The mission of the American Legion Horace Orr Post 29 Veteran Outreach Program is to encourage in each veteran a sense of pride for their service and to foster a feeling of comradeship through both personal and community relationships with the Post.
In August 2018, Commander Walt Cusick, recognizing that a number of veterans in the various communities around Cobb are often neglected or are losing touch with their proud past, suggested that Post 29 take steps to change that.
We are in the process of identifying relationships with four communities and are experiencing a successful testing of the Program at Gaines Park on Old Hwy. 41. We've conducted information programs, a flag raising, installation of a flag in their assembly room, participation in their Veteran's Day Program, and involvement with their annual Car Show. We've also delivered copies of the various military magazines, Legion literature, and the Post 29 Newsletter. As a relationship is established, the community will be designated an "Outpost" of Post 29. There have been two other communities initially approached that have not proven to be a good match.
We have learned that our Programs are enjoyed and appreciated by all the members of the community and not just the veterans. This will be an important part of the template as we develop future community relationships. Also, it is becoming increasingly apparent that one-on-one relationships need to be given priority where desired by any member of the community. This opens a whole new area of opportunity for every member of the Post 29 Family.
In addition to the activities mentioned above in support of our mission, there are numerous other ways we can help enrich the lives of our fellow warriors: flag retirements at Post 29 or their facility, S.A.L. breakfasts, transferring of membership from an Outpost of Post 29 to Post Everlasting, invitation to a first Thursday Dinner and meeting...
There are a number of programs already developed or in the developmental stage that we can offer our Outposts:
1. Flag history and etiquette
2. What is the American Legion?
3. The story of Post 29
4. POW/MIA Ceremony
5. Story of the National Anthem
6. History of the Poppy on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day
7. Story of the Pledge of Allegiance
As American Legion Horace Orr Post 29 enters our Centennial year, the Veteran Outreach Program offers the entire Legion Family a unique opportunity to make an impactful difference in the life a veteran. For more information contact Roy Lantz, Coordinator, Veteran Outreach Program, at roy@roylantz.com
