In 1919, a patriotic veterans’ service organization was incorporated by Congress as a service devoted to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion is the United States’ largest veterans’ organization, and in Mountain Home, the Alley-White Post 52 is working to uphold time-honored values.
The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth, assisting communities and supporting veterans and their families. Over the years, the organization has influenced social change in America, helped secure several benefits for veterans and set up different programs for children and their families.
American Legion baseball has become one of the country’s most successful athletic programs. It teaches youth the importance of commitment, sportsmanship and teamwork. Mountain Home has two teams in its American Legion baseball program. The senior team is sponsored by the Lockeroom sporting goods store, and Lester White has served as the team’s head coach for 36 years. This past year, the MacLeod family joined in as the sponsor for Mountain Home’s junior team.
Other community projects include–
- Honor Guard: The post has an Honor Guard and a Color Guard that will participate in funeral services for any veteran. This includes pallbearers, flag folding and presentation, as well as a rifle salute. The groups also participate in ceremonial occasions and parades.
- Service Officer: The post provides a service officer who will help any veteran interface with the VA, and assists with other service-related problems.
- Veterans: The post provides temporary financial assistance to destitute veterans; does volunteer work in hospitals and nursing homes. Each December, the post (in conjunction with the auxiliary) provides sweat suits or other Christmas gifts for every veteran in all area nursing homes.
- DAV Van: Post 52, along with other veterans’ organizations, supports the Disabled American Veterans van, which is used daily to transport veterans to the VA Hospital in Little Rock.
- Boys’ State: Post 52 is a sponsor for Boys’ State and Boys’ Nation. This program offers high school junior boys the opportunity to experience first-hand the workings of our government.
- Shoe Fund: Post 52 administers a fund to buy shoes and socks for needy school children in Baxter County. School counselors and teachers make the recommendations as to which children receive the shoes.
- Drugs: Post 52 co-sponsors “Just Say No to Drugs” in cooperation with the Mountain Home Police Department.
- DARE: The post makes contributions to the local Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
On Sunday, the Alley-White American Legion will participate in the Veterans’ Day ceremony on the Mountain Home Plaza 2000 across from the Baxter County Courthouse. The Honor Guard will end the ceremony with the three volleys followed by the playing of taps.
The American Legion is an important part of the Twin Lakes Area. To learn more, contact the Alley-White Post 52 at 870-424-6277, or go online to legion.org.
This month, Our Community Cares sponsored by Integrity First Bank, Danny Porter of Century 21 Lemac Realty, West Plains Bank and Trust, Knox Orthopaedics and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot salutes the American Legion. Learn more at ktlo.com.
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