To the Editor:

Betcha didn’t know just how lucky this community is to have two well-founded active veterans’ service organizations.

Betcha didn’t know that thousands of dollars are raised and donated annually by these two local VSOs.

Betcha didn’t know that the motto of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7062 is appropriately “Veterans Helping Veterans.”

Betcha didn’t know that in the past two years, our local chapter of the American Legion Riders raised well over $15,000 to support Wounded Warriors and Soldier On. Not to mention several other community support ventures.

Betcha didn’t know that, for over more than four-score years, these two groups of dedicated vets and patriots have supported Boy Scout troops, and Little League baseball teams. They have contributed to local families who have fallen on hard times, families burned from their homes, homeless veterans, flood victims, handicapped children and citizens, fellow veterans needing assistance, and area churches and schools — plus a myriad of other outreach scenarios, assistance funds, and missions.

 Betcha don’t know what the American Legion Boys’ State is all about.

Betcha didn’t know that our local VFW organizes and holds an annual Loyalty Day, which is a patriotic observance supporting Americanism, our Constitution, and the American way of life.

Betcha didn’t know that our own American Legion Post purchased and donated Altamont’s first ambulance.

Betcha didn’t know that many of the local food pantries are supported by our two community VSOs.

Betcha didn’t know that an annual Christmas season toy drive, which supports the Hilltown children, is held and organized by our VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Betcha didn't know that our local American Legion is closing in on its 100-year anniversary.

Betcha didn’t know that over the aforementioned four-score years, these two VSOs have organized and held our annual Altamont Village Memorial Day Parade.

Betcha didn’t know that both of our auxiliaries are extremely active in the support and mission of our posts. It is common knowledge that the members consist of the best cooks in the Capital District, or maybe even the state.

Betcha didn’t know that our American Legion Post is also known as “The Biggest Little Post in Albany County.”

Betcha didn’t know that both posts frequently donate the use of their halls free of charge for worthy functions and organizations.

Betcha didn’t know that we have an active Squadron of the Sons of the American Legion, which is a very integral and depended upon division of our Legion Post 977.

Betcha didn’t know that, after many decades, unknown to this writer just how many, our local American Legion had to discontinue its Tuesday night bingo because of non-support and attendance.

Betcha didn’t know that, for the welfare and concern of all, both posts have put an end to smoking in the post buildings.

Betcha didn’t know that, with all of the different facets of membership available within these two veterans’ service organizations, more than likely you would qualify to join us. We would welcome you sincerely.

Betcha didn’t know we hold several community breakfasts, chicken-and-biscuit dinners, barbecues, Cabin Fever DJ/Dances, monthly holiday-themed celebrations and fundraising gatherings, along with just plain good old-fashioned family oriented shindigs throughout the year.

Betcha didn’t know we most likely have the best horseshoe pits in the Capital District area.

Betcha didn’t know that we have what is known as the “Boyd Hilton Memorial Association” made up of patriotic non-veterans who support and supplement our local VFW Post 7062, its endeavors, and outreach programs.

Betcha didn’t know that veterans inherently do not boast about their missions, contributions, sacrifices, and experiences.

Betcha didn’t know that all of the members of these two VSOs love their country, their community, and their flag.

Betcha didn’t know that some of our local veterans, like all veterans, sometimes think they are being taken for granted.

Betcha didn’t know that, if these two VSOs go away, our community would lose two very active sources of support and assistance of many local dependent organizations.

So, in closing, I betcha your involvement in either one or both of these veterans’ service organizations would make a difference in our community. We really have something special here in Altamont; stop by and get to know us. We are a proud bunch of patriots who do a lot of good and are a heck of a lot of fun.

Love your country and fly our flag.

H.L Stedman

American Legion Post 977, chaplain

Boyd Hilton VFW Post 7062, service officer

Altamont