CANNON AIR FORCE BASE— I want to tell you about one of the many military clubs we have in Clovis and the surrounding area — American Veterans Post 14. This organization is rich in history, supports military members, as well as the local community, and constantly holds events. It is one of the great military establishments to join.
The organization was founded as the American Veterans of World War II on Dec. 10, 1944. Less than three years later, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress, July 23, 1947.
Since then, the original charter has been amended several times to admit members who served in different eras. Today, membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, to include the National Guard and Reserve.
As a volunteer-led organization, AMVETS annually elects and appoints officers at the national, district, department and post levels. Early each fall, representatives from these levels attend the AMVETS national convention to make decisions on issues affecting veterans and the organization.
Locally there are many positions and different ways to help and be helped by the AMVETS. The military committee is based on the chain of command that most military members are familiar with — starting with a Commander, 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice commander, 3rd Vice commander and so on. There are also Sons of the AMVETS and Ladies Auxiliary which have their own eligibility requirements.
The different committees play their own role in supporting our troops and the community. The local AMVETS Post 14 recently held a military appreciation day to give the troops time to eat, spend time with fellow veterans, relax and take a load off.
They also do volunteer work within the community. Post 14 with a lot of support from The Sons of the AMVETS collected funds for and distributed more than 525 turkeys to needy families in local area.
The Ladies Auxiliary plays a huge role in support of the post and community. The post is decorated for different holidays with the 4th of July, Veterans Day, the Open House in November, Thanksgiving and Christmas being most memorable. All members of AMVETS Post 14 had the opportunity to work on the float for Veteran's Day parade.
In 2012, AMVETS Post 14 donated more than $35,000 in support of Clovis High School, Reserve Officers' Training Corps and other programs to assist veterans and community members in need as well as support local children's sports programs. Included in this amount was $12,000 given out in scholarship funds. Post 14 has also adopted The Arts Academy at Bella Vista, which we support with school supplies.
There are many weekly activities at the post. Pool tournament are held on Monday with all the different posts and clubs around the area. On the second Wednesday of each month, AMVETS Post 14 will have pool tournaments strictly for ladies. Fridays are always a good time when the post holds pool tournaments for everyone to play, whether you're in a pool league or not.
The post has many amenities to ensure people enjoy themselves. They have a jukebox, three pool tables, four dart boards, a dance floor and a full bar. Designated drivers are available if requested for any function. Right now we are in the processes of adding on to our post with the renovation the building beside us to create a bigger dance floor and more room for activities.
I know I didn't even really scratch the surface while filling you in on the organization, but I figured I would make you want to wander out into the community to join or visit one of the amazing posts in the Clovis and Portales areas.
There are many things you can do throughout the different posts. Volunteers are always welcome. Also, it is great to listen to the stories and history of the military's older generation. These men and women of our past are great. I personally love sitting down talking and learning with them.
The post Veterans group always looking for new members appeared first on Cannon Connections.
