If you have ever found yourself driving on Interstate 15 from San Bernardino to Las Vegas, you have driven by this post. Kind of. With only 55 members on their books for the 2021-2022 membership year, and no physical post to call home, most would consider this a small post. However, when posts are small they are generally mighty.
For their general meetings, they can be found in comfortable chairs at the local golf course restaurant. Inside those meetings are 55 of the most driven members one could hope to find in an American Legion.
Despite having so few members, their general meetings are well attended. After requesting they be able to host a District meeting, their very next general meeting was attended by over 20 members, almost half of their membership. The topic of discussion was a chili competition at a nearby business named Dempsey’s Pub, to be held on Nov. 5. While at the Department Convention, the Post Commander George Butterfield won a big screen TV at an opportunity drawing in one of the hospitality rooms. This TV would become part of another opportunity drawing at their fundraiser, alongside over 60 other opportunities from a wide range of small businesses and local residents.
Aside from the opportunity drawings, a cornhole tournament brought in some funseekers that somehow managed to drop their bags in 20 MPH sustained winds with lots of sun. The front parking lot of Dempsey’s Pub was a classic car show. On one side was a food vendor where fresh cooked tacos, hamburgers and hotdogs were on the menu, and on another a military swag “bizarre” run by a retired Army Command Sergeant Major. A live band was on stage playing the hits, and there was even a photo booth with props on their shaded patio where college football was being broadcasted. Legionnaire officers and volunteers teamed up to make all of this happen, each tasked out with a specific goal: Have fun, get it done.
Inside were 15 crockpots of varying chilis made by those willing to wear their heart on their sleeves and give us their best. Also inside was a Christmas tree. Typically, I like to believe that Christmas comes after Thanksgiving and we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. The exception confirmed the rule here where on this Christmas tree was a series of cards where veterans living in the Veterans Home of California – Barstow filled out a wishlist for Christmas. The purchaser of the wishlist would essentially adopt a veteran and give $40 towards their wishlist as that is all the more the veterans would ask for.
Every single veteran residing at the Veterans Home of California – Barstow, in which 103 veterans currently reside, was adopted. Every. Single. Veteran.
For a bit of backstory, this very same veterans home was slated for closure in May of 2020 as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised budget. However, through a loud public outcry of support for those that served our great country with honor, the plan was turned around. Now, in a grand display of Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation, the home is open, visitation is welcomed, and they are currently hiring staff.
In total, the small 55-member post of Silver Lakes Post 855 of The American Legion Department of California was able to donate $11,279, all of which will go directly to the Veterans. In addition to the fundraising, there was also a membership drive in which this post signed up 3 new members pushing them past their membership target for the fiscal year.
With all that said, Post 855 is not done. Planning for a golf tournament scheduled for July 2nd of 2023 has already begun with the proceeds going straight into their community, specifically youth sports. On top of all that, since their chili cook off, they have even recruited yet another 3 veterans to join our great organization.
To see more photos, visit the Silver Lakes Post 855 Facebook page.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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