Legion posts make an impact in their community
The work of American Legion posts never stops. Members are continuing to care for and meet the needs of veterans, their families and community. I want to recognize a few whose stories are featured on www.legion.org.
American Legion Post 755 in Manteno, Ill., held a fundraiser Jan. 22 that raised $9,000 to benefit the families of Bradley (Ill.) Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey. The police officers responded to a noise complaint at a hotel. The suspects opened fire on the pair, mortally wounding Rittmanic, 49, and critically wounding the 27-year-old Bailey, who spent 23 days in the Intensive Care Unit before being listed as in stable condition. “The police officers and first responders, we kind of feel a kinship to them,” said Dan Gerber, Post 755 junior vice commander. “Being in the (military) and serving, and they’re also serving. That’s why we wanted to help.”
American Legion Post 30 in Edgefield, S.C., hosted its first Service Dog 5K last November to support Veterans K9 Solutions, a local nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs to train as service dogs. Post 30 invited members of the community – human and canine – to participate in either a 5K or a one-mile run. Early last month, Post 30 presented the results of that fundraiser – more than $4,000 – to the nonprofit’s founder and CEO, Jerry Lyda.
“We have people in our community who have service dogs from that organization,” said Post 30 Legionnaire Winston Boddie, who led the effort to organize the fundraiser. “A veteran who needs a service dog has forever given a piece of him or herself in service to our country. When a veteran receives a service dog, they are restored in part measure. They gain a companion and a source of strength. As the veteran gains strength, so do our communities. And strong communities supply the framework that enables us to raise healthy families.”
American Legion Post 28 in Green River, Wyo., helped host the eighth annual Music for Vets – a veteran benefits concert – with more than 600 people in attendance. The Jan. 8 event featured live bands, raffle drawings, food, drinks and camaraderie. And it raised more than $41,000 to help Post 28 provide financial assistance to local veterans in need.
“This event is super important to us because there was always a need in the area for veterans’ relief,” said Post 28 Commander Tom Niemiec, who is on the planning committee for Music for Vets. “There has been a larger need over the past two years that we are seeing (because of the effect COVID has had with job loss). Good thing we are getting bigger with this event because the veteran need has been bigger as well.”
Since 2009, American Legion Riders Chapter 392 in Panama City, Fla., has staged what it calls the Hotzee Run, a ride and event designed to raise funds for local hospice facilities. The ride took on an even more personal meaning for Chapter 392 in 2015, when one of their own, Mark Long, had a stroke on the ride and used hospice care before his passing. The Hotzee Run was renamed the Mark “Flash” Long Memorial Hotzee Run and has continued to raise money for hospice facilities – now well over $130,000.
This year’s ride took place Jan. 15 and had around 170 motorcycles taking part. It was open to the public and featured multiple stops where participants played a Yahtzee-type game. And more than $24,000 was raised for Covenant Care and Emerald Coast Hospice in Panama City.
“Covenant Care and Emerald Coast Hospice affect the end of life of many veterans in this community,” said ALR 392 Assistant Director Suzanne Patterson, who served as the coordinator for this year’s ride. “At the end of your life, if you don’t get anything else you need to be treated with dignity. That’s what Covenant does and that’s what Emerald does. And they work with volunteers, just like we do. Because we believe in what they do, we want to be able to support them and continue supporting, even when times are tough.”
Share your story
I encourage you visit www.legiontown.org and share your story and photo under the category of Veterans Strengthening America. It’s oftentimes through Legiontown that national staff source these great stories to share on the national website. Whether it’s membership, youth support, flag moments, etc., please share.