Everyday veterans stop by G. I. Joe’s Army Navy Store to check out the latest merchandise that helps them connect to the time they served for this country.
The owner Wayne Williams, who served in the Army, speaks with veterans daily at his store. GI Joe’s started to thrive right after 9/11 because it was one of the only places that sold American Flags locally. Wayne said “People wanted to showed their patriotism and hanging the American flag in a devastating time gave many people hope.”
This store is filled with military memorabilia from the Civil War to the Iraq War. There is a projector in the back of the store that shows WWII films on the weekends. G.I. Joe’s has a missle launcher from the Band of Brothers, a mini series, that was popular on HBO. An actual Scud missle is displayed to show people the inner workings of military firepower. The authentic military jeeps are housed in the store and are used in holiday parades. Wayne has a helicopter and tank displayed outside his store for people to come and admire.
Since 9/11, G.I. Joe’s has become a place where veterans can shop for anything and everything military. The non veterans also come into the store wanting to buy items that show their support to loved ones who are serving or who have since served.
Wayne Williams is a prominent member of the VFW in North Attleboro and spends his spare time and money to help repair and update the facility.
