Since its inception in 1931, Bethlehem’s Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post 1040 has made supporting the community its chief goal. And that’s a message the group wants to focus on as membership in veterans organizations wanes nationwide.
Despite a down economy, many members have put in the extra hours to continue to raise a steady stream of funds through public and members-only events. In 2012, the Post raised $31,715 for charitable causes, the majority of which stayed within Albany County.
“As we lose members, we need to raise interest in order to gain more,” said Barry Bedrosian, a fundraising coordinator with the post. “We need active members to help with the events to continue to give to the community.”
The largest portion of the funds donated last year, more than $8,000, went toward various veterans programs and to the Stratton VA Hospital. The second largest allocation went toward helping fund honor flights for World War II veterans. The Freedom Honor Flight organization is a nonprofit that raises money to send veterans to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The rest of the money went toward local community groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Tri-Village Little League, Bethlehem Youth Court, Bethlehem Community Fund, Bethlehem Pop Warner and a number of scholarships for those graduating Bethlehem High School.
“While we are here to support America’s veterans and current servicemen and women, we recognize that when we served, Americans were there to support us,” said Legion Commander Steve Riedel. “It’s only appropriate that we return the favor and give back to the community. Most of our community-based giving is focused on children. They are our future.”
Post 1040 has more than 700 members involved in all three of its organizations. The Legion is for those who have served in the military, while the Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion are for spouses, family and offspring of veterans.
Bedrosian said some veterans in their 80s and 90s are still very active with the group and volunteer weekly.
But post leaders are now hoping younger generations will see the dedication of those that came before them and join up to help their community. Bedrosian said he believes many who would like to join do not realize they are eligible. Practically anyone who has had a family member or spouse who has served his or her country is qualified to join one of the Legion’s three organizations.
He also said many do not realize the post holds events that are open to the public. Six times a year, members serve up an all-you-can eat breakfast. There are also dinners like Italian Feast Night and other public events, all of which add to the post’s fundraising efforts. Any food left over is donated to local shelters and veterans’ homes.
We want to continue to grow and the more we do, the more events we can put on,” said Bedrosian. “That’s a challenge any organization has is getting people involved. We always need new blood in the organization to keep the machine up.”
The next all-you-can-eat breakfast is Sunday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Post on West Poplar Drive in Delmar. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.
“Where else can you go for a price like that and eat your fill with tax and tip included?” said Bedrosian. “And the money gets donated to veterans causes.”
To learn how to join Bethlehem’s Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post 1040, visit their website by clicking here.