Groundbreaking held for new American Legion building
A large group of area supporters turned out for the recent groundbreaking of a new Ralph W. Sparks American Legion Post 336 building.
“It is because of the loyal support of our members that we are able to go forward with this undertaking,” said Post Commander Jim Tressel. “We hope the support continues in the future.”
Many current and perspective members are excited that the new, larger space will allow for more functions.
Officials from different organizations and businesses were on hand for the formal ceremony, including Kyle Kitchens who is the architect on the project, Steve Pansing who will be the contractor and oversee numerous subcontractors, Dean Martin and James Messick from TDM Consulting who did the engineering on the project and Elena Smith from SunTrust Bank, the bank where financing was obtained.
Tressel thanked many in his formal speech at the groundbreaking.
“I would like to thank Jack Ruskai (Sergeant At Arms); his knowledge and assistance on the project was invaluable. I am sure his wife Gail also did her share of the legwork. It is great to have someone on your team that gets the job done.”
He also thanked Dick Risner and wife Mary, and his own wife Christine. “She received, sent e-mails, faxes and made phone calls for me,” he said. “She also kept me sane during this process.”
He also thanked the building committee. “They are Chuck Stewart, Dick Haynes, Dave Griffiths. who has passed on, Buddy Fields, Jim Boggs and Al Bieber. George Weisbecker was the finance officer when we started the project and now Dennis Bruland takes it forward.”
He also said it was important to recognize the staff at the Post. “Sharon Wingate and her staff of friendly barmaids including Mary Risner, Nina Stoughton and Nadine Tressel always have made our customers feel welcome.”
The hard work of the Auxiliary, SAL the Legion and the Legion Riders was noted.
Chaplain Dee Demers gave the invocation. “As always, we ask you to be with our service men and women and their families and keep them in your care.”
The project is expected to be completed in six or seven months.
The Ralph W. Sparks American Legion Post 336 is located at 5770 Bayshore Rd. in North Fort Myers. The phone number is 543-1919.