By Chris Docter
The American Legion Post 240 had a regular meeting Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. After the usual meeting introduction, retired staff sergeant Joshua Osterbur took the opportunity to thank the Martin post for their support and sponsorship of his role in Operation Comfort Warrior.
Operation Comfort Warrior (OCW) is an “umbrella program” through the national American Legion organization. According to OCW’s website, “ensuring the health and morale of those currently serving and the well-being of veterans are the essential purposes of the program.” One of the ways the program achieves this goal is by offering event grants. These grants are used to encourage veterans to go on outings, some of which include outdoor activities.
In order to receive the $10,000 OCW grant money to put toward fly fishing trips for the veterans’ support program, Project Healing Waters (PHW), Osterbur needed a local Legion Post sponsor. He chose Martin’s Post 240 for two reasons: “they are a small post and do not get the opportunity to be recognized for the work they do in the community...second, being a Post 240 member myself, I just thought it would be a good fit.”
For her part, post commander Debra Spencer was happy for the opportunity to sponsor Osterbur. “His (Osterbur’s) grandpa, Kenny Spears, was post commander years ago,” says Spencer. “He was the one who got Josh to join the Legion in the first place.” She continues to say that the sponsorship is a great opportunity for Martin’s small post to make a big difference. She points out that there is no way that the post could raise $20,000 itself for the PHW program. But their willingness to sponsor Osterbur on his journey gained him the first $10,000. “It’s up to him to raise the other $10,000 to reach the $20,000 goal,” explains Spencer. “But we will help him any way we can.”
According to Josh, the $20,000 will give 15 to 20 veterans the opportunity to travel to the Big Horns in Wyoming for an all inclusive fly fishing trip. This much needed respite will hopefully give the veterans, many who have varying disabilities, the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and adjust to the world they have found themselves in since retirement.
Osterbur is confident that he can raise the remaining money, and Post 240 is happy for the opportunity to support their fellow member’s journey. In fact, the second biggest topic of their meeting Wednesday was how to encourage new members to apply. Spencer commented at the meeting that there are just not enough younger veterans who know about or want to join the Legion. Every time an older member passes on, the already small group shrinks drastically. The club is hoping that sponsoring Osterbur will get the word out that they are still present and active in the community and that membership can be a worthwhile, reciprocal opportunity.
The club’s sponsorship of Josh for Operation Comfort Warrior is an excellent example of how a small club can do great things in the community. The ripple effect of their support will create a lasting impression on their fellow veterans and hopefully show others that there are still opportunities to serve even after military retirement.
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