Veterans in Topock

One day I was leaving the Ladies' Auxiliary meeting at the AM Vets, I saw a veteran that I recognized from the food bank where I volunteer every month. I said hello, but did not say anything about the food bank mainly because I learned that a lot of people who pick up groceries at the food bank are already uncomfortable, so I never bring up the subject about them being there unless they decide to talk about it first.

The man told me he recognized me and told me about his situation. He had surgery recently and was going through difficult times. He told me how blessed he was to be able to pick up food once a month and I told him that at the AM Vets he could also pick up some non-perishable food whenever they were available and that they also had hot meals for veterans in need. This gentleman told me that he was in the Army, but during the time he served he did not go to any foreign war. I gave him the news that at the AM Vets, any veteran can be a member and receive help.

The joy of seeing that man so happy made my day. It was as if he reunited with his colleagues that he had not seen in a long time. He knew that during the hard times, he would have a place to go for help. He also learned that from that day on he had a sense of belonging, he could get together with several men and women, who like him, served the United States of America.

If you served in the Armed Forces regardless of being in a foreign war or not, you are welcome to become a member of the AM Vets Post 41. Relatives of veterans also may become members as Sons of Vets or Ladies Auxiliary. (For more information 928-788-0451)

Lady Auxiliary Member

Why work so hard for our local AMVETS Post 41?

As a veteran who returned safely from three deployments, the importance of every man and woman serving in our military becomes very clear. At the AMVets there was a desperate need for supplies and technical support, and resources allowed us to get a very difficult and sometimes fun job done. AMVETS admits all veterans honorably discharged and their family members. It allows us all to gather with others that understand the scars we returned with, visible or not. A safe place, no judgement.

One day, after a long day at work, I arrived at our Post and encountered a veteran in the parking lot that I had never met. He stopped me and explained that he was in a very difficult situation and desperately needed $80. He was not a member, however, his story was my "WHY?" Why I'm here and why we need to be available to our brothers and sisters who served our country and the reason all the long hours and hard work is worth it. It was a good day because I had enough money in my pocket to help him. He asked for my phone number so he could call me the next day and return the money. To my surprise, the next day, I received a call from him and within an hour he arrived at my place of employment. He was gracious and handed me $100 and simply said, "Thank You and please help someone else."

So once again I ask, why do I work so hard to help our vets? Why? Why Not?

Proud Veteran and Member of the AMVETS Post 41.