Our American Legion Post 2 in Hampden, Baltimore, Md., is dedicated to supporting our community and veterans, like Wayne. Wayne is a Vietnam War veteran who struggled with homelessness and alcohol for many years. By his own efforts, he has been sober for several months now!

Post Commander Tom Longest and community members, Robbie, Kelli and Blanch, worked and waited for two years to help Wayne get back on his feet. Our duty is to serve our veterans, their families and the community in the spirit of mutual helpfulness.

With the support of the Baltimore Station, a VA-funded program, Wayne is receiving the help he needs to rebuild his life. The program provides food, shelter, VA health and pension services, and assistance with housing. Wayne has made wonderful progress in just three weeks and is on his way to a new chapter in his life.

Our post continues to learn and grow, offering meals, resources and support to our veterans. We have already partnered with three veterans going to the Baltimore Station in three months and will continue to work together to serve their needs. We are proud to be part of the efforts to support our veterans and their families, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

Mental health issues and suicide are a significant concern for veterans, and we host monthly groups to discuss how we can better support our community. Despite our limited volunteers and financial resources, our passion to serve drives us to find ways to make it possible. We will never forget the sacrifices our veterans have made, and we are committed to serving them with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Together we can all Be the One to make a difference in a soldier's life. They have all signed that blank check to give their lives if necessary for our nation and we have the obligation to support them however possible.