AMVETS continues to support veterans

KYLE — American Veterans (AMVETS) has been serving veterans across the country since World War II, with the Kyle location opening June 12, 2012.

Central Texas AMVETS Post 115 was founded by Kerman Hammond Sr. and Lyle Bollinger, also a contributor to the first sector in WWII, after seeing fellow military members be turned away for their position in the war.

“They were part of [another organization] here in Kyle and they got frustrated because one of the members was saying to the people that came in, ‘If you didn’t serve in a combat zone, you’re not welcome here,’ and they didn’t like that,” said Commander Gilbert Arizmendez.

The organization accepts every veteran regardless of where they were stationed and is a resource for incoming residents to use when navigating their transition to civilian life. AMVETS guides the individual or family through a process to apply for grants that can be used for bills or groceries, helps veterans who are in the court system complete a program to repair their record and provides holiday dinners for those who request it.

Although they are military-focused, AMVETS is an organization that wants to support the community.

“We try to bring a lot of camaraderie to the community and also help out in whichever way we can,” said Arizmendez. “Three years ago, we started off by opening our backyard for parking for events so residents didn’t have to walk from downtown to the park … We have been asked for a color guard for the Juneteenth celebration and for Fourth of July, we are considering a picnic.”

The organization also presented the idea of bringing The Wall That Heals to Kyle to city council and organized the event.

AMVETS currently has 73 members and plans to expand its services and amenities for local veterans in the future. For more information, visit www.amvets115.org.