Homeless veterans not forgotten
The Bannock County Commissioners thank American Legion Post 4 for its donations to buy Christmas presents for area veterans. Photo provided

Homeless veterans not forgotten

Department of Idaho Legion family members joined with several organizations to bring holiday cheer to the 12 veterans living in the SouthEastern Idaho Community Action Agency's Freedom LZ Veterans Shelter and Jefferson House Transitional Housing.

Donations from American Legion Post 4, and its American Legion Riders, Auxiliary and 40/8, along with several other organizations, made it possible for veterans staying at both facilities to receive Christmas gifts each year. The gifts were delivered on Christmas Eve.

Freedom LZ and Jefferson House are programs that help rehabilitate veterans who are homeless, need medical attention or have other specific needs. The programs have an 85-percent success rate.

The Bannock County Commissioners conducted a press conference on Dec. 17 to recognize and thank the organizations involved.

"What a neat opportunity for us as commissioners to be a part of this," Bannock County Commissioner Karl Anderson said during the press conference. "We're here to do the honor of thanking you guys for letting these people know the community loves them, honors them and is extremely grateful for what they've done."