Post 24 collaborates with VSOs, hosts open house

For the first time, members of well known veterans service organizations met at Legion Post 24 in Alexandria, Va., on Dec. 19, to meet, greet and form alliances.

It all started as a conversation between two post-9/11 veterans. The duo, members of two distinctly different organizations, wanted to find a way to connect vets who volunteer and belong to service groups. From there, the idea blossomed into a meet and greet among members of the post, Team Rubicon, Mission Continues, and Team Red, White and Blue. For many in attendance, it was their first time visiting the post. Others, specifically in Team Red, White and Blue, said they frequent the post for “Taco Tuesdays” after their weekly run around the city.

Since 1919, The American Legion has strengthened communities across America, and the members dedicate themselves to giving back in every way possible. It is vital for Post 24 build on that mantra and work together with other organizations to enrich surrounding communities, said post commander Jim Glassman.

“One of the Legion’s mottos is ‘still serving America’,” Glassman said. “All these young veterans come back and start these groups for the same reasons we do; so we have something in common.”

Each entity represented expressed the desire to create and maintain former alliances with the other organizations, playing off of each other’s strengths and providing support for each other when necessary.

While at the post, the vets were encouraged to learn more about each organization and share their experiences with each other.

There has been an overwhelming response from those who served and currently serve to give back. Many would like to get involved in their community and don’t know how. If a veteran separates from service and is looking for a way to continue serving, he or she can do it through community service, including community building and disaster relief, said Connor Mallon, Mission Continues Washington, D.C., 2nd Service Platoon leader. To him, no matter the organization, the end game is the same: “It’s all about helping other communities.”

Every organization prides itself on its own unique purpose, said Mallon. “We are not in competition with each other; it’s actually quite the opposite. I think we complement each other very well.”

For Afghanistan veteran James Pierce, who is still serving on active-duty, it is rewarding to be a part of several of these organizations. Pierce, who is also Legionnaire, works for The National Park Service through Operation Guardian, and he also volunteers with several of the organizations in attendance. Pierce says he sacrifices much of his free time to give back, leaving him with little to no time to himself. “In addition to being a Legion member, I also belong to Team Red, White and Blue and Mission Continues. I want to be part of something greater than myself.”

Team Rubicon member Miguel Hernandez, a veteran peer specialist with the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, said he left the event feeling a sense of accomplishment. The event was a success in his eyes because former servicemembers were able to network and join organizations that make up for the things they lack in their life when they leave the service, such as a sense of purpose. “Putting our work together, we can achieve more and better help these veterans.”