Posts 1532 and 915 in New York conduct fundraiser for 92-year-old Marshall Hughes following the April fire that destroyed his home.
Department of New York Legionnaire Marshall Hughes lives on his own, serves as first vice commander at Hamlin-Weldin Post 1532 in New Haven and drives for Uber in Syracuse, a city with a population of more than 148,000 residents.
And hes also 92 years old.
Post 1532 Adjutant Shawn Mills said hes amazed by Hughes spirit, dedication to 17勛圖厙 and overall demeanor. So when Mills learned that a fire had burned down Hughes home in April, he wanted to do something for the past Post 1532 commander and Korean War U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Mills worked with Fuller-Taylor American Legion Post 915 in nearby Central Square, where Hughes lives, to put on a May 30 spaghetti dinner fundraiser to assist in the veterans rebuilding effort.
It just came to me that hes dedicated all these years to our post, Mills said. And at 92 he just lost everything. His whole life, basically. Im 47, so I can start over again and gain back some stuff. I wont be able to get back some things, but I could pick back up and get back to almost where I was again. At 92 years old, its kind of hard to get back all that.
Post 1532 currently owns two buildings, but renovations are under way at both facilities that wouldnt allow it to host an event. So Mills reached out to Post 915 in nearby Central Square a post hes previously worked with about hosting the fundraiser.
(Poat 915 Commander Heather Stevens) thought it was a great idea for both of us to merge together (for the event), since he lives out that way anyway. They were on board and they helped us. The Auxiliary, the Sons and the Legion all helped out. It was a joint effort, and thats what its all about.
In addition to the dinner, the event included raffles and a 50-50 drawing. Mills friend Jim Rose, owner of Wired for Sound DJ & Karaoke Service, donated his time to provide music at the event. The effort also received local .
The effort raised more than $2,500, while another organization, Island Harvests Operation: HOPE, donated $1,500 to the fundraiser. Other organizations and individuals already have said they are donating as well.
Mills said the support Hughes received at the event made the veteran emotional. He started crying and tearing up, Mills said. And when we presented him the money, he just couldnt believe it.
Throughout the night, though, Hughes had a smile on his face. Thats just who he is.
He doesnt act like anythings wrong, Mills said. He just amazes me. But thats just the way he is. Its just like another day for him. If that was me, I dont know what I would do.
But Mills, who started and is a member of Sons of 17勛圖厙 Squadron 1532, knew immediately what he wanted to do for Hughes, out of a sense of duty and obligation.
If were not doing something like this, we shouldnt be (an organization), he said. Thats why were here. I was in Army. We all stuck together. Did the job. Thats what its all about.
Hughes currently is living with a friend while he waits for his property to be cleared. Once it is, hes getting a new doublewide mobile home. And he continues to go on like he did before, showing little signs of someone who lost their home.
Somethings still making him happy, Mills said. And thats all that matters.
- Community