The Brightside: American Legion 100 Years+
SALISBURY, Md. – For over 100 years, the Wicomico American Legion Auxiliary Unit 64 has maintained not only its presence in the community but also its work to grow in membership and be a support system for veterans and their families. “I’m very proud of what we do here, I’m very proud that we exist for the veterans and the families,” says 1st Vice Commander Joe Bender.
Wicomico County’s American Legion, Post 64 specifically has a mission to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace, and blessings for our area veterans. We’re told their work goes above and beyond their four walls. “The American Legion has opened its doors to honorable DD214s (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).” Bender explains, “You have to get into the public, you have to maintain that public eye; Just like any other business, you’ll collapse if you don’t keep it going.”
Working to build their four establishing pillars, National Defense, Americanism, Veterans, and Youth. Bender is a United States Navy veteran and tells us although he was only in the military for a short while due to an injury in the line of duty, the American Legion allowed him to continue to serve differently. “When I was able to find the American legion, I found a new way to be able to reconnect to get that commodore back into the room to try to get the families out and get them involved.” He adds, “If you have a war-hard person coming back, that may not fit into the household. So the family goes through a lot of issues also.”
Over the years, we’re told the Legion has found more ways to support veterans and families experiencing PTSD. Whether connecting veterans with counselors and pointing them in the direction of the organization “Be the One” a suicide prevention group, or helping them find a job. They’re helping over 400 members in Wicomico County. “You have to go out where the public is at, that’s why we have the job fairs that’s why we get involved with the army, that’s why we have defense contractors.”
Beyond that, the organization is involved with Habitat for Humanity and does training for PTSD animals all in hopes of creating a better support system for veterans which in turn helps the whole family unit.
Whether hosting holiday events, working with Boy Scouts, adding new war artifacts, or maintaining the memorial wall, the American Legion can’t do its work without the work of all its members, their families, and the community. “There is help out there for you and no matter where you turn, there’s a web of other things that you can get involved in.”
To learn more about the American Legion, and how you can become a member or even work with them, visit their website.
You can also check out their upcoming events on their Facebook page.
