Legionnaires are grateful for the generosity of a local family

Letter to the Editor,

The American Legion of Libby, in cooperation with the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans Administration, provides a service to our veterans in need of medical care.

The Legion, staffed by volunteers, provides transportation to men and women veterans who need to get to the VA Medical Center in Spokane. 

The Veterans Van leaves Libby every Tuesday and Thursday morning and stops at every town, and sometimes in between, along U.S. Highway 2 on its way to Spokane.

The round trip is 326 miles and the Legion makes 100 trips per year. Often, these trips are the only medical assistance available to our veterans. It also provides a chance for social interaction of people with a common bond and some amazing life experiences.

The Libby Van now has 230,000 miles on it and needs replacing. There is a program offered by the Disabled American Veterans Trust that will pay for one-half of the cost of a new van. The Veterans Administration will cover the cost of fuel and repairs. Our dilemma, how do we come up with half the cost of a replacement van? The application for the grant was due on Dec. 3, so the new van could be ordered and delivered in May.

The American Legion Clubs of south Lincoln County, Northern Idaho and Northeastern Washington were in dire straits. It looked like the possibility of raising the amount of money was out of our reach. For now, we would keep the van running as long as it was a safe mode of transportation.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, a family contacted a member of the Libby Legion. An energetic young woman met with the Legion trustees to learn about the Veterans Van. After a short presentation and a few phone calls, she and her husband decided to help us. After much stammering and many hugs, the trustees threw out various ways to recognize the family, because this truly is an amazing Christmas gift.

This family has a rich history, past and present, of military involvement. They have been very active in community volunteerism and helping to shape some parts of the future of Lincoln County.

We hope they will stay involved as a welcome friend to us all.

This enormous act of kindness will not go unnoticed. However, the family name will remain anonymous. As often is the veteran’s way, they do great things, refuse accolades and move on to the next mission.

God bless America, and all who support our veterans.

— Jim Wardensky

Libby Legion Post 97