By By LAVAN MARTIN
VFW Post Commander
Area members of the Veterans of Foreign wars have no home, no permanent place to meet and fellowship. For the past three years, Atmore VFW Post 7016 has been meeting at the American Legion Building. Although the Legion has been good to the VFW veterans, there's still no place like home.
Several months ago, as VFW commander, I appointed a building committee consisting of Chairman Byard Swift, Joel Day, James Forte, Curtis Harris and Leonard Stanley. The committee's task was to find a building where the post could meet and display service memorabilia, something along the lines of a veterans' museum that would be representative of Atmore area veterans.
A building has been found and, with local help, maybe dreams can come true.
The building is the old Bartel Meat Market on Ashley Street. It's ideal for meetings, and because of its size and sound construction, it can also be used as an emergency shelter.
Atmore area families and friends of veterans can make tax-free donations to Atmore VFW Post 7016 at First National Bank or United Bank. Donors' names will be inscribed on a plaque displayed in the building. Donations in honor or memory of veterans will likewise be inscribed with the name of the donor and veteran. In addition, donated photographs and service memorabilia will be appropriately identified and displayed in the building.
We have high hopes that we will receive local help with our efforts. Please respond favorably if contacted by a veteran. If you're not contacted, please make your donation at one of the local banks. When making a cash donation, you will be asked to complete a short form so that you may be appropriately thanked and to ensure sufficient information is collected on the veterans you wish to honor. We also hope to periodically publish donors' names in The Atmore Advance.
This is a huge undertaking by the veterans and, costing approximately $50,000, one that can be accomplished only with local help. No donation is too small and each will be welcomed with heartfelt thanks.
The fund campaign will run until March 31, with results published in the following edition of The Advance.
Most assuredly there is a veteran in your family you want to remember and recognize. This is your opportunity.