By ANDREA POTEET
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – After veterans come home from war, it can be easy for the public to forget what happens to them.
For many, life after service includes serious injuries, poverty and even homelessness.
But for four days a year, a local Veteran’s organization hopes to ease the burden of those who served alongside them.
Members of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 7 visit the Ann Arbor Veteran’s Affairs hospital once a month to visit the veterans there and bring them the collection of donated items from a donation box at the post, at 438 Ford Ave.
“Some of them are homeless,” Post 7 Commander Ronald Cassette said. “I’ve been told some of them have one meal a day. We’re just trying to take care of those who are less fortunate.”
In addition to the monthly visits, the post also invites veterans from the Ann Arbor and Detroit VA hospitals to their post four times a year for a day out. They play bingo for cash prizes, grill hamburgers and hot dogs, and present each veteran with a care package of personal items, including soap, deodorant, socks, books and puzzles.
The days out take place in June, July, September and December. The next one is scheduled for Thursday.
The events are funded by donations from the community. Personal items for the veterans can be dropped off at the post or picked up by a member. Items urgently needed include pumice stones, men’s socks, lip balm, denture care products, shaving cream, shampoo, and razors.
Those who wish to donate can call the post at (734) 246-9700.