Roanoke Area Veteran Receives Support for Home Repair from Churchill Downs Incorporated and Virginia Veterans Foundation

ROANOKE, Va. (December 17, 2025)-On Monday, Churchill Downs Incorporated, the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and VFW Post 1264 Roanoke came together to support needed repairs to the home of First Sergeant David Hagee, a U.S. Army and Army Reserve veteran with a service-connected disability who deployed three times to Iraq. First Sergeant Hagee received $2,500 from the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant program to help repair the roof of his home.

"Churchill Downs is proud to support Virginia veterans like Sergeant Hagee and his fellow veterans around the Commonwealth of Virginia," 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."

"I really appreciate the support from Churchill Downs, the Virginia Veterans Foundation and Post 1264," said First Sergeant David Hagee. "Everyone needs a little help from time to time, and it's great to know that veterans like me can count on good people and good companies to stand with us when we need them."

This contribution is the fifth grant 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. Previous grants helped John Lyon VFW Post 3150 (Arlington) improve its accessibility, supported VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery County) in its recovery from a recent break-in, and helped VFW Post 176 (Newport News) and VFW Post 2582 (Suffolk) make needed upgrades and updates.

"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to every patriot who has worn the cloth of the nation," said Senator David Suetterlein (4^th District). "This support is one demonstration of the Commonwealth and its citizens for those who have sacrificed for our freedoms."

"Our veterans took care of us, and now we are taking care of them," said Delegate Sam Rasoul, (38^thDistrict). "This home improvement grant will provide crucial relief to our heroes in need. We should do all we can to ensure they live with the dignity and comfort they deserve."

I am deeply grateful to Churchill Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation for their meaningful support of one of our own during a time of need," said Marie Summers, Commander of Post 1264. "Post 1264 has proudly served veterans throughout the Roanoke Valley for many generations, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by our fellow veterans whenever they need us most.

"On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia, I want to thank the good people at Colonial Downs Racetrack, and the entire Churchill Downs organization, for supporting veterans in Roanoke and all across the Commonwealth," said VFW Virginia State Commander Doug Hoffman. "This grant is a small symbol of appreciation that will have a huge impact in the life of a Virginia veteran. It is a poignant reminder that the Commonwealth of Virginia will always keep its promises to our veterans."

Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie's Gaming Emporiums in Hampton and around the state, contributes to local organizations and causes through special programs like the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant and its "Rosie's Gives Back" program, which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie's Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.

The Virginia Veterans Foundation(VVF) is the official charitable foundation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Virginia. The mission of the VVF is to support the programs and operations of the Department and to support veterans, active-duty military, and their families. The VFW is one of the largest, and most charitable, veterans service organizations in Virginia. Virginia has 122 VFW posts and 36,000 members, including auxiliaries, in every region of the Commonwealth.