New Rochelle American Legion Post Sees Future Beyond Pandemic

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — As with many other gathering places around the country, the American Legion Post 8 in New Rochelle is underused these days, because of the ongoing new coronavirus pandemic.

However, Pete Poulos, the post's commander, sees a future for the building on North Avenue, but there are some hurdles to overcome.

Since taking over leadership six weeks ago, Poulos, a New Rochelle resident, has been faced with addressing bills that had accumulated — electricity, water, taxes. He said the financial problems are on their way to being under control.

It doesn't help that, except for the bar, the meeting hall and adjoining kitchen cannot be rented out because of the virus and therefore bring in no income.

"We've issued a lot of refund checks," Poulos said in an interview with Patch, adding that he couldn't in good conscience not return money to people who had wanted to rent the facility.

"The bills didn't take a hiatus during the pandemic," he said.

The American Legion post has had a presence in New Rochelle for 100 years, Poulos said, and would like to see it continue for another century.

Poulos, who served two tours in the Army back in the 1980s, said in spite of the coronavirus the post still has a mission to connect with and help veterans of any age.

"The makeup of the post is the makeup of the military," he said, "men, women, Latino, Black, gay, straight, anything.

"When we all put on the uniform and decided to serve the country, we all did it as a team," Poulos said.

He said the post serves a wide range of age groups, with a majority now from the Vietnam era.

One of his goals is to get younger veterans interested in being members of the post.

"A town square kind of thing," Poulos said, "that's what I'd like to see this place to become."

In the meantime, he does outreach to veterans, some of whom aren't able to get around, and provides assistance to those who need to file claims for such things as disability.

Poulos also is looking for people to donate coats, boots, blankets and socks for veterans who are in need or homeless.

Anyone who wants to donate those items can drop them off when he's there from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Failing that, people can leave them in the bar which has a separate entrance. They can also call 914-636-7570 and make an appointment to drop items off.

Poulos would love to have an open house for the community as soon as it's practical and looks forward to celebrating Veterans Day and Memorial Day in person, not to mention finally being able to acknowledge the American Legion Post's 100th anniversary.

Donations are always welcome, Poulos said, and can be made through the post's website.

"Anything that anybody feels comfortable sending in or coming by and dropping off," he said.

"Whatever we get in the form of donations," Poulos said, "we'll try to apply to the building fund. The building needs a little help."

American Legion Post 8 is at 112 North Ave. in New Rochelle.