American Legion gives Thanksgiving help

GULF SHORES, Ala. - As most families gathered for a Thanksgiving meal, the American Legion Post in Gulf Shores was making sure that area veterans didn’t go without one.

Staff and volunteers at Post 44 were busy early Thursday morning preparing for a crowd. It’s something they do every Thanksgiving, but this year they were expecting a bigger crowd than ever before.

Post Commander Wayne Stacey was making sure that everything was ready for a big turnout.

“This year we decided since the community is really hurting economically, that we are going to open it up to a lot of the people who have worked through their church organizations and provide them a good Thanksgiving dinner,” Stacey said.

Aside from serving veterans and their families, community service is a big part of the legion’s mission.

Sharon Lee recently lost her stove and microwave to a grease fire and had no way to make a meal. Her church made sure that she got a meal voucher for Thanksgiving dinner.

“This is absolutely unbelievable,” Lee said. “I was just tearing up a minute ago. So, I’m so appreciative of it now,” she continued.

Executive Chef Steve Kazman prepared almost 200 pounds of turkey, along with ham and all the trimmings you could imagine. It’s a big task preparing a meal for a crowd, but there was no shortage of volunteers.

Veterans and visitors alike felt right at home. Patrick Desiena has been hurt financially by job cuts and graciously took the American Legion up on their Thanksgiving meal offer.

“This is kind of like a gift for me. It really is, you know, and I am so honored to be a part of it and all because it is a very tough time for me,” said Desiena.

American Legion Post 44 handed out over 200 meal vouchers to area churches and charities this year and hope to expand the program in 2010.