American Legion Post 88 continues annual support for local Dogs2Vets program
By Jason Emerson
Editor
In the past three years, Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 has raised over $20,000 to support the local veterans’ support organization Clear Path for Veterans to aid a program that gives dogs to veterans suffering from mental and emotional distress. This year, Post 88 members are raising money once more through their annual golf raffle, and also sponsoring a presentation by Clear Path in Cazenovia to help spread the word about the various veterans’ support programs the organization offers, particularly the Dogs2Vets program.
“This is all about vets helping vets, and Clear Path is just a great place; it’s not government run, which veterans like, it’s comfortable, it’s serene, it’s a place to chum with their peers, learn new skills and find help readjusting to civilian life … it’s a model for people and organizations across the country,” said John Haynes, Post 88’s co-chair of the annual fundraising raffle. “We hope everyone, whether a veteran or not, will come to this program and see what someone locally can do to support the Dogs2Vets program.”
The presentation, to be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, in the Cazenovia Public Library community room, will feature Clear Path community outreach coordinator Lynn Fox, along with veteran Gordon Scofield and his dog Major, giving a brief talk and showing a film about the Dogs2Vets program. The program allows military veterans suffering from PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) or MST (Military Sexual Trauma) to train their own dog either as a service dog or as a general companion. The purpose of the program is to give the veterans and the dogs companions whose unconditional love and support helps both, according to program information.
“The program builds important partnerships helping veterans and their dogs make bonds that benefit a warriors recovery after military service in a special way,” said Fox. “Dogs2Vets focuses on the entire journey. The training is not just general, service or emotional support dog training. The training promotes engaging the community, developing a positive mindset and building trust through your relationship with the canine partner. We could not run nor grow the program without the community support and groups like the Cazenovia American Legion raising funds and awareness.”
Post 88 members also will sell raffle tickets during the event as a fundraiser for the Dogs2Vets program. On June 3, 18 raffle winners will be drawn, each of whom will win a golf pass for four at one of 18 golf courses around Central New York.
Participating golf courses in this year’s Post 88 golf raffle included Barker Brook Country Club, Beaver Meadows Golf Club, The Cavalry Club, Cazenovia Country Club, Cazenovia Golf Club, Kanon Valley Country Club, Marcellus Golf Club, Pompey Golf Club, Radisson Greens Golf Club, Rogues’ Boost Golf Club, Seven Oaks Golf Club, Skenandoa Golf Club, The Ridge Golf Club, Timber Banks Country Club, Turning Stone Resort, Tuscarora Golf Club, Vesper Hills Golf Club and Woodcrest Golf Club.
Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from any Post 88 member, at the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce office on Albany Street or at Gene Gissin Photography at 25 William St.
For more information about the Post 88 raffle, call Gene Gissin at 315-655-2224.
Clear Path for Veterans is located at 1223 Salt Springs Road in Chittenango. For more information about Clear Path for Veterans and the Dogs2Vets Program, call 687-3300 or visit clearpath4vets.com.
