Recently, Sons of The American Legion Desoto Squadron 1990 hosted a bike/car wash in support of the Horn Lake High School Marine Corps JROTC program. The event was a big success and showcases how squadrons within the Sons of The American Legion are supporting the local community.
In 2019, Desoto Squadron 1990 met with Horn Lake High School JROTC instructors CWO3 Shannon Kenagy and Sgt. Maj. Alexander Lamberth, along with the JROTC Booster Club. After a small donation in 2019, the squadron learned that the JROTC program has a significant budget. The budget consists of competition fees, computers and electronics needed by cadets, cadet shirts and gym suits, cadet cruise books, cadet leader camps and cadet staff rides. The budget can be as much as $100,000. With such a budget, the JROTC Booster Club is fundraising and accepting donations throughout the year.
In July 2020, the squadron decided to host a fundraiser event for the JROTC. An invitation was extended to the JROTC instructors and Booster Club, who were supportive. A bike/car wash event was scheduled for Sept. 12, 2020, at American Legion Post 1990.
Initially, the event was a bit in jeopardy due to the COVID-19 crisis. But after three weeks of school session and no impact, the event was held as scheduled. The turnout for the bike/car wash was remarkable. Some 40+ cadets attended and did all the washing, drying and roadside advertising. Donations for the wash were very generous. In addition, for a donation, the squadron served lunch plates consisting of burgers, hot dogs, fish, fries, potato salad, bbq beans and slaw. The squadron also put on a 50/50 raffle and a choice raffle of several donated items, including a tandem bicycle.
All proceeds and donations of the bike/car wash were given to the JROTC. Desoto Squadron 1990 also footed the cost of all the food and wash supplies. In total from the wash, lunch plates and raffles, Desoto Squadron 1990 presented $1,646.30 to the JROTC Booster Club. Desoto Squadron 1990 and the Horn Lake High School Marine Corps JROTC express gracious thanks to all who participated and donated.
Sons of The American Legion Desoto Squadron 1990 is attached to American Legion Post 1990 located in Nesbit, Miss. Squadron officers are Commander John Crain, Vice Commander George Rives, Adjutant/Finance Officer Danny Baser, Sgt.-at-Arms Chuck Busby, and Chaplain Mike Kleman.
