Hey Howdy Hey: American Legion

Sending out a big Hey Howdy Hey of thanks to all the dedicated members of the American Legion Post 9.

They have 61 members in our area which includes Helmville and Ovando. I can't name all the members, but here are a few: Doug Vulcan – Adjutant, Rick Foreman – Commander, Rich Paul – Service Officer; Jim Phennicie – Sergeant at Arms; Dawn Charron – Public Relations; Mark Martin – Vice Commander.

Their main goal is to honor Veterans and to help people and organizations. Eleven days out of the year, you will see them driving around putting out 80 American flags for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day and Independence Day, to name a few. They recently added Vietnam Vet day. It does not matter the weather conditions; they are out putting up those flags supporting veterans.

Other great things they do include Color Guard for funerals, scholarships for Lincoln School Seniors, Boys and Girls state, local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. They have an emergency fund set up to help folks who live in hurricane and tornado areas, I can't remember the exact locations down south. They also donate money to Shodair Hospital. They put on a special Memorial Day service, help at dog sled races and various events.

I know more they do more; I can't really name them all, but there is one I do very much admire and that is the roadside fatality crosses. They do this from Bowman's Corner all the way to Missoula. These little metal crosses serve as a reminder to be safe. And for the families who lost a loved one, it is like a little memorial for them.

In 2016, my best friend from Drummond High School had passed away. Larry Nelson was from Helmville. Not long after he had died, I had made a cross in his memory and I placed it on of the hills off Highway 141 overlooking Helmville. I had placed it up onto a fence post. My friend did not pass from a car accident. But I believe maybe some of the American Legion members and other folks down in Helmville wanted there to be a little white metal cross put up where I had my cross. My friend Brent Mannix got ahold of me to see what I thought about it and I was very happy. My friend Larry had served in the Navy for four years, so he was deserving of that cross. They don't normally do that unless it is for an accident, but I was very grateful that they had.

So, for this and many other great things you do for our area and beyond, thank you American Legion for all that you do.

God Bless