Local veterans were honored recently for hard work in recruiting and retaining new members with a special presentation on Monday evening, November 16.
The veterans of Kinder’s American Legion Post 244, Alvin L. Nevils, received a plaque Monday evening honoring their achievement in maintaining, recruiting and retention of members for the year 2020/2021, according to Post Commander Eric Kuyper.
At Monday’s meeting, the group learned the group would receive another recognition as the state’s top recruiting post for 2021.
Kuyper said, “This is an award that has never been won by this post and is a great honor. Post 244 wants to thank the Allen Parish community for supporting them in 2020 despite the difficulties of two hurricanes and Covid-19.
In 2020, the post has been busy with hosting an “Anything Over Rice Cookoff,” craft fair, Krispy Kreme fundraiser, Flag Day Retirement Ceremony and the Sixth Annual Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast. The group has also sponsored a “Happy Holiday Gift Card Drive” for disabled veterans. They have participated in local veteran funeral services and assisted with the new Allen Parish American Legion Color Guard utilized during local high school football games. Post 244 has also assisted local families on two occasions this year in securing gravesite markers for veteran’s graves/final resting places. The families had waited for years to have these markers installed.
The American Legion Post 244 also supported the community during Hurricane Laura by starting a supply distribution center that served over 1,500 families. They also supported the communities of Indian Village, Leblanc and Reeves.
A team, known as the Sawdust Soldiers, cleared trees and brush for local residents, who could not do it on their own. The team cleared over 70 yards, tarped eight roofs and repaired 15 generators.
Members have contributed to the Kinder High School band fundraisers, presented graduation awards at Reeves and Kinder High Schools, donated to the Kinder Chamber of Commerce events, assisted Kinder Rotary Club, participated in Kinder McRill Cemetery clean up, Veterans Day setup and many other events.
Kuyper says, “If you think 2020 was a big year for the American Legion, wait until you see what we have planned for 2021. There’s more Krispy Kreme coming, a crawfish fundraiser and much more.”
Any veteran interested in joining the American Legion should contact Kuyper or Post Adjutant Mike Karam with there DD-214 and an annual fee of $30.
“We look forward to continuing the assist our veterans and community as much as we can,” Kuyper said.
