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Veterans Vow To Rebuild Scorched Post

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2007

TAMPA - Capt. Russel P. Harris/Rudy J. Santacruz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4321 will be rebuilt.

Since an early morning fire Oct. 7, members have been figuring out how much it will cost and how long it will take to rebuild.

'It's pretty much devastated,' Senior Vice Commander Cindy Walkowicz said. 'The little things just hit you constantly. We want to be able to say we will rebuild it better than ever.'
Insurance adjusters told post officials the building is basically destroyed - a loss of more than $350,000. The building, 2010 W. Morrison Ave., is expected to be demolished.

Commander Bruce Sitki is impressed with how the community has rallied around the post. An impromptu barbecue was held the day of the fire to collect donations, and nearby bars are planning fundraisers such as golf tournaments, fish-fry dinners and poker tournaments, in addition to offering post drink prices to the 250 or so members.

The Hyde Park building was built in 1945 and sold to the post in 1947 for $500. The post is named for Harris, a Plant High graduate killed in Germany, and for Santacruz, who was listed as missing in action in the Korean War.

'We're definitely going to rebuild,' Sitki said. 'We're just not sure when.'

Michael H. Samuels

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