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American Legion works to help homeless veterans and more

Posted at 12:03 AM, Nov 12, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-12 11:22:45-05

FORT MYERS, Fla. — In celebration of Veterans Day, we take a look at an organization here in Fort Myers that has made it their mission to provide services to the men and women who have served our country.

The American Legion, chartered in 1919, is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization.

According to the mission statement, they are committed to mentorship, patriotism, and the continued devotion to service members and veterans.

Fox 4 spoke to with the post commander and a local partner organization, 21st-Century Oncology, on how they are working to combat issues of cancer education, homelessness, and PSD in the veteran community.

The post commander at the American Legion in downtown Fort Myers, gives his take on why veterans face so many obstacles adjusting to life post service.

“They are programmed to fight a war, fight a war fight a war, but when they get out they don’t deprogram them effectively,” says Boyd.

This location opens a food pantry for veterans in need every day from 1 pm to 4 pm.

The 21st-Century Oncology center in Fort Myers has made it their duty to give back to veterans through health education.

“We talk to our veterans about cancers and other diseases associated with agent orange prostate cancer skin cancer so we want to make sure they get that education, ” said Sherri Kubesh.

If you or a veteran you know is in need of health assistance, call the 21st-Century Oncology Veteran hotline 855-728-4282