Local Amvets Honor Guard available for ceremonies, events
The North Fort Myers-based Amvets Post 81 Honor Guard is a visible group throughout Southwest Florida, presenting colors at functions ranging from Veterans Day events, to parades, from solemn graveside services to softball league opening events.
“We present colors at a lot of functions,” said organizer Jack Wadell. “We are also currently available for community events and ceremonies.”
They provide their appearances at no charge, but do accept donations.
The guard has a busy upcoming month. On Sunday, Nov. 8, they will be at Palm Harbor in North Fort Myers where they will post and retire colors. Their next activity will be Veterans Day Nov. 11 event at Buccaneer Estates.
That is a private function for that community which draws hundreds annually.
“After the parade at Buccaneer Estates we’ll then go to Shell Point to post colors and retire colors,” Wadell said. “We will also post colors Nov. 14. at the Veterans Foundation in Cape Coral, a brand new place there. We will also post colors at the Barbara B. Mann Theater Dec 3. They are honoring veterans on that day.”
Besides always being a big part of Veterans Day events at Buccaneer Estates, the guard was there at the dedication of the community’s memorial fountain and MIA/POW remembrance ceremonies.
“We also present colors at the Edison Festival of Light Parade,” said Walter Ahmad, who is the captain of the local guard. “We feel honored to do the parades, funerals. It means a lot for the Honor Guard to participate in these community events to honor fallen WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans, and the veterans from wars going on now.”
Besides Jack Wadell and Walter Ahmad, other members of the local guard include Sondra Wadell, Carole Ahmad, Dennis Densmore, Al Pierolo, Jim Scofield, Ed Tucker, Ellen LaRochelle and Doug Robeson.
“I’ve been a member for over five years,” said LaRochelle. “When they formed the Honor Guard I wanted to became a member in honor of my late husband, Msg. Mark LaRochelle. Every event we do is to honor our veterans who have served and protected our country.”
She also travels with other members to guard the Traveling Wall when it is in Southwest Florida.
“I joined the Honor Guard because it’s my way of paying my respects to the people who gave us so much with their sacrifices,” said Peirolo.
Another key member of the Honor Guard is Dennis Densmore. “I think it’s important because we make the public more aware of veterans and what they have done, and what old veterans are doing now as well as new veterans.”
“The members of our group are veterans, wives and sons of veterans,” Wadell said. He started the local guard in 1978.
“I started this organization because our post did not have an honor guard. One reason we started is that many are getting older at other posts who have an interest. Many posts have disbanded.”
He served in the United States Army 1956 to 1971 and came to Southwest Florida in 1977.
“I love North Fort Myers. I love the community and love the people I meet. They are very friendly.”
“We are recruiting for new members,” he continued. “They need to be a veteran or a wife or child of a veteran.”
To contact the Honor Guard for a public appearance call Wadell at 849-0112 or 656-4088.