Who We Serve

The pillars of the American Legion that we strive to serve comprise Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security & Foreign Relations, and Community Service.  American Legion Madera Post 131 is committed to serving and supporting veterans, youth and our community through its establishment of the “Who We Serve” committee.

The “Who We Serve” Committee, headed by Executive Board Member, Mike Davis and Past Commander Hans Bonsell, meets periodically to review requests for donations and to make recommendations to the E-Board for final approval.  Any member may submit donation requests to Sam Barnard or Mike Davis for consideration by the committee. The Post 131 E-Board budgeted $7,000 in the 2011 Fiscal Year as donations to those “Who We Serve”. Profits from the kitchen and bar operations go into the “Who We Serve” fund for disbursement during the year.

• Veterans
  • Post 131 will be contributing $7400.00 to the Wounded Warrior Program. This program aids wounded Service men and women when they return from Combat.  This contribution is a combination of proceeds from the Wounded Warriors Golf Tournament and the Post.
  • Post 131 will be contributing again to the Fisher House Program.  This program provides free housing for the families of Wounded Servicemen and women while they are being treated.
  • Post 131 will again contribute to the Honor Flight Program. This program honors World War II Veterans by taking them back to Washington, D.C. for an all expenses paid trip to visit the World War II Memorial.  If YOU are a World War II Veteran, you may be eligible for an Honor Flight.  CLICK HERE to be redirected to Honor Flight Arizona site and “Veteran Application” webpage or contact the Post 131 Executive Board member.
  • During the Holiday Period the Post donated $100.00 to the Green Valley Food Bank.
  • The Legion Riders of Post 131 have been trained as “guides” for blind veterans and periodically assist the Blind Veterans Rehabilitation Program at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (aka Tucson VAMC) by providing breakfast one Saturday a month and gift cards as prizes for in house activities.
  • The Legion Riders of Post 131 contributed $50.00 toward the Tucson 9/11 Memorial Fund.
  • The Legion Riders of Post 131 have also donated $50.00 as a Hole Sponsor Post 131 Wounded Warriors Golf Tournament.

• Youth: Post 131 is open to support any youth programs submitted to our committee. We ask that any submissions be submitted in detail, as to cause, cost, and anticipated results. As in any financial request, the more documentation as to detailed goals, expenses, historical recognition and background is expected. Submissions related to Veterans Children will have priority. Those submitted in reference to KIA Veteran’s children will have the very highest priority.  Give/send your submission to the Adjutant at Post 131.
  • Post 131 has contributed $200.00 to support the Naval Junior ROTC Program (NJROTC), competitive shooting team.
  • Post 131 will be considering a contribution to the Rio Rico Army Junior ROTC Program.
  • Post 131 will again consider a contribution of up to $500.00 to assist two Explorer Scouts in attending the A.L.L.E.C.A. (American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy, Inc) as a youth project.  It’s an encampment for young people who have an interest in Law Enforcement, both male and female ages 12 through 18.
  • Post 131 Members annually contribute to the Toys For Tots Program.

Since the start of in July of 2008, Madera Post 131 and Legion Riders have been able to donate approximately 14,490 dollars, to various Veterans and Youth organizations, in our community.  Additional donations have also been made by the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.