Gray American Legion Post 142 recently held its Christmas party with good food, good friends and reports of its good works for the community.
The Dec. 18 event was held at the American Legion Post building located at 314 Old Clinton Road. The American Legion now welcomes all veterans to join.
Commandant Russell Curry talked about some of the legion’s projects. Those include $500 donations to the canteen of the Georgia Veterans Home in Milledgevile, Bellablue Farm to support its work with service dogs for veterans, Wreaths Across America and to Daniel Herin and veteran Bill Puritte to assist with medical bills.
Adjutant Ted Stone said $1,000 was being set aside to fund a dinner for all veterans in the community later this year.
Curry presented a plaque to the owner of the Dairy Queen of Gray, Justin Kelly, for his help throughout the year with donations of supplies to help with legion activities and projects.
The commandant also talked about a bus that a local church sold. He said he was not in favor of the sale but was glad to find out Kelly bought it.
“Justin lets church groups and others use it when it’s needed,” Curry said.
Stone noted added that the Gray Dairy Queen has the distinction of being the number one Dairy Queen, not only in the U.S. but in the world.
Curry also had a plaque for Scott Walston, owner of Gray Memorial Chapel, who was not able to attend the event. He said Waltson purchases the rifle the legion raffles off each year, in addition to setting up the tent for them at functions.
The rifle raffles are the legions’ biggest fundraiser.
“Before we sell that first ticket, we are already ahead of the game, thanks to Scott,” Curry said.
Stone had some people to recognize, too, including his son-in-law, Danny Blizzard. He said Blizzard sold $3,000 in raffle tickets himself to help make the annual fundraiser a success.
The adjutant stated that the American Legion in Gray has 58 members, and 32 were present at their meeting last week.
“We are not very big, but we work hard and enjoy being with each other,” he said.
Stone said he is proud of the work they have been able to do on their building as well as in the community.
“We are all just a bunch of friends who get together and to do good work,” he said.
Curry and Stone have been busy since the meeting delivering checks.
American Legion Post 142 holds meetings the first Tuesday of the month.
“Anyone who has served even one day in the Armed Forces is not only welcomed but encouraged to join,” Stone stated.
