By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Yukon American Legion members delivered care packages to their comrades.
American Legion Post 160 on Aug. 14 participated in the American Legion’s national “Be the One” campaign, which is aimed at reducing the rate of veteran suicide.
After their monthly post meeting, four teams of Post 160 members led by Jared Campos, John Coffey, Bob Bebrin, and Michael Devenitch visited Yukon veterans and their families to deliver baskets filled with gifts, food and treats.
“The national commander (Jim Troiola) came to town,” said Devenitch, commander of American Legion Post 160. “Many of our members don’t have email so I called almost 100. I found out a lot of our members have challenges.”
The appreciative recipients included two members caring for homebound spouses, one who’s battling cancer and another unable to get out due to life challenges.
During one visit, American Legion Post 160 helped install a new flagpole lanyard so the United States’ flag could again be flown at the home.
“We raised the flag for the first time in years for that family,” Devenitch noted. “They were happy.”
Yukon’s Legion members will plan events on a regular basis as part of the Be the One campaign.
Post 160 works with local veterans who need help with food and housing.
The American Legion has elevated this national effort as its top priority, empowering veterans, servicemembers, their family members, and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk.
The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated at between 17 and 22. For more details, visit betheone.org.
‘VERY GRATEFUL’
Commander Devenitch deemed Post 160’s first Be the One event as a “huge success” – both for participating post members and all four recipients.
“They were very grateful,” Devenitch said. “One of them even called me and asked where to send a ‘thank-you’ note.”
American Legion Post 160 meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday each month at 1010 W Main.
“We’re trying to build up,” the commander said. “We have 125 members now.”
Post 160 plans to open an American Legion auxiliary for veterans’ spouses, and recently welcomed its first Sons of the Legion (SAL) member.
A veteran service officer comes to Yukon’s American Legion Building from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month.
For more information about the American Legion, veterans are invited to attend a meeting or call (405) 467-0525.
