Veterans' organizations are active in Sisters

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion have been around for a long time in the Sisters area. These days, with veterans emerging from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, both the VFW (Post 8138) and the American Legion (Post 86) have been taking on new members and increasing service to existing ones.

The mission of VFW is "to honor the dead by helping the living," and the American Legion vision encompasses "The Four Pillars of Service: A strong national security; taking care of veterans; mentoring youth; promoting patriotism and honor." Both organizations' purpose is to serve veterans and their families.

Phil Gale is the Commander of both Sisters Posts. He served 21 years in the Navy, retiring in 2002. With his leadership, compassion and enthusiasm, and with the support of Senator Ron Wyden, many Sisters and Central Oregon veterans have received Veterans Administration services locally. Previously, they would have been required to travel to Portland.

"Senator Wyden is a real proponent of veteran's services in Central Oregon," said Gale.

The local Posts were instrumental in securing a place for a permanent veteran's memorial and flagpole at the Village Green Park, a process involving some tense moments and controversy.

With that behind them, the veterans aim to reach out to the community and will begin by staging a food drive for the Kiwanis Food Bank. It will be held at Three Wind Shopping Center parking lot on June 14, the Saturday of Sisters Rodeo Weekend. That date also happens to be Flag Day, a day of special meaning for those who have served under the Stars and Stripes.

Meetings for the VFW and American Legion Posts are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Sisters City Hall. All veterans are welcome. Call 549-6167 for more information.