Renovating a Historic Veterans Facility
Numerous veterans' organizations across the nation have struggled with aging infrastructure and dwindling membership, often failing to engage newer generations of service members. However, the Italian American War Veterans and American Legion Post in East Boston is taking a different path by revitalizing its space.
Dennis Magnasco, a former US Army staff sergeant, described the initial condition: "This space had really fallen into disrepair. We needed to repoint all the bricks. There were leaks coming through the walls. It wasn't usable space for the community."
Andrew Biggio, an ex-US Marine Corps infantry rifleman, noted the broader context: "There's thousands and thousands of posts that already closed in the United States and in Massachusetts."
Addressing Challenges with Innovative Solutions
Two key issues have hindered many posts: a decreasing veteran population and a focus on older members' preferences. Magnasco observed, "A lot of veterans' posts kind of became a place to sit and drink your sorrows away."
To counter this, the East Boston post has introduced activities like cornhole competitions. Magnasco explained, "We're able to use it like a fun community event, putting teams together, having a little competition and camaraderie." Additional events include Halloween parties and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Magnasco emphasized the personal impact: "Connecting with other veterans has changed my life, improved my life."
Support and Broader Mission
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veteran Services provided $140,000 for masonry repairs. Secretary Jon Santiago highlighted the deeper purpose: "What we've learned over the past couple of years at our offices is that veterans who have PTSD, mental health issues, a whole host of issues. . . when they have peer opportunities to converse, to share their stories, their health outcomes improve."
While appealing to younger veterans, the post also preserves military history. Biggio shared plans: "We're trying to start the Boston War Veterans Museum here, so people can come and have a drink, or have a soda, but also be able to stare at stuff on the walls that you don't see in any other bar of facility here in Boston." The interior features uniforms, helmets, weapons, and a restored 1945 jeep.
Biggio concluded, "We want this place to be an authentic original place in East Boston. The veterans deserve it. The guys who left here and fought and died from East Boston deserve it. Those whose names are on rusty street signs deserve a walking museum memorial."
