"Devotion To Mutual Helpfulness"

Richard Blosdale (in cowboy hat) with some of his team from the American Legion. Photos by Jim Evan

Legionaires Rally to Assist the Community

by Jim Evans

For almost 85 years the American Legion has been serving communities throughout the
country. With more than 1 million members in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts dedicated to helping those less fortunate in time of need, it was not surprising that they were one of the first to come to the aid of Julian in the aftermath of the fire. From their own website it proudly boasts, "hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires...The American Legion Emergency Fund was
born out of natural disasters to compassionately heal the wounds of catastrophe and help save their homes. Since the early 1920s, the American Legion has been actively involved in meeting the needs
of both the community and
individual Legion members in
the wake of disaster."

In that tradition, even though local Legion Commander Richard Blosdale’s business was destroyed in the fire, he still checked in
regularly to coordinate with the Sons of the American Legion commander who helped to orchestrate three meal shifts a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — to serve displaced and needy
residents from the Cedar Fire.

A full house at the American Legion – People Helping People. Photo by Jim Evans

"We were serving probably 40 people per shift in the beginning," said Blosdale, a local builder whose father was a veteran. "But we were serving almost twice that number at every meal by the end of the week. It was a real team effort as all of our vets pitched in to help. And the response from all of the different organizations that provided food and clothing has been just overwhelming."

Indeed, Julian Post No. 468 was overflowing with people in the middle of the week as enthusiastic Legionaires offered hot meals to everyone who walked in the door, and their positive and reassuring attitude was contagious. It was a home away from home for many — and it felt like home.

Direct financial assistance to Legion family members and posts may be available through the Legion’s National Emergency Fund which has often "enabled family members to rebuild their homes and their lives." Legion members must complete a National Emergency Fund Grant Application to apply for emergency assistance. Applications are
available by calling The American Legion National Headquarters at (317) 630-1321.