Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 555 recently hosted a Veterans Resource Fair Open House, offering a wide array of support services and resources for veterans, their families and the Pelham community.
Originally conceived by Squadron 555 members to connect veterans with important resources while also completing a challenge issued by the SAL National Commander, the event grew to showcase the commitment of the "Triple Nickel" Legion family to serve and support our nation's veterans and youth.
The Veterans Resource Fair featured nearly two dozen exhibitors, including representatives from numerous VA programs and all branches of the Legion Family.
Members of the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery (SCALNC) and the Blue Star Salute Foundation shared information about their initiatives. Lakeshore offered free membership opportunities while Service Dogs of Alabama and Caption Call demonstrated their services for those with specific accessibility needs.
Beyond veteran support, the fair also spotlighted leadership programs like Boys State and Oratorical Contest with available scholarship opportunities. Scout Troop 404 shared scouting information while showcasing a recent joint project with Squadron 555 to retire worn American flags.
Outdoor displays included the Birmingham VA’s brand new HPACT Mobile Medical Unit and the LifeSouth bloodmobile – the latter representing the squadron’s support for the final pillar of National Commander JR Hall’s Four Pillar Challenge. In addition to blood donations, the fair collected non-perishable foods for Grace Klein Community's "March for Hunger" initiative.
Inside, informational videos played in the Legion Theater, underscoring the Legion Family's mission and history. The event showcased the entire Post 555 family including The American Legion, SAL, Auxiliary and Riders. The Department of Alabama’s NEC Rico Hall and Alt. NEC Ron Bradstreet also stopped in to check out the event, during which the "Triple Nickel" family expanded through new membership.
Squadron 555 Commander, Donald Walker, credited Vice Commander Bill Blank and Adjutant Ron Koonce for the idea of expanding the blood drive into a comprehensive event, emphasizing the collaborative effort of squadron, post and auxiliary members to make the event successful. To learn more and join the Triple Nickel family, visit www.ALPOST555.com and https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaSAL555.
