Delicious food aromas hit you as you walked in the door of the American Legion Hall on June 3. If you thought you weren’t hungry before, the wonderful smells of the Chicken Alfredo dinner immediately changed your mind. And there was so much food – all expertly prepared by the cooks of the Veterans Volunteers. In addition to the huge pan of the Alfredo (see photos), there were pans of Caesar Salad and individual loaves of garlic bread that were baked to perfection. The choice of yummy cookies would have been enough of a dessert, but they also offered an amazing low sugar Strawberry/Blueberry Pretzel casserole. These monthly dinners are prepared with love and thankfulness for our Veterans and are absolutely free meals. According to the US Census Bureau, about 7% of the Union County population is made up of Veterans –somewhere around (+ or -) 1400 people. Yet, unfortunately, a very small number of Vets come for the monthly meal and/or the monthly meeting. I have to wonder why.

The American Post 212 does quite a bit in the community. Their first and foremost calling is to support any honorably discharged veteran. If there is a veteran in need, they strive to provide whatever support that person requires. Often it is a motorized wheelchair, walkers, ramps into their house, delivering food. Christmas is one of their busy times as they shop for food to fill large boxes for around 40 vets. They put on a Christmas party for needy kids, many of whom might not otherwise have much of a Christmas, with food and presents for all. New Liberty Post 212 provided the major fundraising for the completion of our Veteran’s Memorial. They provide an Honor Guard to escort a veteran to his/her final resting place. They would very much like to provide a Crisis Hotline for local Veterans who are having a hard time and need assistance or want to talk with someone. But our American Legion need a larger membership to continue helping in the community.

The present Veterans are aging out and our younger Vets are not stepping up. If you are a Veteran, why not stop by the next Veteran Volunteer meal on Monday July 1 at 6:00 and just meet some of the other Veterans in the community? You are not required to stay for the meeting – just come and sample some of the delicious offerings the Veteran Volunteers whip up for you! Or call Commander Darrell White (865) 250-7170 with any questions or concerns.