Veterans Get Out for Day of Entertainment

The American Legion is a national organization. When taken to the state level it is divided into districts, then areas that are made up of about six posts. These posts are run by their members and organize events to help the community and their veterans. One such event was the Veteran’s Day Out held at Post #574 in Moreno Valley on Oct. 12. This event was organized by J.R. Tofte, nicknamed ‘Tinman’, and Chuck Flood, a.k.a. ‘Catfish’, who acted as a liaison between Post 574 and Tofte’s Post, #848. Both men are members of The American Legion Riders, who escorted the veterans from the Loma Linda VA Hospital Saturday morning to the American Legion Post #574 in Moreno Valley. The riders had also visited with the veterans that could not make the trip. “You should have seen the smiles on their faces,” Tofte said. Two veterans, named Mike and Joel, while waiting to be escorted, shared some of their experiences. Mike had seen one tour in Vietnam, and mentioned that Joel had been awarded a Purple Heart, as well as the Bronze Star, among other decorations. Joel was drafted in 1968 and served until 1970 in Vietnam. “They caravan the veterans from the VA Hospital who are able to get out on their own,” said Theresa Wood, President of Post #574’s Auxiliary. “J.R. really encouraged Chuck to hold this VDO event.” Wood and her first vice president, Billie, organized the bags together for the veterans. These bags included soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shaving creams, and other necessities that Wood explained many veterans cannot afford. “This is what it’s all about. This is to tell our veterans ‘Thank you!’” said Ben Tofte, who is known as “Benny Midnight,” of the food and gathering there that day. He is the president of Post #848; he is also an American Legion Rider and a part of the Sons of the American Legion. Flood was in active duty for 10 years, from 1984 to 1994, and was a part of Desert Storm. When asked what he would like to share, Flood mentioned supporting the VDO. Donations can be made directly to the VA, or to the local American Legion Posts. Flood was the first president of the American Legion Riders and is a recent member of post #574. He explained that he wants to see that more of these events are held. Also in attendance were members from American Legion Post #79 of Fairmont. Ron Tallent, a Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, is a member of Post 79. He said he makes time to support the American Legion and reach out to veterans. “I love my vets. I’ve lost some of them,” he said. Tallent also mentioned that donations can be made directly to their post and all of it goes directly to helping veterans. The current President of the local American Legion Riders is Ray Valenzuela, whose responsibilities lie in conducting meetings. Valenzuela had been active in the United States Army for three years, and in active reserved for three years. “We’re looking forward in helping put together the Skid Row Toy Run this year,” he said. All chapter and Legion groups in attendance are very active in reaching out to veterans and letting them know that they have benefits to help with getting through any struggles. The grill was smoking as hamburgers and hot dogs were served to the veterans. Art Bell, a veteran from the VA hospital, said the food was good and that he was very happy to be there. Bob Sigala spoke about the Patriot Outreach and also photographed the VDO event. He is also a veteran who had been in the hospital and knew how important these events were for the veterans at the VA Hospital. Sigala said the Patriot Outreach is very special and they are looking forward to becoming more involved and promoting the outreach that focuses on the health and well-being of veterans. The veterans were seated inside and the karaoke started. “They have the biggest hearts, they really do,” said Michael, the karaoke coordinator. He told the veterans, “I would rather be here than anywhere else right now.”