New Amvets Post 9 about to be unveiled

Two years of scrimping and saving and coordinating fundraisers has paid off for Amvets Post 9.

This weekend, members are unveiling a new 3,000-square-foot building at a private event featuring speeches by area politicians and officials before opening the doors to the public.

"I wish I knew" how many people are planning to come, said Doug Hicks, who coordinates publicity for Post 9. "I've been working on it for three months, and I have no idea. We're planning on 300 for Saturday and 200 Sunday, but, really, it's anybody's guess."

Hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments will be served. Guest speakers will include state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and several Pasco County commissioners and officials, Hicks said.

The post will be open to the public starting at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The building is at 14540 Black Lake Road near State Road 54 and Gunn Highway.

Established in 1987, the post now boasts more than 200 members, including those involved with Amvets, the Ladies Auxiliary, the Sons of Amvets and a motorcycle group known as Riders.

"Our No. 1 mission is to help veterans," Hicks said. "We have a service officer who provides expertise for members dealing with the federal government, whether they're trying to get disability or trying to find a hospital to go to.

"We're also here to help the community. We're known for our Thanksgiving dinners and giving to the needy."

The post met in the Lutz-Lake Fern Road home of members John and Mary Power before moving into a a former bar.

About two years ago, a plan was hatched to build a post at the location.

"We've done dinners, the Sons of Amvets and Ladies Auxiliary have done car washes, and we've just scrimped and saved every month," Hicks said. "You look at the money every month and just figure out how you can do it. It took a lot of work and a lot of savings."

A HOME OF THEIR OWN

For information about Amvets Post 9, call (813) 920-9023 or visit www.amvets9.org.