“Am I my brother’s keeper?”- Cain, Genesis 4:9

Well yes as a matter of fact we are. As American Legionnaires we are joined together with a bond that has been forged by blood, sweat and tears. Our family bond is much deeper than just being born into the same household; our family bond came from serving side by side together in good times and bad. We are able to trust each other with our very lives because we know that when the rest of society lets us down, when our government turns it back on us, and when the “system” fails us; we always have each other to turn to for help and support.

Last week I was visiting one of our brothers in a long term care facility. His mobility is restricted to a wheelchair but every day he manages to push himself outside, enjoy God’s creation, and breathe in some fresh air. He is not a quitter but rather an overcomer. While we were talking I noticed a rather large hole in his shoe from wear and tear. I returned to visit our brother this week with a new pair of shoes from Walmart. It did not break my bank account and meant the world to him. You see, I am my brother’s keeper.

I do not tell you this to draw attention to myself but rather to draw attention to the needs of our brothers and sisters all around us that go unmet day after day. The recent VA debacle is partially our fault. That’s right I said it. It is not often that someone will accept responsibility for their actions or inactions but I will. You see the VA Hospital system began as a direct result of our WWI American Legion members lobbying Congress for better health care and treatment of our nation’s heroes. (On a side note, our Social Security System was modeled after that also as a result of The American Legion)

As an civic organization we have been a leader in bringing positive social programs to the United States of America. However, over the years we have become personally complacent and allowed the “system” to care for our brothers and sisters and not taken a personal interest in their wellbeing.  Had we, The American Legion, been monitoring the VA Hospital situation all along, then we could have spoken out louder and sooner and never let the problems fester into crisis level proportions.

How do we fix the problem at our level? Easy, Adopt a Vet. Decide today to sponsor one of our brothers or sisters and own our portion of the responsibility. Become our brother’s keeper. At Post 232 level we cannot fix all our National woes; we can however make a real impact into the lives of veterans close to home. Join us as we show the world a few determined men and women are still willing to do the right thing and take responsibility for our comrades. – Brian Rietvelt, Post Commander

To take part in on our Garner Post 232 Adopt a Vet Program simply send a check for $30 to :

Garner Post 232 PO Box 252 Garner NC 27529 (write AVP on the memo line) and we will send you the information of the veteran you have personally sponsored. It is just that easy to make a huge difference.

For God and Country* Together We are Legion Strong