On Saturday, November 12, 2011, the Annual Life Member’s Luncheon was held. Over 80 Life Members and guests were in attendance. This event is held in November every year to honor members who have chosen to pay their dues for life to show support for the AMVETS and our Post.

The Post Commander, Aaron Ricketts, presided over the event and gave his thanks and appreciation to all the current officers, past commanders, and individuals who help keep the post running smoothly. A great lunch was served, consisting of fried chicken with plenty of sides and cookies for dessert. A special thanks to Elaine and the other Ladies Auxiliary Members who helped set up the meal and clean up afterwards.

Aaron presented our special guest, Khristine Henson-Jones from the Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corporation, or LEAHC for short. This is an agency that helps people in need of emergency housing and other assistance in LenaweeCounty. She was there to discuss a new fund that LEAHC is administrating called the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund.

The Dire Needs for Veterans Fund is emergency money forLenaweeCounty veterans who are in dire need of financial assistance but do not meet the eligibility for traditional funding.

Each veteran must complete an intake interview and meet with a case manager to be considered for any LEAHC service, which includes the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund. For any client with a financial need, all resources are explored, such as outside referrals, church assistance, etc. However, a veteran that demonstrates a clear need for emergency assistance that falls outside of traditional funding may be considered for the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund. 

Dire Needs for Veterans Fund monies may be utilized for things such as, but not limited to: prescriptions, obtaining a Michigan Identification Card, medical or dental emergencies, housing and transportation assistance and is limited to veterans residing in Lenawee County, Michigan. 

100% of donations for this program go directly to the veteran’s service provider. LEAHC donates all case management, support services and supplies to the Dire Needs for Veterans Fund.

After Khristine spoke and everyone was finished eating lunch, Commander Ricketts conducted the annual trivia contest with topics about the history of Randy P. Hill AMVETS Post 1957. This is a great way to refresh member’s memories about how and why the Post was formed. Winners received a red Bacardi beanie hat to keep their heads warm this winter.

This is always a great event with delicious food that brings members together that may not have seen one another in a while. Thanks to all the Life Members who belong to the Post and help make AMVETS Post 1957 what it is… A great place to hang out with friends and family.