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Burned VFW To Be Rebuilt

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By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 13, 2007

HYDE PARK - The Capt. Russel P. Harris/Rudy J. Santacruz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4321 will be rebuilt.

Since an early morning fire destroyed the post's kitchen, meeting room and much of its memorabilia, members have been figuring out how much it will cost and how long it will take to rebuild.

'It's pretty much devastated,' senior vice commander Cindy Walkowicz said. 'The little things just hit you constantly. We want to be able to say we will rebuild it better than ever.'
Insurance adjusters told post officials the building is basically totaled; a loss of more than $350,000. The building, 2010 W. Morrison Ave., is expected to be demolished.

The fire started about 2 a.m. Sunday. A passer-by noticed a downed power line sparking behind the building. The line ignited the building's kitchen and smoldered for about 30 minutes before firefighters could put out the blaze.

Everything inside - old pictures, a jukebox, medals, light fixtures and plaques bearing the names of the post's lifetime members - was damaged.
Junior vice commander Terry McMillen has been trying to salvage as much as he can, using a rag to clean soot from plaques and pictures. He hopes to save a wall-unit full of damaged memorabilia but isn't sure he can.

The post's bar, which was embedded with medals and memorabilia, also can't be saved, Walkowicz said.

'It is a total mess,' she said.

Commander Bruce Sitki is impressed with how the community has rallied around the post. An impromptu barbecue was held Sunday to collect donations, and nearby bars are planning fundraisers such as golf tournaments, fish frys and poker tournaments, in addition to offering post drink prices to the 250 or so members.

Post member Bob Storey works at the Tiny Tap across the street. He said the bar's owners, Casey and Faye Powell, have always supported the post.

'They're ready to do anything for us,' Storey said. 'We're good neighbors.'

Sitki said all donations will go to the building fund.

'We can't use any of the facility,' he said. 'We're hoping to get a portable office in there to keep the services rolling.'

The building was built in 1945 and sold to the post in 1947 for $500. The post is named for Harris, a Plant High graduate killed in Germany, and for Santacruz, who was listed as missing in action in the Korean War.

'We're definitely going to rebuild,' Sitki said. 'We're just not sure when.'

To help, call Sitki at (813) 833-7388.

Reporter Michael H. Samuels can be reached at (813) 835-2109 or msamuels@tampatrib.com.

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