The primary function of the Union County New Liberty American Legion Post 212 is to support Veterans and their families and widows/widowers of the Vets in the county. Do you know a Veteran who could use a wheelchair or a walker, crutches or potty chair? Or a Veteran who spends a lot of time seated and could benefit from a stunning, handcrafted lap blanket for warmth? The American Legion is there to help! Contact any member of the American Legion Post 212 with your needs, or email Adjutant@ALTNpost212.org

Every Christmas, the Veterans purchase food items and pack gift boxes for Veterans and their widows/widowers. This week, Lynn Sexton (US Air Force), TJ Stanley (US Navy), Arnold Smallin (US Army), Kara Johnson (US Army), Samuel Buchanan (US Navy) (ably assisted by his service dog Obie (Belgian Malinois)), and the new Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Mark Cook all worked together quickly and efficiently to form boxes and pack them to the brim. The boxes were distributed throughout the county to those who can use them. The Veterans tell me that the widows/widowers of Vets had the most challenging job of all – holding down the fort, raising the kids, keeping house while their spouses were defending our country, and they want to be sure that they are appreciated and not forgotten.

You’ll see our Veterans participating in fairs throughout the year; and they support several youth programs in the county. As VSO Mark Cook noted, “the Legion is a wholesome way of taking care of Veterans as well as helping their community.

A free, homemade dinner is available to all Veterans at 6:00 pm on the first Monday of every month at the American Legion Post building on Veterans St, behind the ballfield and Sheriff’s office. If you are a Veteran, stop by to chat, meet other folks, and chow down on terrific food!