Across the nation, members of The American Legion Family ensured those in need, and others, celebrated Thanksgiving.
Whether it was hosting free community dinners, delivering dinners to those who cannot get out of their home, or bringing military recruits a little closer to home, members of The American Legion Family nationwide again put their communities first over the holiday weekend by providing Thanksgiving to those who might not otherwise get to experience it.
American Legion Family members who assisted others in their communities leading up to or on Thanksgiving are encouraged to share their stories at www.legiontown.org.
The following are just a few examples of the Legion Family’s effort to look for others during the holidays.
Arizona
· In Safford, the Swift Murphy Post 32 Legion Family’s annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner entered its third decade by serving free meals to hundreds of area residents and also providing delivery to those who cannot get to the post. VFW Post 10385 roasted 30 turkeys, while others in the community assisted the effort.
· In Sierra Vista, American Legion Post 52 again served free meals to anyone in need – something it’s done for two decades. This year the post prepared food for 600 people. "Always hope that people are doing well in our community, but sometimes there are some challenges. So I'm glad that we're here to provide a little bit of a gap," Post 52 Commander Bobby Wise said. “We're glad that we can provide this opportunity and provide the service for them. We always hope that people are doing a lot better, but in some cases, sometimes there's a challenge in place. So either way, we're here to support that effort, to provide a nice meal for somebody.”
· In Douglas, Fred Hilburn Post 11 served 415 free plates of food as part of its annual Thanksgiving dinner. St. Vincent de Paul donated turkeys for the meal, while local residents and businesses contributed additional dishes or provided cash to help purchase ingredients. And members of the Douglas High School girls’ basketball team assisted with serving food and greeting guests. “Every year it is amazing to see how this community comes together to help,” Post 11 Legionnaire Scott Babicky said. “A lot more donations and volunteers are coming out, especially youth, to serve the community of Douglas.”
Florida
In Tallahassee, Sauls-Bridges Post 13 again hosted a free community meal, teaming with volunteers from several local businesses to provide Thanksgiving to those in need, alone or just wanting a break from cooking. A total of 800 meals were prepared this year, including 66 turkeys.
"It's important that we be able to let the community know, and our veterans especially, that we're here for them any way that we possibly can be of benefit to them, and to just our neighbors themselves, to let them know that we're here," said Post 13 Commander Dennis Hall.
Illinois
· For the 26th year, American Legion Post 208 and the Village of Arlington Heights hosted U.S. Navy sailors going through basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. The recruits received a full Thanksgiving dinner, free phones to call home all day, entertainment, video games and television. Watch an NBC 5 report of the event here.
· In Palatine, American Legion Post 690 also hosted recruits stationed at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes through the training center’s Adopt-A-Sailor program. In addition to the meal, the recruits also had the opportunity to make calls to loved ones and enjoy relaxing activities. “The Adopt-A-Sailor program reflects the strong bond between RTC and our surrounding communities,” said Capt. Ken Froberg, commanding officer for Recruit Training Command. “Year after year, volunteers open their doors and their hearts, and that gesture makes a lasting impact for our future sailors.”
Indiana
In Carmel, American Legion Post 155’s first free community Thanksgiving meal had a large turnout. The dinner was open to all in the community, but special invitations were made to veterans and those homeless in the area.
Maryland
In La Plata and ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend, American Legion Post 82 continued its food relief effort that started during the government shutdown by teaming with LifeStyles of Maryland for a Shutdown Support Food Relief Distribution on Nov. 23 for to active-duty military, veterans, federal workers and others in need. More than 45 cars were loaded up with food, including some receiving items for multiple families. LifeStyles hosted a Thanksgiving giveaway on Nov. 24.; any food that was left over from the Nov. 23 distribution were used to support the Thanksgiving event.
Missouri
In Hannibal, Emmette J. Shields Post 55 continued an event now more than 30 years old by hosting its free Thanksgiving Community Meal. A total of 36 turkeys were prepared, helping feed hundreds who attended the meal or got carryout, while more than 400 meals were delivered to area residents.
New Jersey
· In Hammonton, American Legion Post 186 delivered free meals to veterans and their loved ones residing at New Standard Senior Living. The post provided a homemade traditional Thanksgiving meal and then personally served each veteran their plate. The post’s color guard presented the flags to kick-off the meal, Post 186 Chaplain Diane Eby provided a prayer.
· In Keyport, members of Raritan American Legion Post 23 donated Shoprite gift cards to sailors based at Naval Weapons Station Earl to use for Thanksgiving.
Oregon
In Milwaukie, American Legion Post 180 provided more than 300 free meals to area residents.
Pennsylvania
In Gilbert, American Legion Post 927 welcomed members of the community for its annual free Thanksgiving dinner. Members of the community and other organizations assisted Post 180’s effort.
“This is the veterans giving back to the community,” Post 180 Commander Everett Shaver said. “We’ve been hosting this Thanksgiving dinner every year for at least the past 15 years, since I’ve been here. We open our doors to locals who may not have anywhere else to go, especially those with limited means. It’s our way of giving back.”
Texas
In San Antonio, Fred Brock Post 828’s Legion Family served families during the 10th Annual Youth Empowerment Thanksgiving Dinner held at the Anne Marie’s Event Hall. The dinner, hosted by WORLD LOLEI Incorporation, San Antonio Rising Star and Prince Hall Affiliated Masonic Bodies provided a pre-Thanksgiving meal to more than 180 guests. Fred Brock Post 828 was a sponsor of the event.
Utah
In Cedar City, a free Thanksgiving meal for veterans and their families, as well as the community, was provided by American Legion Post 74 and took place at the First Baptist Church.
Organizer and Post 74 Legionnaire Scotty Harville said this year’s free meal was opened up to other members of the community for a reason. "Especially with the shutdown and the way the economy's been going,” he said. “So we just opened it up so that way, we can extend that out to the rest of the community.”
- Community