Letters to the editor: July 5, 2014

High Desert Post 56 always seeking more veterans

I was at Walmart and I saw a man with a cap that said “Korean War Veteran.” I approached him and said, “Thanks for your service.” I then asked him if he was a member of the American Legion. He said, “No, I’m not a drinker, and I don’t want to be associated with those drunks.” I was shocked when I heard this because I had never heard the Legionnaires referred to as “drunks.” I knew that some American Legion Posts had bars but didn’t think that made the members “drunks.”

I then explained to him that High Desert Post 56 in Carson City met at the Veterans Hall, which is a state building, and that we didn’t have a bar and that all members showed up to every meeting sober.

There was no drinking before, during, or after any meeting we held. I then told him about our All Veterans Honor Guard and that we had been certified by the Department of Defense to provide military funeral honors and that we had already performed at over 400 funerals and memorial services since we formed in 2005.

He was impressed. I gave him my card and asked him to come to our next meeting on Thursday, July 10, at the Veterans Hall at Second and Curry streets at 6:30 p.m.

I didn’t get his name, but I hope he shows up, and I hope he decides to join our Honor Guard. We can always use more veterans serving.

Jack Ralph

Carson City