ANAVETs closes doors for investigation

It’s alleged that a large sum of money, plus some beer and alcohol, have gone missing

The local unit of the Army Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada has closed its doors indefinitely.

B.C. Command took over operation of the unit last month after the entire executive was relieved of its duties. Several members, who asked not to be identified, said it’s alleged that a large sum of money, along with an undisclosed amount of beer and alcohol, have gone missing.

On Sunday, the doors were locked and a sign placed on the door that read: “Closed until further notice.”

It’s believed the closure could be anywhere from one week to five months, depending on the time required to investigate and reorganize.

“This is definitely the last thing we wanted to do but felt it was necessary,” said ANAVETs Command second vice-president Randy Williams, Thursday, from his home in Kamloops.

“B.C. Command took control for the betterment of the unit, and our goal is to get it up and running as soon as possible and to have Penticton operation back to its full potential.”

Williams would not comment directly about the cause of the closure, but did say he hopes the unit can be reopened in time for the annual Remembrance Day exercises.

Founded in 1840, the ANAVETs is a veterans’ organization.

At present there are 68 units across Canada and 18,000 members. With a membership of about 400, Penticton has the largest membership in the Okanagan Valley. The ANAVETs were founded in Penticton 30 years ago and in 2014 hosted the Dominion convention.