DALEVILLE- "Veterans serving veterans" is more than a motto to the Southeast Alabama American Veterans Post 7, it's just a way of life.
That's the assessment of Post 7 Commander Kevin Turley as he reflects on the accomplishments of the local AMVET post that was formed in 2022.
"Our motto is 'Veterans Serving Veterans' which is accomplished through our programs," Turley said. "Being involved in AMVETS is not just attending monthly meetings but getting involved and helping your fellow veteran.
"They be older or younger than you, but they served our nation with honorable and faithful service. Perhaps they are just down on their luck or going through a tough readjustment to 'normal' life," he added. "AMVETS stands in the gap to ensure no one is 'left behind' and they receive the care and help they need.
"I was so proud of the team when I saw the numbers from our programs. I know we have helped several over the last year, but the numbers show that we are an active group," Turley said. Post 7 has 10 members, three of which also serve with the Department of Alabama AMVETS.
Turley serves as the state AMVET Department Executive Director, Post First Vice Commander Travis Parker also served as AMVET Department Public Relations person, Post Chaplain and Adjunct Rev. John Logsdon also served as the state AMVET Department Chaplain. The other Post 7 officer is Second Vice Commander Ben Jimmerson.
"Though Post 7 only has 10 current members, their active program impact in 2024 exceeded $14,700," Turley said. "Our service to the community includes assisting veterans and their families, recognizing outstanding JROTC cadets, promoting Americanism, preventing veteran suicide, and more."
National AMVET projects include:
AMVETS Task Force DVD -- Collecting new or used DVDs to send to troops overseas. Posts promote the AMVETS Taskforce DVD program and contribute cash for the purpose of mailing DVDs.
AMVETS Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse-Supporting a local community group working with a recovery program.
Americanism-Poster and Essay Contest, parades, public ceremonies, etc.
Blood Drives-Sponsoring/hosting a community blood drive on behalf of the American Red Cross or providing members to donate for other community sponsored drives.
Clothing and food-Proving or helping veterans with clothing and/or food items.
Fund raising-Used to finance post programs.
Homeless veterans-Conducting or supporting Stand Downs, counseling, donations to agencies working on behalf of homeless veterans, participating in a community Continuum of Care.
Honor Flight Network-Transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.
Military Funeral Honors-For Posts with volunteers and/or formal Honor Guards that participate in conducting military funeral honors for veterans at any cemetery, special programs on military and veterans' holidays, and maintenance on markers/graves.
Prisoner Of War/Missing in Action- Provide support to families, conduct POW/MIA ceremonies at community military and veterans' gatherings.
Reserve Officer Training Corps-Donating, presenting the AMVETS ROTC awards and/or conducting JROTC drill competitions.
Operation S.A.V.E.-A VA program that prepares the lay person to be able to act with care and compassion if they encounter a person who is suicidal. Posts participate in the "awareness program" and secure materials from the VA to disseminate in their local communities.
Scholarships-Awards by Posts and/or Department.
Support for National Guard Troops-Support and assistance provided to local National Guard units, troops and family members.
Support Our Troops-Conducting deployment farewells and returning celebrations, providing assistance to families by helping with children, doing repairs, etc. Providing financial assistance for phone cards, voices from home, and time/money directly to base family support units. Mailing care packages, etc.
Veterans History Project -Facilitating the gathering of Veterans stories in an organized manner and within the parameters established by the Library of Congress.
White Clover-The sale of the AMVETS White Clovers for the specific purpose of raising funds to assist our hospitalized veterans.
Women Veterans and Service Members -Activities supported or conducted specifically to assisting women veterans or women service members.
Community Service-Involvement in local communities and help with fund drives, local events and parades.
Legislative activity -- Post involved with state legislative work on behalf of veterans and/or work in support of specific veteran legislative issues in the state or on Capitol Hill.
Membership
Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, to include the National Guard and Reserves.
Local post meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Southeast Community Training Center, located at 195 Highway 84 West in the ALFA Insurance Building in Daleville. Contact Turley at [email protected] or (334) 379-8286.
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Michelle Mann
Staff Writer
Author email Follow Michelle Mann Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today