Oklahoma post serves as resource amid massive flooding

Oklahoma post serves as resource amid massive flooding

In Fort Gibson, Okla., American Legion Post 20 has been feeding displaced citizens and first-responders for nearly a week after torrential flooding struck the community.

"We had first responders coming in the building all night long getting snacks and water and coffee and just taking a five-minute break," Post 20 Commander Tim Smith told Tulsa TV station KJRH, Channel 2.

Post 20 member Jim Quinn wrote in an email. “We have served thousands of meals, established a resource center at the high school old gym and are taking care of veterans through the ODVA (Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs) and The American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF) and Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA).

NEF grants provide immediate financial assistance for American Legion and Sons of The American Legion members who have been affected by the natural disaster. Legion posts also qualify. The NEF provides up to $3,000 for Legion and SAL members with an active membership who have been displaced due to damages to their primary residence, and up to $10,000 for posts that have been damaged by a natural disaster and whose programs and activities within the community are impacted.

To learn more, check out the NEF resources, www.legion.org/nef. To donate, please visit www.legion.org/donate.

After earlier canceling the Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Gibson’s veterans cemetery, the local VA reversed course and held it Monday.

“Even though we are in the middle of a crisis we established the Trail of Honor — 600 American flags along a two-mile route into the National Cemetery — to honor American's fallen heroes this Memorial Day,” Quinn wrote.