It's been almost 10 months since Hurricane Irma rumbled through Southwest Florida.
American Legion Post 125 is opening it's doors for the first time since the hurricane, just in time for Independence Day.
"Oh it's amazing for these veterans, all these veterans coming in today, it's a God send," said Lou Bowling, whose husband helped rebuild the post after Irma.
"There was water everywhere, it was so awful," she said.
FEMA assistance and insurance wasn't enough to cover the damage, so the post was forced to take out a 200,000 dollar loan to help repair the damage. There is still work to be done before they are fully recovered.
"We need, help, so much help," said Bowling.
They post still needs new sinks for the bar area, and cash donations to pay off the loan.
but they've come a long way since last September, thanks to the members who pitched in their time, money and sweat.
"We needed a new stove, somebody donated that. We had somebody donate a generator, and a refrigerator," said Bowling.
Post member Angela Orr says she's inspired by how quickly the community banded together to help out.
"The resilience and tenacity and the integrity of the people of Lee and Collier County who have donated to this post."
American Legion Post 135 has a gofundme account set up if you want to help, all donations are tax deductible.
