Post 9 History

In the mid 1980s, where northwest Hillsborough County borders Pasco County, a group of military veterans began meeting and gravitating to each other.

Their shared experiences formed a bond - and then created a vision.

Today, thanks to them and their families, we proudly welcome you to Post 9 in Odessa.

Carl Jasinski, with support from wife Gloria and some members of AMVETS Post 4 in Tampa, started the procedure which resulted in the eventual formation of AMVETS 9 in Odessa.

Officially chartered in 1987, the group did not own a building. The founding members met at the home of John and Mary Power on Lutz Lake Fern Road. 

From their beginning Post 9 has hosted the veterans from James Haley Veterans Hospital for Thanksgiving dinner. The first dinner was held in the Power home.  Veterans were brought in wheel chairs and gurneys. Thanksgiving dinner for veterans has become a tradition.

John was the first Commander and also located the old Ship Reck Bar, which was a rat trap, and approached the owner to sell it to the AMVETS. 

After the purchase, the members started to make it useful and presentable with a lot of hard work and using whatever materials they could find.

The only remaining charter member from AMVETS Post 9 is Charlie Hoffman.  All the rest are gone.