June's Article: VA Standdown!

Greetings, Friends! First, Congratulations to New Post Officers recently elected. A special THANK YOU to our Commander Jim Lafarlette! Jim gave me my start here & I am very appreciative of that. We’ll keep it going for you, Jim! Also, Thanks to everyone for their contributions to the Heroes to Hometowns/Wounded Warriors event. We brought in $777 & general membership agreed to kick in $223 to make it an even $1000 to help the Wounded Warriors. Great job to all who helped put it together or attended. WAY TO GO, POST 434! Well, June is at our door. That means this year’s Annual Veterans Standdown is near. In fact, it is being held July 17th, 18th, & 19th at the San Diego High School Football Field. If you are new, that is our event when the Entire San Diego Community helps homeless veterans by providing food, clothing, medical/dental care, social services, veteran’s benefits, & more. Post 434 provides a TRIFECTA in support: 1) Financial support. Along with the other San Diego posts, we provide funding to District 22 for food & supplies. 2) Clothing. With our annual drive, we are the largest supporters of clothing to the event. We’ve made an impact, giving more than $10,000 in clothing over the last 2 years! Thanks to Cliff Stohlberg, we have a storage place & are able to take all donations NOW – until 15 July. Just drop them by the post. The VA Standdown Committee says the need is TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS. 3) Service. We give of ourselves by supporting the American Legion Day on July 17th where all San Diego posts join together to serve food to the homeless. We really have struggled to encourage members to physically participate at this event. We are the 4th largest Post in the State of California & we’ve been unable to get more than 8 people to attend (and that is all together over the last 2 years). It is up to you to make it happen. I am in hopes that we break those numbers and really show our post strength and heart. There will be a sign-up sheet at the post & if you need transportation, you will be able note it there. Even if you can’t attend, I challenge you to remind those who can that we really need them. Thanks for understanding! I have more online at my Adjutant’s Corner (http://www.LegionPost434.org). Cheers! See you at the Post!