'Veterans Still Serving America’: Post 96 Honored For A Century Of Service

West Hartford, CT — From their time in uniform to their everyday contributions in our neighborhoods, veterans embody service in many forms. Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight veterans making a difference in the places we call home.

This story was submitted by Elaine Kotler, who nominated all veterans of American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96. The post is based in West Hartford and includes veterans who live both in town and in neighboring communities.

The veterans of Post 96 have served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Global War on Terrorism, the Persian Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and in various other conflicts and service eras since 1941. They are part of our nation’s largest veterans service organization, advocating for veterans, service members and military families while fighting to end veteran suicide.

How do you know these veterans?

I know the members of Post 96 through my membership in the American Legion Auxiliary. In the spirit of “Service, Not Self,” the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. I am eligible for the ALA through my father, Alvin Kotler, a Korean War era veteran.

What makes these veterans people your community should know about?

Veterans of Hayes-Velhage Post 96 are “Veterans Still Serving America” since 1922. After their service, they continue to serve their community. AL Post 96 promotes Americanism, supports veterans and their families, and engages in youth programs and community service. They are visible in West Hartford, placing flags at veterans’ graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, in parades, in schools supporting Oratorical Contests, Boys and Girls State, and talking to students on Veterans Day, and so much more. Their activities include supporting American Legion Baseball, participating in community events like teaching Cub Scouts about the flag and advocating for veterans’ needs.

What three words best describe these veterans?

Honorable, dedicated and patriotic.

Want to show your appreciation for a veteran in your community? We want to hear from you! Click here to answer a few questions, and your response could be featured on Patch.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.