Veterans groups assist those who served in many ways
Nov. 10—Military service organizations are thriving in larger communities, but having a more challenging time in smaller communities.
The Ashtabula Veterans of Foreign Wars is growing and providing many services to not only veterans, but the community as well, said AVFW Commander Mel Hanna.
"We are doing fine," he said.
Hanna said the organization sponsors regular bingo which is open to the public and provides entertainment for the participants and money for the post. He said the post also rents out its basement room for organizations that also provides resources for the post.
Hanna said the post also provides a great deal of money to the community. "We give as much as we can," he said.
Hanna said the VFW gives a lot of money to the schools and other organizations. He said they have been able to maintain and improve the building.
"We just put in a brand new air conditioning unit," Hanna said.
The Conneaut American Legion is also doing well, said Commander Rich Heinly.
"Everything is going really well. We are constantly making improvements," He said.
Heinly said there are between 700 and 800 members of the veterans, ladies auxiliary and sons of veterans.
Heinly said the physical structure has improved for those coming to the facility regularly.
"We moved our main bar to the back. We have so much more room," he said.
"We donate to a lot of charities around the area," he said.
Heinly said he received a great deal of support from the community, including regular thank-you letters.
Heinly said the post tries to emphasize the importance of helping veterans who may have post traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
"We are also making people aware of the suicide hotline," he said.
Heinly said he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985-89 before receiving an honorable discharge and came back to leadership in the post.
"It is kind of neat to be back in a military organization. It is my time to give back," he said.
The Geneva Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6846 Commander Ronald Stettler recently approached city council regarding several projects the post is interested in helping the city accomplish.
Stettler asked permission to remove a tree near the post and plant a new one for use as a tree to decorate for Christmas. He also offered to assist in improving the Purple Heart monument in the city War Memorial Park along Route 534 just south of the Route 20 intersection.
Andover American Legion Post 226 Commander Bob Hitchcock said the post no longer has its own building, but is continuing on serving veterans and the community. He said the organization has opened the option of a free membership for a year for Pierpont and Jefferson residents interested in coming on board.
He said the Andover Fraternal Order of Eagles has opened their doors to the American Legion.
Hitchcock said the Veterans Day breakfast will be paid for by the AFOE and will be open to those who have served their country.
Hitchcock said the Post has 50-60 members and meets the third Tuesday or Wednesday of each month, depending on the availability of the AFOE building.
