Members of American Legion Post 6 in DeLand got a head start on Veterans Day, by staging a Veteran Support Fundraiser to benefit the post in its efforts to aid veterans in need and to promote awareness of American military history.
The Veteran Support Fundraiser took place Nov. 4 at the American Legion Post, located at 1087 Biscayne Blvd. in DeLand. Approximately 300 people showed up for barbecue, music, fellowship and a prize raffle.
Asked if the event may be repeated next year and become a fall tradition in DeLand, Post Service Officer Thomas Jackson replied, “We’ll see how it goes.”
Adam Quinn American Legion Post 6 is named for a local soldier killed in action in the Afghanistan War. A graduate of DeLand High School, Quinn enlisted in the Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Spc. Quinn was killed by the blast of a roadside bomb on Oct. 6, 2007. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, and he was posthumously promoted to sergeant. The long-established American Legion Post 6 was named in honor of Quinn on Oct. 5, 2014.
Jackson, a retired Army chief warrant officer, said the post has approximately 250 members.
All photos by Beacon photographer Marsha McLaughlin
So sad all the lives that were lost in the 20 year war on terror. And for what? Is the world a safer place today? I’d say no. Such a waste of lives and resources and pretty much zero net gain. And now the military is wondering why they can’t reach recruiting goals.