American Legion Plans Veterans Home

Romeoville American Legion Post 52 is only three years old, but the organization is planning for the future.

The legion is in the planning stages of a project that would bring a “first-of-its-kind” American Legion Hall to Romeoville, according to Commander Christopher Benigno.

That’s because the planned 12,000-square-foot hall would also contain housing for local veterans, as well as a therapeutic component for servicemen and women suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and injuries.

“There’s never been an American Legion hall with a veterans’ home within the same four walls,” Benigno said.

With an estimated cost of $3.5 million, the two-story, handicapped-accessible veterans housing wing would provide a home for men and women readjusting to civilian life after completing their service, Benigno said.

The legion is working with Cornerstone Services in Joliet to coordinate the therapeutic component.

“There will be a full-time clinical social worker and an administrator,” Benigno said, along with volunteer staff. “We’re still kind of working out the logistics.”

The project could be several years off, according to legion Junior Vice Commander Arthur Arellano, who said the organization plans to purchase an existing building to house what will eventually become an American Legion hall, veterans home and banquet facility.

A Joliet architectural firm, Thomas A. Buchar & Associates, designed the building on a pro-bono basis, according to Benigno.

Benigno said American Legion members had no trouble choosing a name for the facility: the Raymond Holloway House, named for the late village clerk and Vietnam veteran.

“(Naming the hall for Holloway) was the first thing that came to my mind,” Benigno said. “Wow, what a guy.”

The home will serve veterans from all over Will County and will offer services for both men and women, according to Arellano. In addition to dormitory-type double accommodations, the plans call for separate suites for families.

“We’re looking to take not only take care of male veterans but also female veterans,” Benigno said. “We’re thinking about everybody.”

Arellano said the organization feels a responsibility to provide a refuge for returning soldiers.

“Being veterans, I think it’s our duty to do that,” he said.

“The number of homeless veterans is astounding,” Benigno added. “Men and women who have served shouldn’t have to be out on the street.”

While the project will be funded through donations, Benigno said the American Legion hall will quickly become self-sustaining.

“We’re talking about four banquet halls that would seat 85 (people) apiece,” or a large gathering of about 500, he said. “We don’t have anything like it in the area,” Benigno added, saying the location could also be used as a venue for other community groups to meet.

Rental and banquet fees could make the facility self-sustaining in about three years, he said.

 Fundraising begins

Last month, the legion of what will be a series of fundraisers for the project. The event, held at , raised $1,800, Benigno said, “which was a nice start.”

Additional fundraisers are in the works, Arellano said. A planning office for the project has been established at the newly renamed Georgia Wilson Community Service Center, 10 Montrose Drive.

Community members can also contributions to the American Legion building fund using PayPal by clicking “donate” on the organization’s website, www.americanlegion52.com.

Community members who want to hear firsthand about the project will get their chance next week. Benigno said he will present information on the planned American Legion home during the March 16 village board meeting.

He encouraged community members to attend the meeting, slated for 6 p.m. at Village Hall, 1050 W. Romeo Road.