Sumitted by Donna Stacey

The American Legion Gulf Shores Post 44 and Auxiliary presented a donation check of more than $15,000 to Derek Donovan, Vice President of the Fisher House Foundation during a Friday night ceremony.

The funds will be used in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to assist families of wounded warriors recovering from prosthesis fittings.

The Fisher House Foundation provides housing for the family of a wounded warrior undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation for wounds received in combat. There are several homes nationwide near military and VA hospitals. They are supported by donations through the Fisher House Foundation.

Wounded warriors that lose an arm or leg or more go to Fort Sam Houston for prosthesis fittings and training. Family members are vital to the recovery process. Without these homes the family wouldn’t be able to provide that essential hands on support.

Legionnaires and Auxiliary members of Gulf Shores Post 44 have conducted numerous fundraisers during the past seven months to reach the $15,000 goal. They started with the Yellow Ribbon Fest in November where they raised more than $3,000 for the program.

Other donations came from weekly raffles and proceeds from their weekly Bingo program.

“Our bartenders even auctioned off their T-Shirts during Mardi Gras to raise over $500,” says Wayne Stacey, Post 44 past commander.

American Legion Post 44 has been in the Gulf Shores community since 1958. It is located on Alabama 59 between County roads 6 and 8. It’s open to the public seven days a week.

“Nearly everything we do is a fundraiser for our veterans, their families and our community,” says Stacey. “We’re not a secret society. We’re veterans still serving our country. Our Post is a home away from home for the many veterans and their families visiting this area.”