The American Veterans, better known as AMVETS, have been assisting veterans and their families since being chartered by Congress in 1944. This year, the headquarters moved from Washington, D.C., to Washington, PA. AMVETS helps veterans with an assortment of services, such as assisting with disability claims, giving rides to veterans and helping veterans transition back to civilian life. They have more than 1,000 posts across the United States. Each post has a serious responsibility to work with the city or town they are placed in and help and connect with the veterans in the area.
AMVET headquarters moved to Washington, PA, in 2025, and this move will save them over 40% in annual expenses.
Post Commander Dorland Anderson stated, “It was an expensive move, but the savings make it beneficial.” Washington, PA, is also a great center spot for AMVETS because of its rich history and abundance of veterans. German Teacher Herr McLaughlin is a veteran who thinks Washington, PA, will be a great place for the headquarters, due to the important crossroads of Interstate 70 and 79 and the lower cost of living compared to Washington, D.C.
He concluded that this move is beneficial because “saving more money on location means helping veterans more.”
Now that AMVETS is in Washington, PA, they are looking forward to connecting with the community. National Commander Paul Shipley voiced that anyone is welcome to visit the new headquarters at 265 North Avenue to take a look. The headquarters are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and operate in an old Jewish synagogue. AMVETS also plans to connect to the community with many events coming up, including bingo and comedy nights, as well as a pharmaceutical conference. AMVETS also presents many opportunities to volunteer and the headquarters is also available to be rented for events.
Shipley emphasized all of the opportunities to bond: “We are really trying to connect to the community as much as we can.”
McLaughlin hopes for AMVETS to work with JROTC programs in the area for even more opportunities to help local veterans and chances for JROTC students to learn and connect with veterans with military experience.
American Veterans is also planning to open a brand new Family Center in Washington on Manse Street in place of an old elementary school. The Family Center will focus on helping veterans with their return to civilian life, with its main focus being a housing center for veteran families.
Now that AMVETS is finally settling down after its move, it is encouraged that community members dedicate time to help those who fought for this country.
