Chester L. Briggs Post 47— A haven for vets and their families

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    The local American Legion, Chester L. Briggs Post 47 under the leadership of Commander Calvin Mooers is taking an active role for local veterans and their families.
Contributed photo
COLOR GUARD — Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 47 are from left: Kimberly Hardy, Commander Calvin Mooers standing in for Peggy Rusk, Junior members, Danica and Danielle Welton and Corinne Mooers.
    The membership has risen to 220 veterans along with 110 women in the auxiliary. There is an additional group of 90 men enrolled in the Sons of the American Legion. Any male descendant, adopted son or step son of members of the American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died during service during World War 1, World War II, the Korean War, Viet Nam War, or served in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama and the Persian Gulf War, or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge, are eligible for membership in this group. There is also a junior group for young people under the age of 18.
    The groups meet on the first Sunday of each month at 1p.m. at their building on outer Bangor Street. Mooers encourages any veteran or member of their family to join them either to be a member or to receive support.
    Some of the ongoing projects and activities the legionnaires, auxiliary and sons participate in are: holiday parades and veteran’s ceremonies, including the 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. They connect veterans with available services, raise money for scholarships, sponsor two boys to Dirigo State, and sponsor a soapbox derby car. They also contribute to the Veterans’ home in Caribou.
    Another great event the legionnaires, auxiliary and sons provide is Thanksgiving dinner for seniors in the community. This is a free meal with all of the garnishes. Rides will be provided to the legion if you cannot get there on your own. Meals will be delivered to your home upon request. Last year they served meals for more than 500 seniors. Watch for more information to be posted in area stores and advertised in various publications for the Thanksgiving meal.
    At Christmas, the group adopts local vets that may be confined to a nursing or boarding home and have no family. They play Santa, filling each person’s wish list. Some wishes have been just a box of soft tissues, real handkerchiefs, a straw hat and John Wayne movies.
    The auxiliary, under the leadership of Peggy Rusk, raffles homemade items such as, quilts and afghans to raise money. They also make blankets for veterans, send notes of encouragement and support Special Olympics.
     The legion is outgrowing its’ facility and are planning to construct a larger building. They have purchased an additional four acres adjacent to their Bangor Street property and will be writing grants to assist them in this endeavor. They plan to have a building that is approximately 60 feet by140 feet . It will include a meeting area, offices, kitchen and banquet space to rent for private functions. The building will be handicapped accessible.
    If you are a veteran or meet the qualifications for membership to any of the groups listed above, please stop by the legion or call Commander Calvin Mooers at 694-1787 or e-mail legionmepost47@gmail.com.