A NEW MISSION
Legion commander looks to aid homeless veterans
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » U.S. Navy veteran Gary Schacher wants to accomplish a great deal during his oneyear term as American Legion state commander.
The nationwide, 2-million member organization officially celebrates its 100th anniversary next March 15.
In Cooperstown, Schacher is working with the Baseball Hall of Fame on a special exhibit about American Legion baseball, and on Long Island he wants 130 sailors killed in New York Harbor during World War II to finally get a proper burial.
But a Tuesday visit to men’s and women’s shelters in Ballston Spa also renewed Schacher’s commitment to help the plight of America’s many homeless veterans.
“We need to make it our mission to let them know what help is out there,” he said. “The military doesn’t do enough to make people aware what resources are available. They do not prepare you at all. Global War on Terror veterans are certainly in need of services and there aren’t enough out there.”
Schacher, of Cobleskill, is the first Iraq war veteran to become Legion state commander. He had a 26-year naval career, which included active and reserve duty and 16 years with the Seabees.
Vet House and Guardian House, operated by the nonprofit Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, are at full capacity with 14 male and seven female homeless residents, respectively.
“We’re always full and we have a long waiting list,” Executive Director CherylHage Perez said. “The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) claims they’re ending veterans homelessness, but they’re not. Recently, we’ve been seeing many more younger veterans.”
For many, the path to homelessness typically begins with post-traumatic stress and quite often includes alcohol and/or drug abuse, family break-ups, depression and anxiety.
Shelter resident Frank Singletary said firing weapons never bothered him. His struggles began as a young honor guard member, who had to face the families of fallen soldiers every day.
“The hardest part was the presentation of the flag,” he said.
He numbed his tightlyheld emotions with alcohol, which led to many other problems.
“By the grace of God I found this place,” Singletary said. “Now I’m able to cope a little bit better.”
Shelter residents may stay up to two years, but most leave within 13 months. During that time, staff helps them access physical and mental health services, and assists with finding jobs so veterans can live on their own.
The Coalition also maintains two dozen federallyfunded apartments people may go to when they’re ready to get back in the community. Veterans live rent-free and are only responsible for the cost of utilities.
Hage-Perez said she’s working with local developers on providing about 60 more units. “Homeless veterans are two words that should never be used in the same sentence,” she said.
The Coalition’s only large annual fundraiser, a Veterans Ball, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4 at The Hall of Springs in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Schacher offered The American Legion’s financial help.
Likewise, Sons of The American Legion state Commander Jim Coates said his organization would support the Coalition’s “Honor a Veteran” program. Children of veterans may have them recognized during the ball by making a donation in their name.
Legion Auxiliary and Legion Riders officials offered assistance as well. The Legion Riders have raised about $1 million annually each of the past four years to help families of fallen service members.
“The American Legion is veterans for veterans,” Schacher said. “We all wore the cloth of our nation. We’re brothers and sisters. We need to be there for our fellow veterans.”
His visit to Saratoga County, with fellow state officials, started with lunch hosted by Legion Post 234 of Ballston Spa. From there, the contingent went to Vet House and Guardian House, followed by a Tuesday night dinner with more than 100 people on hand at Mohawk Post 1450 in Clifton Park.