ Showroom at 144th & Giles.
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If you would like more information about this project or to schedule a time to see the project, please call Kyle Warren at 402-650-7444 or email kylew@watkinsconcreteblock.com.