Construction moves forward in Hilliard with a groundbreaking ceremony for C.W. Hilliard American Legion Post 401.
Department, district, unit and post representatives met June 19 to mark the groundbreaking at 7540 Henry Smith Rd.
The facility should be completed as early as September.
David Taylor of Taylor Construction of Hilliard, Inc. is lead contractor.
Post 401 Commander Hugh Harris said the new building would accommodate additional services and activities. The building will be 3,000 square feet.
“Our main thing is serving the veterans in the area and reaching out to all the veterans groups in western Nassau,” Harris said.
He expressed additional concern about the suicide rates among fellow veterans in general. Harris, fellow members and the ladies’ auxiliary members plan to increase outreach to veterans and their families.
“That’s the reason to have a post home they can visit and have someone to talk to,” Harris said.
Although post members are not “under duress” to leave the current site, according to Harris, “We’re coming to an end of a segment of our lease.” He added that members opted to leave to further growth and widen post activities.
Auxiliary Chaplain Patsy York said the women plan to make the post even more family-oriented.
“Cooking is going to be a lot easier,” she said. “We’ll be able to invite more women that may be more comfortable in the new building.”
Auxiliary President Laurie Carr echoed the future goals of including additional outreach. The auxiliary has 23 members who work in conjunction with 92 legion members.
“I would really love to be involved with the community as well as have the community involved with us,” she said. “We’d like to do more for the veterans out there. We’re doing some things (and) we’d like to do more.”
AmVets Commander Gary Garver looks forward to accessing the new building. Plans include adding a military flag display and ample parking. Garver offered to provide at least three new flagpoles at his chapter’s expense.
“We’re just glad to be here,” he said of the groundbreaking. “We’re glad to see this get off the ground. We’re looking forward to having a long relationship with our brothers.”
Hilliard Mayor Cris McConnell attended the ceremony along with Town Clerk Lisa Purvis and Hilliard Town Councilman Jack Bailey.
McConnell praised the event, saying, “What a beautiful day to have a groundbreaking for the American Legion Post 401.”
Hilliard businessman Bobby Franklin thanked McConnell and Purvis for their help, including Bailey and Councilman Jared Wollitz, who supported the legion with an affirmative vote in allowing alcohol sales.
Franklin had approached the council about allowing the sale of spirits, beer and wine when he announced construction plans in early March. The council initially voted 3-2 against the sale of alcohol, with Council President John Beasley and councilmen Kenny Sims and Lee Pickett dissenting.
After a few changes to the existing ordinance concerning private clubs, the council voted to approve only the sale of beer and wine for the new post.
“I forgive the other three councilmen,” Franklin joked at the ceremony, adding that the new non-smoking site will be state of the art and include a new kitchen.
After the groundbreaking, refreshments were served at the Post’s current building on U.S. 1 North.