Community offers support to East Meadow’s American Legion

A packed house attended the annual fundraiser for American Legion Post 1082 in East Meadow on Sept. 15, drawing crowds of community members and organizations that came out to support the post, and its many ventures that it participates in throughout the year.

Mark Papagni, commander of the Sons of the American Legion in East Meadow, a nonprofit for those whose parents or grandparents were in the military, told the Herald that this marked the fourth year the fundraiser was held at the legion’s headquarters, at 294 Bellmore Road.

“In the beginning, it was that the American Legion post there was in desperate need of repairs and an influx of cash to keep the doors open,” Papagni said. “That’s what it was — a lot of fundraisers, just to make sure that doors stayed open at the place.”

The American Legion has used the money that has been raised to make several major capital improvements to the building, including the replacement of its siding and roof.

“We’ve also been able to make some charitable donations through the Nassau County Veterans Affairs,” Papagni said. “Like last year, we gave pies for Thanksgiving, and gave gift cards to veterans for their children, so they could buy them presents.”

The American Legion in East Meadow has also made contributions to the Bay Shore-based United Veterans Beacon House, which helps homeless veterans, veterans facing food insecurity, or in need of physical and mental health care. Beacon House provides housing in 50 locations across Nassau and Suffolk counties, with 25 of the homes reserved for veterans only. The organization also helps veterans find jobs, pay their utility bills and take care of funeral service arrangements.

Papagni said that an American Legion post in North Bellmore recently had to sell its building — and it struck him that this could be a concern for other groups as well.

“I’m worried that there are going to be fewer and fewer of these actual buildings around for people to go to,” he said. “The Vietnam-era veterans are probably the ones that use the facilities the most. A lot of the newer veterans don’t really go.”

Papagni added that along with raising funds to tackle various issues around the East Meadow post’s building, and to help other veteran organizations and people in the area, the fundraiser increases awareness that the American Legion is there to help.

“That’s what it’s morphed into — we’re doing some charitable things — among having the honor guard at football games, the honor guard at the Memorial Day parade,” he said.

In the past, the fundraiser has taken the form of a steak night or a cigar night, but the Sept. 15 event was simple — it was a casual get-together, for community members to unwind and have a good time. The event drew around 100 community members.

The fundraiser featured a barbecue, and televisions were set up to watch football, and drinks were available for purchase — along with raffles and door prizes. With the exception of those who walked away with some winnings, the fundraiser was just like any regular Sunday for football fans, except in the American Legion’s backyard instead of their own.

The event cost $60 to get in, if purchased in advance, and $75 at the door.

Other organizations in East Meadow have been very supportive of the American Legion’s efforts, Papagni said. “The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis, and all the businesses have been very generous,” he said.

American Legion T-shirts were available for purchase as well, featuring the names and logos of businesses that donated, so it also worked out as an advertisement for them, Papagni explained.

Several elected officials dropped in to meet with members, and say a few words.

“Had the pleasure of attending the Sons of the American Legion Post 1082 in East Meadow’s Annual Fundraiser,” State Sen. Steve Rhoads wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for bringing our community together to drive positive change for our veterans.”

Papagni said the American Legion, and Sons of the American Legion, are always looking for new members. The fundraiser was made possible through the hard work of volunteers.

“Our members work really hard to get this thing up and running,” he said. “The money goes to a good cause. We’re always looking for new members — members who, you know, their father or grandfather were in the military. We’re looking for new people who want to join, and can make a difference in that way.”

For more information on the East Meadow American Legion, and to learn how to get involved, visit EastMeadowVetsHall.com.