Honey Brook Legion Riders hosted a Veterans Appreciation Day Aug. 20 at St. Benedict’s Picnic Park in Mohnton. There were two Veteran Organizations there. David’s Drive and Keystone Iron Warriors.
David’s Drive honors memory of a 2007 from Coatesville High School graduate who worked at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center and was saddened to learn that many of the veterans he served, had to do without items he considered essential; underwear, socks, tee shirts and personal items. David had a vision to change that.
According to www.davidsdrive831.org, “David’s Drive is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) public charity committed to improving the quality of life for hospitalized and homeless veterans and people in need in the community. David’s Drive 831 (DD831) was created in memory of David Turner Jr. who died suddenly at the age of 20 of a suspected heart arrhythmia. David had worked at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center and had a tremendous respect for the veterans he served; many were homeless, in early recovery and came to the hospital without essentials. David had a vision to provide these veterans with these items.”
Keystone Iron Warriors was a dream started by a 9-year-old boy, Alex. The local non-profit organization helps veterans obtain therapy dogs, as well as helps with transportation, medical bills and other important needs to help alleviate the stress they undergo.
The American Legion Riders Post 537 donated $2,000 to David’s Drive and $1,000 to Keystone Iron Warriors to help benefit both organizations.
On Saturday Aug. 27, seven members of the American Legion Riders and Post 537 Morgantown presented a $2,000 check to Mark Baylis, co-founder of the Valor Clinic to help veterans navigate through the process of recovering and rebuilding their lives. The Valor’s long term vision is to provide shelter, food, supplies, access to healthcare and benefits to veterans in need. To date the Legion Riders and Post 537 has given a total of $14,500. Post 537 members are very proud of all the hard work they have been doing for the Valor Clinic and our veterans.
