They’re not veterans, but want to help those who served
HAVERFORD >> The Sons of the American Legion Manoa Post 667 is dedicating its annual golf outing on April 21 to the men and women who serve their country.
Last year they raised more than $16,000 to purchase an all-terrain track chair custom made for an individual warrior’s special needs. The all-terrain track chair allows a vet who will never be able to walk to navigate through mountain roads, and hiking trails.
Seeing the need to help veterans, Tom Fili, first vice commander, Jim Hight, financial officer, Jim Rooney, adjunct, and golf committee Chairman Steve Manning decided to raise funds to help veterans in need.
More than 600,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are permanently disabled, the government states. The Sons of the American Legion wanted to make sure that the monies it raised went directly to the veterans. It chose The Independence Fund, whose mission is to empower severely wounded veterans and their caretakers.
This year 120 golfers are participating in the outing at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, the maximum number that can play, on Friday, April 21. But the group is still looking for sponsors and plan to have a Cabaret Dinner Show in October so it can continue their work helping veterans.
At Christmas the group gives coats, blankets and dinners to homeless veterans.
“We couldn’t do anything without the response and generosity from local businesses and many of the veterans in the community,” said Rooney.
The Sons of the American Legion support veterans though the members are not veterans themselves. They do have family members who serve and are there to support veterans then and now.
“I feel this is a way to honor my father and all those who have served. They are the Greatest Generation. I have met so many people here who have served. They have amazing stories and they are walking around here. What great people they are. This is a way to give back,” said Hight.
“They sacrificed so much. The only thing you can do is help those people who need a lot of help. By doing what we are doing we are spreading the need out to the community. When they bring it to our attention that a veteran needs help here we will do what we can to help. We do our research so that the veteran gets what he needs without a middle man,” said Fili.
At this point the group is not sure what organizations it will help in the future. For information about the Sons of the Legion contact Tom post667@gmail.com. American Fili at