Members of Howard County’s American Legion Post 273 in Fayette and Post 211 in Glasgow recently joined together to serve families staying at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital’s Mid-Missouri Fisher House. Ben Roberts, Finance Officer for Post 211; Eric Fizer, Commander of Post 273; and their colleagues prepared approximately 30 meals for Fisher House guests. The meals consisted of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, a dinner roll, and brownies for dessert. Also, in attendance that evening was Daniel Seehafer, the National Commander of the American Legion.

 After preparing meals and talking with some of the families, the American Legion volunteers realized how much of a relief it was for guests not to have to worry about what they would have for dinner and how they would get it. 

 “One inpatient Veteran’s spouse told us that because of her constant vigil at her husband’s bedside. She hasn’t had a balanced meal in nine days,” Fizer said. “She spent more than a week snacking here and there but not really fulfilling her nourishment needs.”  

 Another guest told the American Legion volunteers that she wasn’t planning to go out and get dinner due to traffic since it was a University of Missouri home game. However, when she came into the house that evening and smelled the brownies baking, she said it made her mouth water.  

 Fizer also is an employee at Truman VA and serves as the Administrative Officer for Supply Chain Management. 

 “Part of being in the American Legion is assisting Veterans, and we wanted to serve our brothers and sisters at Truman VA, as well as their families,” Fizer said. “Although we, as Veterans, served our country, our families were there for us in our time of need. Deployments overseas are tough. However, the families back home must pick up the slack during our absence and take care of what needs to be done. My family had to do that for me while I was gone, and I know the struggles they faced. I couldn’t think of a better service to provide an inpatient Veteran than taking care of their family member. Volunteering in this way also lets the family members know that they served our country also. Years down the road, they still serve, and we are here to provide for and support our Veterans and their families.” 

 Roberts said the Fisher House staff is outstanding. “They are very nice and polite to every family member that stays at the house. The care and concern they show to the families are second to none. This Fisher House has only been open since July. However, the staff seems like they have been caring for all these families for years. It was such an honor to meet the staff, cook for the families, and take a tour of this beautiful facility.”

 American Legion Post 273 supports numerous programs and activities, such as Boys/Girls State, American Legion Baseball, and the Youth Law Enforcement Cadet Program, and helps fund several scholarships. On the third Saturday of every month from 7 to 11 a.m., American Legion Post 273 holds a “Donation Breakfast,” which includes biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage (links and patties), and pancakes. The post is also starting to hold dinners every other month. To learn more about Post 273, please follow them on Facebook.

 Since opening in July 2023, Truman VA’s Fisher House has hosted 283 families (501 individuals) with a collective cost savings to them of $106,000.

If you are a Veteran and want to learn if you qualify for VA health care, please call (573) 814-6535. To learn more about Truman VA’s Mid-Missouri Fisher House or to volunteer, please visit www.midmofisherhouse.org/contact-us or call (573) 723-1092.