South Union American Legion gutted by ‘suspicious’ fire
Alyssa Choiniere | 缅北禁地
American Legion Post 51 members discuss the fire damage to their South Union Township post Friday morning. An early morning fire gutted the building.
Flames were shooting out the back door of American Legion Post 51 at about 4:30 a.m., prompting a 911 call from someone who saw the flames at the South Union Township post. The fire gutted the building.
A 鈥渟uspicious鈥� early morning fire gutted LaFayette American Legion Post 51 in South Union Township Friday, leaving more than 400 veteran members without their center for camaraderie.
鈥淔inancially, we don鈥檛 know the loss. It鈥檚 undetermined,鈥� said Commander Robert Doria. 鈥淏ut the loss to the veterans 鈥� this is our home.鈥�
He took a few steps away to collect himself. Bartender Karen 鈥淜K鈥� Laschinsky sniffled, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Veterans trickled into the parking lot throughout the morning to see the extent of the damage and offer support and helping hands.
鈥淣o wings Wednesday,鈥� Steve Haragos, the post鈥檚 finance officer, said sardonically to a member who stopped by.
鈥淚t鈥檚 bad,鈥� he added with a wry laugh.
He said he was called at 4:30 a.m. and learned the post was on fire.
鈥淪omebody out back saw flames shooting out the back,鈥� he said.
A state police fire marshal is working to determine the official cause of the fire. It appeared suspicious in nature, said Joe Rettura of Laurel Highlands Insurance Group, which insures the property.
He said smoke, fire and water caused 鈥渟ubstantial damage鈥� to the building鈥檚 interior.
鈥淭he kitchen鈥檚 done,鈥� Haragos said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a mess in there.鈥�
Doria, an Army and Coast Guard veteran, said they plan to continue their scheduled community programs, including a ceremonial flag burning with a boy scout troop on June 14, and a state police program for local youth.
鈥淥ur programs are still alive and well. I鈥檒l tell you that,鈥� he said.
Haragos, an Army veteran, mourned the loss to the post and local veterans, adding several American Legions in the state were recently shuttered. The post is foundational element of after-service life to more than 400 veterans in the community. Others stop by for a helping hand. He said several homeless veterans have stopped at the post, most recently a man who was traveling from Morgantown, West Virginia to Pittsburgh and living in his car. The American Legion gives those veterans financial help, and directs them to other local resources.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a nice place. It had everything going for it,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd then this happened.鈥�