by Tim Troglen
Reporter
Maple Heights -- During the time of the Vietnam War, 32 men who served their country in both war and peace and in all branches of the military joined together in one common cause and formed a chapter of the American Veterans at 16536 Broadway Ave., in Maple Heights.
But now AmVets Post 80, whose members include a World War II pilot shot down over Germany and was kept in a prisoner of war camp and one who earned both a silver star and Purple Heart while serving on Iwo Jima, is in danger of closing its doors forever.
The reason the post, enclosed by walls covered with pictures, medals and memories of service to America, may close is two-fold -- the lack of money and active members.
"We have enough money for the next three years, then we must think about selling the building," said Post Cmmdr. Jim Soltis.
He said when the group was formed, it had about $400,000 in the coffers.
"But we are down to our last $70,000," said Soltis, 68. "And it costs us $13,000 a year to operate."
He said the members pay $20 a year for dues, but that money goes to the state organization.
"We have no income at all," he said.
Soltis said from time to time members have a drawing that raises a few dollars, but that's all.
And, of the 106 members on the roll, he said only about 20 members show up for the twice-a-month-meetings.
"And they are the same 20 who do everything," he said. "They don't miss."
While many organizations have bake sales, car washes and other events to raise money, Soltis said those activities are not options to the members.
"We have an average age of 80 years old," Soltis said.
However, while their age and waning numbers may keep them from raising money, they still put on their uniforms and take part in the funerals of veterans. Every six weeks the 15-member color guard travels 50 miles one way to the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman to preside over the day's military funerals.
Soltis said the post color guard will again be at Rittman Aug. 26 to stand vigil, sound taps and give a 21-gun salute at the day's military funerals.
Soltis said the average age of the color guard members is 83.
"And those guys never miss a service," he said. "I'm the only ex-Marine, but those guys are tough."
Al Kovar, 72, and a former post commander, chuckled as he said the group is more reliable "more reliable than the Post Office."
Kovar, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said while the group needs help with donations and fund raising support, it also needs new members.
"Most of the members of this post are World War II vets," Kovar said.
He said there are also some Korean War veterans and "a few" from the Vietnam War.
"We have no new blood in the organization because of the way the people were treated when they got home from Vietnam," Kovar said. "Those veterans have a bitter taste in their mouths. We would like to get them to join us. They served their country valiantly and they deserve honor."
Kovar said he hopes that with new members will come a renewed drive for fundraising.
"That's why we are hurting," he said. "There is no new blood in here to put on these functions, and these guys are too old -- let's face it."
He added that he and Soltis are two of the youngest members of the post.
"And the guys don't get paid for going to Rittman," Kovar said. "They pay for their own gas and the post pays for lunch."
Soltis said the group is asking for help from the community. He said the post would welcome groups that would like to come in and assist with fundraising efforts, adding that if the post could somehow raise $15,000 a year "we would be in good shape."
Aside from going to Rittman, the post also marches in the annual Maple Heights Veterans Day parade, attends funerals throughout the Cleveland area, and helps collect supplies from members for those currently serving in Iraq and other war zones.
While there are no current members who served in the war in Iraq, one Marine sergeant goes with Soltis to each meeting and function -- and he rides along in the commander's heart.
"My grandson, Mark, got killed in Iraq," he said of Sgt. Mark Smykowski, one of the "Mentor Seven" who joined the Marines together after graduating from high school.
Darrin, Mark's brother, was there when he died, Soltis said. Their younger brother, Kenny, also a Marine, will be heading to Iraq Aug. 15.
Sgt. Smykowski, who was a recent graduate of Marine sniper school, was killed June 6, 2003, when the vehicle he was riding in hit a roadside bomb.
When Sgt. Smykowski's body was brought back to the states, Soltis said he asked to see the boy who as he graduated from a Marine school said, "I'm taking after grandpa."
"I said to the funeral director that I would at least like to tuck him in one more time," Soltis said. "I'm glad I did."
Anyone wishing to join, make a donation or help with fundraising projects is asked to call Soltis at 440-439-5945.
E-mail: TTroglen@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3165