Sons of the American Legion “Thank You” Dinner a Great Success

by Abigail Walls

STOCKBRIDGE, Mich. — The steaks were gone by 5:00 p.m. and so was the fish.

This year, the Sons of the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post 510 (SAL) and the Women’s Auxiliary hosted a full meal for all veterans and their spouses, and those who came early were well fed. It was the first event of its kind put on by Post 510 and was planned for 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11.

SAL Commander Marty Bliss said Post 510 planned a meal for around 150 individuals, but the food was just too good to last. By early evening, veterans, family members and community members had cleaned out the kitchen. Bliss said this event was paid for by the Post, at no cost to veterans as a “thank you” to all those who served. Jerry Kunzelman, Commander of Post 510, said his ideal headline out of Saturday’s event would be “thank a veteran.”

In a way, Bliss, said this event was a little out of the ordinary for Post 510. Many of the events put on by Post 510 raise funds for charitable causes or community members in need. “We help the veterans first, and then we try to help the community,” Bliss said. Community causes run the gamut from contributing to the Child Welfare Foundation to neighbors who have fallen seriously ill or are unable to work.

For one of the Post’s oldest members and World War II veteran, Carl Manoogian, community involvement is key. Manoogian encouraged members of his Post to become involved in community events, like attending the Homecoming games at Stockbridge High School.

“Showing up shows the community that it matters,” Manoogian said–in the same breath encouraging community members to likewise participate in American Legion events and attend their meetings.

Bliss also emphasized the Legion’s desire to collaborate with non-members and local businesses on community events.

Locals may recognize Manoogian from Memorial Day and Fourth of July Day parades in Stockbridge and Gregory. At 90 years old, Manoogian insists on walking with the rest of the members of the American Legion Post 510, rather than being driven.

“This past year I ran to catch up with the group–can you imagine an old guy like me running?” Manoogian said with a laugh. He said the secret to “getting to 90” is to “eat everything,” including your vegetables.”

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