By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Certainly, the members of the American Legion Post 155 know the importance of making sure veterans needs are met.

While the legion’s main objective is to help the veteran in the area, another goal is to be involved in the community.  

“One of the pillars of the legion is community service,” according to Post Commander Sander Cowie.

“A lot of times if veterans have issues they need resolved — whether it’s getting to medical appointments or help with figuring out finances, we can point them in the right direction, and get them to the resources that will put them back on track,” he said. “There are a ton of programs for veterans. We can get them in touch with those agencies that can help them.”

Cowie became commander about a year and a half ago when Bill Stuart retired. In fact, Cowie was out in the field with the Army National Guard when he received the news he had been promoted from First Vice to Commander.

“We try to keep the community involved,” he said.

This month, the legion held a successful turkey shoot that allowed children to take aim at various targets and win prizes. Next month, the legion hosts a Christmas party for children in the community. Parents will want to register their child/children so the correct number of gifts and right amount of food will be available during the December date.

This holiday season, the post has two giving Christmas trees.

“We have two Christmas trees. One is what kids ask for. Say someone needs a new pair of shoes; someone picks that card and buys them new shoes,” Cowie said. “We are also doing one for veterans who are struggling. This year, we are doing it for the veterans, and the local retirement homes in Casco are helping us to identify who is in need.”

Additionally, the legion has money especially earmarked to help veterans with the cost of home heating. That program assists veterans with purchasing oil or propane to keep their dwelling warm.

Some people might not know the legion also offers fun and entertainment.

The legion — which is located 26 Poland Springs Road off Route 11 and near Route 302 — opens its doors to the public on Friday nights. The events alternate between fish fry dinner and a meat roll every other Friday. The meat roll is an opportunity to play games of chance and win ribs, steak, hamburger and pork loin.

“People can come in as a guest every Friday,” Cowie said. “We do queen of hearts on Sunday. The last member won $50,000 before taxes.”

Cowie hopes to offer more community events in addition to the annual activities. 

“Last year, it slowed down with getting the public involved,” he said.

Also, he would like to encourage people from the military era of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) to join the local legion. Those are the men and women who have served after Sept. 11, 2001, through current.

“We are doing well on membership. We are one of the best posts in Southern Maine. We are thriving,” he said.

“Everyone on the board now is younger. I would like to see younger members joining,” he said.

“What I would like to see done is: The American Legion as a whole doesn’t advertise what it is about. I came in not knowing what it is. When I joined I had no clue what the legion is about. As you start to go through, the legion is a good vehicle for veterans who need assistance, even if they need someone to talk to,” he said. “We need to get better at letting people know what the legion is really about.”

“There is a ton of stuff that the legion does. We serve 115 people on a fish fry night. Come down on karaoke night. It is a blast,” Cowie said.