Post 407 is continuing to grow and move forward within the Division. This month the Post Executive Committee met with Zavala Elementary School Principal Alma Brockoff and the counselor Ana Miranda on the 3 of October. This meeting was to discuss what we as Post 407 could do to help the Students, Staff, and Faculty at Zavala elementary. The Post was represented by Myself as the Commander, The adjutant, The second Vice President, The Sergeant-at-Arms, and an at large member. Representing the School were the Principal and the counselor.
Before the meeting commenced the Post presented to the Principal a box of school supplies collected over the past few months. The principal thanked us greatly for the gift. Thank you to all those who helped to provide these needed school supplies. You have not only upheld the standard of the American Legion on the National and Departmental Levels but have also proven Post 407s dedication to the future students and leaders of this great country.
Post 407 has also agreed to provide members for various upcoming events at Zavala Elementary School and we welcome all who would like to participate.
The next event will be help on the 24th Of October 2019 and is called Red Ribbon Week at the school. This event will begin at 0800 on that day. The school will provide the table and chairs as necessary.
In November of 2019 Near Veterans Day Post 407 will provide information to the students at Zavala Elementary on the reason for veteran’s day, how to properly fly, maintain, and respect the U.S. Flag, and answer questions for the students.
Post 407 is also providing, in November, a day where members of the Post will go to the school and read to the students. We will always need volunteers for this and other activities as we proceed forward with our Partnership with Zavala Elementary School.
I want to thank again all those members who responded to the call for volunteers to proceed to Zavala Elementary and those who help maintain our Great Post. Post 407 is gaining not only local, but state and even national attention with what the Post is doing and the progress and difference we are making in the local community. Every member makes a difference no matter how small the member may believe or think the difference maybe. A small idea or work now will influence how everyone sees not only the Post, but you as a member and an individual both in the American Legion, and in the community.
Again, the American Legion is moving forward, our post especially. So, with all the darkness out there, we need to make sure that our mission is not hindered by trivial grievances or political differences. Our focus is and should always remain on being the best possible individuals we can be through mutual helpfulness and in support of our mission to serve Veterans, Active Duty personnel, their families, and our community.
As always, I hope to see more people volunteering or just visiting YOUR Post. Thank you. Allen Lawrence, Commander, George Franklin (Ben) Aiken American Legion Post 407, El Paso, Texas
Due to the outbreak of the Corona virus through out the U.S. the Veterans Administration (VA) on direction from the national VA command in Washington D.C. is implementing a policy of checking all individuals and veterans who go to a VA facility prior to the person entering the facility. Please understand that this is for your protection as well as the protection of all individuals within the area. Everyone entering the (VAMC) Veterans Administration Medical Centers need to understand that they will be screened at the door before entering the medical facility. The VA will be setting up Tents (now or later, timing unsure) for the screening. All visitors wanting to access the VA nursing Homes (CLC) with the exception of end-stage of life (Hospice) and patients. These directives are from the NATIONAL VA and are not local directives from the Local VA.
It is with distinct honor that I write this letter to our fellow post members and all visitors to our American Legion webpage. This year (2020) has been an event filled year for Post 407. We have formally adopted Zavala Elementary School in the El Paso Independent School District. So far this year we have taken over $500 dollars of school supplies for the use of Zavala Elementary. This Post has also supplied over 300 stuffed animals for the school. These animals were given to the school principal and counselor to be given out over the Christmas Holidays. In December of 2019 Zavala Elementary students ask this Post to come down to the school and provide information on the United States Flag and procedures, and respect for the supplies. This was accomplished by the Commander, 1st Vice Commander, and a member at large. Our next important act for the school is to provide more school supplies around the middle of April or before depending when we get the supplies. Please help if you are able.