Joan Fry

On February 28, 2016, an appreciation meal was held at Cascade American Legion, followed by a ceremony naming the Community Pillar Award recipient for 2013/2015. After a wonderful meal of shrimp, roast beef, and chicken, a report was given that included the contributions made to the community. Nearly $60,000 was donated to local charities from five major events. More than 10,000 tickets were sold, and nearly 4,000 people attended the events.

The recipient of the largest gift was Fisher House Foundation, which is best known for a network of comfort homes, where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving hospital treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $282 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Larry Lantz, SAL president, introduced Mr. Frank Scheib, Fisher House Volunteer, who thanked the Sons of American Legion (SAL) for their involvement in the program and praised their continuing efforts for this worthy cause. Mr. Scheib is available to speak to organizations about Fisher House at no charge.

Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to family members, as well as the Hotels for Heroes program, using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge.

SAL Chaplain Jim Bittner presented the annual Community Pillar Award. He came up with many reasons to honor individuals for community service: (1) They have done something particularly praiseworthy; (2) They have been mainstays of the community over a long period of time; (3) They have initiated something successful; (4) They have been responsible for achieving a particular goal; and (5) They have been good leaders.

“One individual here has done not one, but all of the above,” said Bittner. “Early on, he supported sports activities in the local area and continued doing bigger and better things. He has worked willingly and continuously for many years to better the community. He has worked with programs to assist residents, service men and women, veterans, young people, and the elderly, in the community where there is a need. Where some have been down and out, he has been there to give them hope. He is the event organizer who works with other volunteers to make SAL fundraisers the successes they have become. It is an honor to work with this deserving person who continuously thinks of others. On behalf of the Sons of the American Legion, I present the 2015 Pillar of the Community Award to Mr. Jeff Coyle.”

Jeff was very surprised to receive this honor and was nearly speechless.

Pictured is the 2015 Pillar of the Community Award recipient, Jeff Coyle.