By Ken Gasque,
Public Image Chair
Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo
The American Legion does more than honor veterans. It helps them access healthcare, benefits, housing assistance and other services they may not know are available.
Steve Turner, Sergeant at Arms, and Plashette Murray, Assistant Commander, recently spoke to the Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo about revitalizing their American Legion post on Piney Woods Road and serving veterans and their families.
The Legion offers assistance with VA claims, mental health support through personal “buddy checks,” and information about benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and burn pits. Murray encouraged veterans to explore their eligibility under the PACT Act and other VA programs.
The speakers noted that many veterans miss out on benefits and scholarships because they are unaware of available programs or find the paperwork overwhelming. Veterans may also qualify for VA-funded in-home care, depending on their circumstances.
Murray highlighted the need to support older veterans, those facing housing challenges and those whose families live far away. The Legion is also working to attract younger veterans through family-friendly activities and informal “Coffee Talks.”
The organization’s community programs include American Legion Baseball, oratorical contests, Boys State and Girls State.
The message was simple: No veteran should be forgotten, and no veteran should have to navigate the system alone.
The Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo meets at 7:30 am on the first three Wednesdays of each month at the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Visitors are welcome.
For more information, contact Ken Gasque at 803-553-0010 or [email protected].
