American Legion Post 16 - Homer

In existence since 1945, American Legion Post 16 has occupied it current location on East End Road for the past 30 years, according to Commander Tim Clarke.

"We were the first veterans' organization authorized by Congress," Clarke said of the national organization's history. "Basically, if somebody has been in the military, they can join the legion."

The legion family consists of the American Legion, including both men and women who served; the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, comprised of the wives and daughters of male veterans; and the Sons of the American Legion, male blood relatives of veterans.

Post 16 has approximately 175 members, with the Women's Auxiliary membership at about 160 and Sons of the American Legion numbering 60. The post's first commitment is to care for veterans and their families, followed by service to the community at large.

The organization has a relief program for veterans. Community involvement comes in the form of a Fourth of July carnival for local youngsters, donations to the Kachemak Lions Club Thanksgiving food drive, participation in local celebrations for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and scholarships for local students.

The post raises funds through raffles, a pull-tab operation, the kids' carnival and other activities. The building is often used for meetings and the post sponsors a baseball team.

Post 16's barbecue trailer is a familiar site at outdoor events. Most recently it was used by the U.S. Coast Guard to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for visitors to the Haunted Hickory.

"Anytime we can help out, we do," Clarke said. "Last year we put almost $60,000 in the community between the three organizations."

Photographer: McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News Memorial Day Services in Ninilchik are presented by members of he American Legion in Homer and Ninilchik and the VFW in Anchor Point.

Since 1980, VFW Post 10221 has occupied a building on Milo Fritz Road, said Commander Pat Russell.

The post's membership, as the name implies, served in wars fought off American soil. Their military experience spans from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan and everything in between. The Anchor Point post has about 150 members, including residents of Anchor Point and neighboring communities, as well as snowbirds that spend their summers on the Kenai Peninsula. It also includes a men's and women's auxiliary.

"The men's auxiliary and the women's auxiliary are a big help to us," Russell said.

"They're like family members. Without them, we couldn't do half of what we do.

Like the American Legion, the organization "supports veterans and community in times of need," Russell said.

Through a "Veterans In Distress Program," the post provides assistance for a number of situations. If a veteran runs into financial problems, the program can help. If a ride is needed to a doctor appointment, VFW members step in.

"We had a guy that lost his home from fire and the turnout was so fantastic that he has shelter over his head for the winter now," Russell said.

Within the community, the post helps with Special Olympics, assists with Chapman School's breakfast program and donates to other local efforts, including scholarships.

During the week for members and guests the post offers taco dinners for $1 a taco on Monday, burgers and brew for $6 on Friday, steaks you cook yourself for a suggested donation of $14 on the third Saturday of the month, and a fish fry for $7 on the last Sunday of the month.

"The VFW is a happening place," Russell said. "I've been in a lot of posts, but this one here, when they start something, it is just a work of art. It's beautiful."

American Legion Post 18 - Ninilchik

Chartered in 1959, the American Legion in Ninilchik has occupied its current location on the Sterling Highway for the past two years, with previous headquarters on the Ninilchik Fairgrounds and its original site on Kingsley Road.

It has a membership, coming from as far away as Wasilla, of 130, with an additional 130 in the Sons of the American Legion and more than 200 in the Women's Auxiliary, said Commander Willy Kitchens.

"First and foremost, our role is to help veterans and veterans' families. Then comes the community," Kitchens said, adding that an emergency fund helps meet members' needs.

The single biggest fundraiser throughout the year is held Sept. 11, in memory of the terrorist attacks that happened that day in 2001. A spaghetti feed and auction of donated items benefits Ninilchik Emergency Services.

"This year, we raised $10,163," Kitchens said of the one-night event. "Then we donated to the girls and boys basketball teams that did the serving, helped set up and tear down. We wrote them a check for $500."

While that event tops the list, it isn't the only thing Post 18 does to benefit Ninilchik. Scholarships help graduating high school seniors continue their education. There is the annual Easter egg hunt and the "Halloween Hoot" for younger residents. Holidays are an opportunity to serve community dinners, with a free Thanksgiving spread a local favorite. The same is done on Christmas, too, Kitchens said. The post also donates financially to provide gifts during the Christmas season.

Similar to the VFW in Anchor Point, the post also has weekly taco and steak nights

"We're not trying to make money," Kitchens said. "We're trying to help the community."