Calling all veterans! Do you know about the local AMVETS post right here in Englewood? Veterans of all U.S. branches of the military are welcome to stop by for comaraderie and fun. No war talk or politics – just friendly socializing over food and drinks. Post Commander Bill Capozzi compares Post 777 to the bar in TV sit-com Cheers “where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.”
AMVETS is a national non-partisan, non-profit veterans organization. It is a 509(c)19 charity with the purpose of serving all American veterans. Membership is open to honorably discharged service personnel; you do not have to have served overseas. The Englewood Post was founded three years ago and in July 2018 moved into its current location at 3386 N. Access Road. Membership is growing steadily with 260 current members, but more are always welcome. The organization now operates out of three units in the plaza located off 776 between Pennell Drive and Biggs Avenue (between Spinnaker and Gulfstream.) There is also the Ladies Auxiliary for women who have/had a family member serve and the Sons of AMVETS, open to anyone who has/had an immediate family member serve. A recently formed auxiliary is AMVETS Riders, open to veterans with a motorcycle.
The Post schedules social events such as music, karaoke, games and special events. A gifted pianist plays regularly. Weekly food specials like Taco Night, Wings & Chips, Friday Fish Fry, Shrimp or Chicken Strips and Burgers & Dogs present the opportunity to eat out very reasonably. A Day After Thanksgiving dinner will be held for club members. Games such as Queen of Hearts and Lucky 777 offer opportunities for “gambling” and raises funds to help area veterans in need. Food and alcohol are served in the canteen at a low cost, and those proceeds also go to those with needs and to pay the monthly building expenses. There are no paid employees – all positions are filled by volunteers.
Post 777 holds food drives, blood drives, offers wheelchairs and other medical supplies to veterans in need, and takes “Care” packages to the Veterans Nursing Home in Port Charlotte. Plus, the Post offers support and assistance to their membership.
You are always welcome to stop by and visit the Post. It is open Monday through Friday, noon to 8pm and Saturday, noon to 9pm. The grill is open 5 to 7pm. Come see why this was the fastest growing post until the COVID pandemic struck. The Post reopened in September and everything is regularly sanitized, and CDC recommendations are followed. For more information, visit www.amvets777.org, call the Post at 460•8755 or reach out to Post Commander Bill Capozzi at 518•786•0302 or email acz907@yahoo.com.
This article was pick up at THE ENGLEWOOD REVIEW