American Legion members hope to breathe new life into old building in West Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Members said a run-down facility in West Fresno has been closed to the public for two years, but meetings have recently resumed at American Legion Post 511. About 70 men and women remain active and the post is looking to refurbish the building.

"It's very important to have this re-established for the community," said Richard Graham, 2nd Vice-Commander.

Graham said Post 511 could serve an important role in letting neighborhood families know about veterans benefits.

"We have a lot of veterans who come through here. A lot of veterans who don't get the educational knowledge of what they have coming to them. Not just them in general but their children."

The post has set a fund-raising goal of $100,000. Books, collectibles and musical equipment have already been donated to move the project forward.

"We have to start somewhere, and that's actually with the community contributing items that they have held and have not put to use or have not sold these items," said Mai See Vang, Central Valley Hmong Democrats.

Vang said it's important the community steps up for veterans who have served.

"They fought for our country and they should be honored and remembered. This should be a place that we could revitalize so they could come here and tell their stories."

Post 511 plans to soon kick off a fund-raising drive.