For Immediate Release October 8, 2009
The American Legion Continues to Anchor
On The Four Pillars

At The American Legion, 13th District (Cuyahoga County) Council meeting October 7, 2009, Commander Bob White presented a check to the Carpenter family of Garfield Heights, Ohio, for relief of travel and housing expenses while attending to their daughter and three grandchildren, who were involved in a major car accident recently in Flagstaff Ariz.
Their daughter is a Marine Corps veteran who got out of the military last year, and while traveling to California with her children to accept a civilian position on a Marine Corps base, was involved in a car accident in which the car caught on fire. She was able to rescue two of her children immediately; however, the other child was stuck in the overturned car. After a period of time, she was able to free him. All were taken to the Flagstaff Medical Center, where two remained in critical condition. They lost all of their belongings. As of October 5, 2009, the last child was released from the hospital. The children’s father, currently on active duty in Iraq, was flown home on emergency leave for only 15 days.
The American Legion 13th District has established a fund through Charter One Bank named: Calvin Carpenter Relief Fund, where monies can be donated to assist the family. Also, American Legion Post 343, 20750 Arbor Ave., Euclid, Ohio, and American Legion Post 703, 7667 York Road, Parma Ohio, will act as drop off locations for clothing and other items for the children. There are two girls ages 8 and 3 and the one boy, age 6. The American Legion 13th District is asking the greater Cuyahoga County to assist this veteran during this difficult time.
Commander Bob White hopes that the community will respond in a positive manner. “The grandfather who is a veteran, as well as the mother and father has served our country; let’s show our affinity to them and their children.”