Post 15 Vet Build

y four years in the
Navy. But still felt I want to do more. In November of 2009, I read about program that was being undertaken as the result of a new working
relationship between the National American Legion and Habitat for Humanity International – building homes for veterans. In March 2010, I saw more reports on line about how other American Legion Posts in several states were indeed involved in this program and were building homes for veterans. Between March and August , I started asking around to see if anyone had heard about the program, what they thought, if there was a need for it in Sioux Falls and if we could pull it off. The consensus was: “It’s a great concept and we support it.”
So, in November, I sat down and spoke with Community Development Director of the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. He agreed to join me and made a presentation to the Veterans council and submitted a proposal on wanted was need to accomplish this project. By that time, my commitment to the idea had gotten so strong that it was nothing short of a calling to service again from God. During that same month, I received the complete backing of Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15 . Over the next year I spoke to: Veterans organizations, State Legislators, Sioux Falls City Council members, Minnehaha County Staff and many interested private citizens. We have also built a working relationship with students at Globe University. On January of this year we had our first fundraiser, a Chili Cook off – that raised over 1600.00. Our committee is excited to be finally gaining some momentum. It has submitted its first application for a grant and is continuing to follow up with other sources of funding and support. Submitted by Dean DeLashmutt