'Helping the less fortunate in a different culture'

At a time when the relationship between the United States and Mexico governments can be charitably described as uncertain, the community service of American Legion Post 14 in Puerto Vallarta is even more vital to how locals there view their neighbors to the north.

Wrapping up his four-day visit to the Department of Mexico, American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt was impressed with what he saw in a resort town that is adjacent to communities of poverty and challenge.

“We talk about service to the community and Post 14 is doing just that,” Schmidt said. “These Legionnaires are helping the less fortunate in a different culture, where some of the kids might not have the same advantage as our American kids.”

From repairing bicycles to revitalizing and building parks, Post 14 does it all. “We have a lot of volunteers,” Post 14 Commander Dennis Rike said. “We have painters, electricians, welders and mechanics. With that talent, we can get a lot done.”

Schmidt was on hand to witness the dedication of Coapinole Park, the culmination of three months of resurfacing and equipping a playground, basketball court and soccer field. The post has also been a major sponsor of the Busca un Amigo (“search for friends”) day care / rehabilitative center and about 30 other community service projects in the Banderas Bay area.

“Last year we awarded eight Pop Warner football scholarships to young boys here,” Rike said. “These kids love playing what they call North American football. We are going to be giving out 11 of these scholarships this year and paying for equipment. We also repaired 12 bikes so the kids can ride them to football practice.”

Despite the many projects completed, the post does not intend to rest on past accomplishments.

“We plan to build another playground in the community in a few months,” Rike said. And although there are cultural and logistical challenges that come with being an American veteran living outside the United States, Rike believes the efforts of his post have only brought the two cultures closer in Puerto Vallarta.

“All we get from the Mexican people is love because of the work that we do,” he said, proving that The American Legion’s “still serving” ethos does not end at the southern border.