Early Saturday morning, members of American Legion Post 255 met at the post focused on their mission, fixing an awesome breakfast for Boy Scout Troop 61 out of Houston. Over 15 members comprising Auxiliary, Sons, Legion Riders and Legionnaire personnel worked like a fine-tuned machine to prepare an awesome breakfast for these youth and their leaders. To ensure time constraints were met, items like bacon, sausage and vegetables were cooked in advance. The Auxiliary had one thing in mind: to create a WOW experience for this troop. The aroma of made-to-order omelets and hot pancakes, along with steaming hash-brown casseroles permeated throughout the building. Hot coffee, orange juice, soft drinks, watermelon and other fruits were available as well. As members of Troop 61 arrived, they were greeted with smiles and warm handshakes. Our chaplain blessed the food, and the boys dug in. You could tell by the smiles on their faces that the WOW factor had been achieved.

After the meal they were given stars from retired American flags and told what they signified. Our commander educated them on The American Legion and our purpose. Later one of the youths presented our post with a small token of their appreciation for our sponsorship.

Support for this troop was not just from this post. Troop 413 of Mount Olive, Ala., provided a meal and a place to stay the night before. Along their journey to Camp Daniel Boone, they will be stopping in Atlanta and visiting the World of Coca-Cola Museum. American Legion Post 127 in Sugarhill, Ga., will be providing an evening meal, overnight accommodations and breakfast the next morning. On their return trip, American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope, Ala., has planned an outing at the lake and BSA Troop 47 of Fairhope will provide overnight accommodations.

This is a remarkable show of support for an outstanding troop that has endured so much over the years. Everyone involved is working together to make sure this troop has a memorable summer camp. Kudos to all parties involved.