Veterans participate in National Day of Service
Story By Katie Hightower
One characteristic each veteran showed since the creation of the National Day of Service was an unwavering desire to serve others. For the past five years, May 3, kicked off Veterans’ National Day of Service — a nation-wide initiative for veterans to serve their local communities. It began in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. The name “National Day of Service” can be misleading because it lasts the entire month of May.
On May 7, members of VFW Post 6073 and American Legion Post 30, worked together to make a wheelchair ramp modification for their fellow veteran, Jonathan Lindsey, in honor of the Veterans National Day of Service. Those present at the project had the opportunity to witness veterans’ continued service to their country.
“This Post exists for several reasons. One of them is obviously for the camaraderie of us getting together and fellowshipping together. Two of the main purposes of having a VFW Post are to help other veterans and to help the community,” said Ed Clayson, VFW Post 6073 Commander.
In previous years, the veterans built between 10-12 ramps per year for veterans or their widows who needed ramps. Fundraisers like Jackson County’s spring carnival and fall fair helped to raise funds for projects like the ramps and other charitable causes like buying food for those in need and helping with utilities and rent.
Last year, veterans built the ramp for Lindsey. Raymond Brandon, Alabama’s VFW State Chaplain, said Lindsey was so excited to be able to go outside, he rode down the ramp, then up and down the street and then back up the ramp. He then sat at the top of the ramp to breathe the fresh air. When Brandon asked if Lindsey wanted to go inside, Lindsey said he just wanted to sit outside for a while. The ramp gave Lindsey accessibility to the outdoors — something he had missed for a long time.
Not only did the veterans build the ramp for Lindsey, they bought him groceries and helped him stay housed when he faced an eviction notice. Lindsey served as a firefighter in the Air Force and was scarred from a fire he fought.
This year, Lindsey’s ramp needed to be shortened due to the road being widened in front of his residence. Local veterans did not hesitate to step up and help Lindsey as they had in the past.
Not only did 14 veterans show up to help modify the ramp, the VFW Auxiliary brought a big meal for everyone.
Veterans who helped make Lindsey’s ramp 7.5 feet shorter included Bill Butler, Woody Lansford, Lloyd Seberger, Ed Adams, Sam Mash, Quentin Knight, Raymond Brandon, Jerry Wynn, Ed Clayson, Dane Kirkland, Stu Franklin, Ron Gardners, Gayla Sue Mendez and Jim Blackburn. Kathy Thomas brought and set up the food from the Auxiliary.
Clayson said Blackburn had experience as an Army Combat Engineer so planning and building the ramps was his specialty. Clayson said everyone just did whatever Blackburn told them to do because he was the brains of the operation.
“Our primary purpose is to recognize the service of veterans in our community and let them know they are not forgotten,” Blackburn said. “Most still struggle with traumatic wounds from their combat service, both physical and mental. We have been there and can relate with their struggle. They never talk about their memories of combat but will share with us. We have heard many times from family members that they were not aware of their experiences. We laugh with them, pray with them, and let them know we care. The team also enjoys the camaraderie of working together and the bond of our brothers and sisters-in-arms like we had in the military. For some these projects are therapy, and for others it is the opportunity to continue to serve our Country.”
VFW Post 6073 was nationally recognized for its outstanding service to its community and other veterans. At the National Day of Service event, Gayla Sue Mendez presented Commander Clayson with a Commander-in-Chief medallion the Post had earned from last year’s service.
