By Joanie Morris
For the Salisbury Post
KANNAPOLIS — With young veterans returning home from a sea of sand and gunfights, community members may wonder what they can do to help.
At the Beaver-Pittman Post 115 of the American Legion, reaching out is the first step. The second step is well under way — an addition of 2,100 square feet on the existing Post building to accommodate members who are handicapped and the growing numbers the Post expects this year.
A groundbreaking will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday for the new addition.
Currently, the post has about 160 members at its location on South Main Street.
“Right now, when we get 50 or so members upstairs (where they meet) we are packed,” says Jimmy Wilson, past post commander and spokesman for the construction. In addition, a majority of the current members are World War II, Vietnam and Korea era veterans who can’t climb the stairs.
Adding 2,100 square feet to the bottom floor will allow the Post to conduct meetings on the first floor. In addition to extra space, they are adding a ladies restroom, a new kitchen and making the entire thing handicap accessible. The addition is being funded by money from investment accounts and fundraising efforts.
Wilson says members of the community and the Post are able to donate to the building projects. A memorial plaque will be hung in the new addition, with the names of the honored on it.
Donors can contribute money in memory and in honor of other people and donations are tax deductible.
To go along with the additions, Wilson says the Post is hosting a “major recruiting effort” to help the soldiers returning home from Afghanistan, Iraq and other service in the Middle East region acclimate to life back in the States.
One thing that Wilson points out is that the Beaver-Pittman Post does not have alcohol, and it never will as long as he’s around.
“If prospective members are looking for a Post that serves its community and serves its vets, we’re here,” says Wilson. “We’re looking for younger members who are looking for a Post that has higher ethical standards.”
The Beaver Pittman Post participates in the USO, donations to local charities and other veteran’s organizations, as well as helping their own members when the need arises.
To donate in honor or memory of someone, contact Jimmy Wilson at 704-933-8249 or 704-794-3417.
Joanie Morris is a freelance writer for the Salisbury Post. She can be reached at 704-797-4248.