Veterans group celebrates century of service

American Legion Post 153, 2320 Kanell Blvd., will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its charter and the founding of the national organization from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday.

The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the nation.

The drop-in event is open to the public and will include information for veterans, along with activities for families.

Kaye Sparkman, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, explained posts across the country started celebrating in August 2018 and the commemoration of a century of serving veterans will end in December.

The goal is getting younger veterans interested in the group, Sparkman said.

Sparkman, along with Dan Self, legion commander, and Angela Smith, public affairs officer at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, recently discussed the legion, the services it provides and how the legion has advanced services for veterans during the past 100 years.

Self said, the primary purpose of the American Legion is to help veterans and in the process, to help the community, said Self.

“We do not have all the answers, but we know where to get support and assistance for the veterans who are down on their luck,” he said.

Self explained, for services the legion doesn’t provide, they refer veterans to the Rescue Mission, food pantries and other outlets.

The American Legion itself supports many efforts in the community to improve the lives of veterans and families.

The American Legion is interested in children and youth programs, Sparkman said. The group is involved in veterans’ rehabilitation programs and community service. They make donations for children’s programs and work with the VA’s homeless program.

Self said, the American Legion has an emergency fund to assist veterans with health issues, relief after hurricanes and other natural disasters, as well as for veterans who have lost jobs.

The legion supports the Girls State and national programs. Donations are made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the United Cancer Assistance Network and Boy Scouts, especially the troop who is responsible for the flags placed along the highways. Support is also given to Three Rivers Community College, area schools, the police K9 units, the gift shops at the VA ,the veterans home in Cape Girardeau, research programs, Wreaths Across America and Haven House.

The local group supports Fisher House in St. Louis, which provides a place for veterans’ families to live while the vets are undergoing treatment.

Sparkman said the house provides a homey atmosphere where family and friends can cook and live.

Fisher House “is especially good for families when the veterans are coming back from losing a limb. There is no limit on the time they can stay there,” Sparkman said.

Self added, the local group supports the Wall of Valor at the VA and Memorial Wall at the Black River Coliseum.

“The American Legion is hugely involved in national service and legislative issues,” Sparkman said.

Sparkman explained President Trump on July 30 signed a piece of legislation saying the U.S. has been in a time of war or conflict since 1941. This allows more veterans to get involved in applying for benefits.

The legislation means anyone in the military service since Dec. 7, 1941, is eligible now to become involved in veterans programs.

Sparkman said, the Legion Auxiliary also keeps busy and is undergoing changes to keep up with the changes in the military.

The Auxiliary is now open to the male spouses of veterans.

The Auxiliary will get a different perspective since the men will bring their experiences to the group, organizers said.

This is a perspective needed since 1.9 million women veterans live in the United States, Sparkman said, explaining, 9% of U.S. veterans are women and by 2045, 18% of the military will be women.

The VFW, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Association and Sons of the American Legion have also been invited Saturday to share how they help veterans and their families.

The Veterans Benefit Administration and a representative from the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

First responders have been invited, including the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Air Evac, Butler County Emergency Medical Services and Medic One.

Also invited are the Missouri Veterans Commission, the VA hospital staff and the Stars and Stripes Museum. The group is planning for military vehicles to be on display. Car enthusiasts are welcome to showcase their vehicles.

A flag folding demonstration and games for children will be offered.

The VA will hold one of its four annual Town Hall meetings at the celebration. While the legion and auxiliary work hard at helping veterans and their families, Smith explained, the VA “partners” with them.

This Town Hall meeting will be different than the others and less formal, Smith said.

They will talk about minority veterans, program management, veterans benefits, service connected disabilities and other issues of interest to veterans.

“It is important for us to make ourselves available to make sure veterans understand the importance of enrolling in VA health care,” Smith said. “The more veterans we serve, the more services we can offer.”

Smith wants to help the veterans understand how necessary it is for them to enroll for services.

“We appreciate the opportunity to serve the veteran community and it is a privilege to serve them,” Smith said. “We want to give the veterans the best service in health care.”