‘Never forget'

Remembering military veterans a daily event at AMVETS Post 11

November 11, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - The sign outside AMVETS Post 11 in Wasilla says it all, &#8220Never Forget.”

Inside, veterans from America's wars, past and present, regularly gather around a small bar to share stories, laughs and the occasional difficult memory. They call each other family at this tiny post just off the Parks Highway.

&#8220This place is important because we have veterans from all different years who can pass on historic information from one generation to the next,” said Gene Corbin, post commander. &#8220The history of war events is something that you need to pass on to the young people.”

Those stories come out gradually, around potluck dinners, cold beer and everyday conversations.

&#8220A lot of people don't like to talk about their military experience, but some do,” Corbin said Thursday. &#8220People always have questions.”

The walls of the little post are plastered with posters, banners, plaques and photographs to commemorate soldiers. The living, dead, imprisoned and missing men and women who sacrificed for their country are all honored through the symbols and signs that call to mind the service of those people AMVETS members consider brothers and sisters.

Toward the back of the facility, a large mural is under construction to commemorate veterans from the two world wars, the Korean conflict, Vietnam and the Iraq conflict.

&#8220These things remind us of the sacrifices our veterans made,” Corbin said.

The post also serves as a rallying point where veterans can learn of entitlements and benefits they've earned through their service and how to apply for them.

Bartender Jennifer Soto wiped down tables and swept the floor Thursday morning as she prepared to serve veterans later in the day.

Soto said the post is different from most other drinking establishments.

&#8220It's pretty family-oriented in here,” she said. &#8220Some people have served together and know each other. We have potlucks, and it's just like one big family in here.”

While today Americans across the country hold events to honor war veterans, veterans' organizations like Post 11 and others will continue operating next week, next month and throughout the year. For these men and women, the experiences of their military service are part of daily life.

&#8220Most of the days are the same,” Corbin said of life at Post 11. &#8220This is a good place to meet others that you have something in common with - to talk to the older veterans, but also learn about things that are happening with military people today.”

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266 or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.