AMVETS Post 7, Thurmont
The National AMVETS Organization was established and signed into Public Law 216 by President Harry S. Truman, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress.
Thurmont AMVETS Post 7 was established over 40 years ago in the early 80s, making us a staple here within the Thurmont Community. This year, our Department of MD convention was held here in Thurmont, and Mayor John Kinnaird honored us with a Proclamation, officially naming June 7 as “AMVETS DAY.” Our Post is one of four located in Maryland. Our focus here at Thurmont AMVETS Post 7 is supporting all veterans, active military service men and women, our community, and our members. We currently have approximately 305 AMVETS members that consist of veterans and active military servicemen and women, 234 Ladies Auxiliary members, and 263 Sons of AMVETS members. AMVETS Post 7 prides itself on sponsoring local youth teams and providing donations to numerous nonprofits that support veterans in a multitude of ways. One of the most heartfelt things that the AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, and AMVETS Sons of Post 7 do is support the VA Hospital, not only in monetarily donations but in several visits throughout the year to make sure that veterans know they have not been forgotten.
Every year in May, the AMVETS has nominations, and in June, they install the new officers of the board. For the years 2025-2026, the new officers are as follows: Commander Bruce Rice, 1st Vice Kevin Wantz, 2nd Vice Michael McIIrath aka “Mac” (Mac is one of the original chartered members who helped in establishing the Post), Adjutant James Mirabile, and Finance Officer Micheal Mahoney (Mike has not only been a member and volunteer but an employee of the post for 30 years).
Our post is also home to “Nam Knights of American MC” Battlefield Chapter, another local nonprofit veteran’s organization. We’re proud to partner with them and support our brothers and sisters in supporting the families of veterans. Kevin Wantz and James Mirabile are both members of the “Nam Knights,” as well as the AMVETS.
Sons of AMVETS Post 7 celebrated its 40th year of being chartered in 2023. They are a true force of warriors with a strong passionate conviction of giving back to our military men and women. In 2024-2025, the Sons of AMVETS Post 7 donated over $5,000 to veteran assistances, community donations, scholarships, and other various nonprofit organizations.
AMVETS Post 7 Ladies Auxiliary was established in 1982. From the past ladies to the current ladies, they work tirelessly in hosting multiple fundraisers throughout the year, as well as volunteering at all the AMVETS and Sons events. They have given hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to the VA Hospital, the local Thurmont feeder school lunch programs, the Homewood Senior Home, the Thurmont Senior Center, local families in need, St. Jude, John Tracy Center, Shriners and Scholarships to local high school students—these are just a few of the numerous ways they give. They are the most dedicated and giving women, always supporting each other in their efforts while supporting the AMVETS. We’re blessed to have these women, not only as members, but some of them have been volunteering for nearly 40 years.
The following are the scholarship recipients for 2024-2025, who received scholarships from the AMVETS, The Sons of AMVETS, and the Ladies Auxiliary, as well as from the AMVETS Department of Maryland: Dalton Webb (attending FCC to study business); Piper Webb (attending HCC to study health and become a radiologist); Landis Johnson (FCC Nursing Program).
Every year, each of the AMVETS entities give a “Member of the Year” award. The recipient receives a plaque and a small monetary gift. This award is given to a member nominated by their peers/fellow members based on their volunteer service and representing the AMVETS and fellow members in a supporting and giving manner. For 2024-2025 the recipients are as follows:
The AMVETS member of the year is Leslie Wood.
The AMVETS Sons member of the year is Butch Beard.
The AMVETS Post 7 Ladies Auxiliary member of the year is Laure Spahr.
We are so blessed and thankful to be part of the Thurmont community, and we look forward to continuing to grow and support our veterans and the people of the Thurmont community for many years to come. We are always welcoming new members to join us.
