Revived American Legion post opens in Hardee's building

The resurrected American Legion Post 20 of Tucumcari held an open house Saturday in a resurrected building - the former Hardee's.

Post Treasurer Lorraine Romo signed up several new members to the post, which was reactivated this summer after it went inactive in the 1990s.

Contractor John Pacheco, a Tucumcari native who lives in the Houston area, acquired the Hardee's building at the corner of First Street and Tucumcari Boulevard earlier this year with the intent of it serving as Post 20's headquarters.

Pacheco said in an earlier interview he has spent $385,000 to acquire and renovate the long-neglected building, which Hardee's had closed more than 20 years ago.

Romo said Saturday evening she had signed up five more Legion members. She also had signed up nine Legion Auxiliary members, plus transfers.

Tucumcari resident Nick Padilla, a six-year Army veteran, stopped by to fill out a membership form.

"I know a bunch who were killed in Vietnam who were my neighbors," he said.

Pointing to a POW/MIA flag on the wall, Padilla said, "Every time you see that, you're thinking that could have been somebody's dad, somebody's son."

The exterior of the former Hardee's has been given a fresh coat of red, white and blue paint, along with symbols of the U.S. military branches painted by local artists.

Romo said she's received a lot of positive feedback on the face-lifted building.

"Especially cleaning up the outside, people are thanking us," she said. "This was such an eyesore."

Inside, Romo said the building still is a "work in progress." Though the dining area of the former restaurant appeared to be finished, the area where the counter and kitchen stood still needed work.

A bar had been constructed there, and Romo said a pool table soon will be added. Tucked in a corner is a mini-kitchen to prepare meals. Another room to the side will contain gaming machines, she said.

Romo said a trunk-or-treat event at Post 20 originally set for early evening was rescheduled to the afternoon so it wouldn't conflict with Tucumcari MainStreet's Spooktacular Block Party downtown.

She said nine vehicles participated in the Post 20 event, giving treats and toys and offering games to 55 children.

"They all seemed to enjoy it. The kids had a great time," she said. "I was actually surprised how many kids showed up for the first time we've done this."

Romo said the post next wants to co-host a U.S. flag retirement ceremony with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and have a luncheon for veterans - both on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.