Arlington Legion honored for community service
Published on Wed, Oct 7, 2009 by Carmell EmoryRead More Communities
The American Legion Post 76 in Arlington was honored September 21 at the Arlington City Council meeting, as September was proclaimed National American Legion Month because of the committed devotion the association has for its community.
The American Legion has been working to assist veterans and their families since its charter on September 16, 1919. As a not-for-profit community service organization, the Legion provides a stable environment for wartime veterans, their families and the community surrounding their official posts. In total, the American Legion has touched the lives of 3 million people worldwide with their 15,000 posts around the globe. The American Legion is also responsible for creating the original G.I. Bill, which aids veterans in receiving home loans and education funding.
Locally, Arlington's Post 76 has completed countless deeds of community service and assistance for local citizens and veterans.
Bette Ann Becktell, the Adgent, or First Sergeant, for the 76 post, said that the group's main purpose is to help "veterans, veterans' families, community, and children and youth."
The Legion supports veterans by providing transportation to the VA Hospital for physical and mental needs, assisting them with monetary aid, and helping their families in any way they can. Last month, the Legion sponsored a golf tournament with all the proceeds donated to the Fisher House in Seattle, where families can stay while their loved one is getting treatment at the VA Hospital.
Last December the 76 Post raised over $15,000 to help buy and pass out toys for local children. The Post also coordinates with the local Boy Scouts and meets with them once a month, distributes high school scholarships in Darrington, Arlington and Lakewood, and represents the dedication of servicemembers at almost every parade and fair they can attend.
"We do as much as we can to help. We are a family that helps families," said Becktell.
The American Legion has been working to assist veterans and their families since its charter on September 16, 1919. As a not-for-profit community service organization, the Legion provides a stable environment for wartime veterans, their families and the community surrounding their official posts. In total, the American Legion has touched the lives of 3 million people worldwide with their 15,000 posts around the globe. The American Legion is also responsible for creating the original G.I. Bill, which aids veterans in receiving home loans and education funding.
Locally, Arlington's Post 76 has completed countless deeds of community service and assistance for local citizens and veterans.
Bette Ann Becktell, the Adgent, or First Sergeant, for the 76 post, said that the group's main purpose is to help "veterans, veterans' families, community, and children and youth."
The Legion supports veterans by providing transportation to the VA Hospital for physical and mental needs, assisting them with monetary aid, and helping their families in any way they can. Last month, the Legion sponsored a golf tournament with all the proceeds donated to the Fisher House in Seattle, where families can stay while their loved one is getting treatment at the VA Hospital.
Last December the 76 Post raised over $15,000 to help buy and pass out toys for local children. The Post also coordinates with the local Boy Scouts and meets with them once a month, distributes high school scholarships in Darrington, Arlington and Lakewood, and represents the dedication of servicemembers at almost every parade and fair they can attend.
"We do as much as we can to help. We are a family that helps families," said Becktell.
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