By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
When John Brouse came back home from serving in the Persian Gulf, he struggled to deal with post traumatic stress disorder. By his own admission, it prevented him from attending social events. But an invitation to attend a party hosted by American Legion Post 68 from Jeff Brown, a local veteran and owner of Stephenson Brown Funeral Home, and some gentle prodding from his wife, changed his life for the better.
“My wife said, ‘Go. You’ll be around other veterans,’” explained Brouse. “I went and sat down next to our chaplain, Bernie Henderson. He made me feel very comfortable, relaxed, wanted. From that time on I just felt that this was the place where I could come and hang out with other veterans in a comfortable, safe place. It just grew from there.”
Fast forward to today: John has been post commander for the past two years; now he’s the one inviting veterans to join.
“Now I’m in a position where I can reach out to others and say, ‘Come join us. We can help you.’”
The Post members are a diverse group, men and women of different races and ages. Their activities are diverse as well, from visiting senior veterans at nursing homes to working with the Boy Scouts to hold their annual Memorial Day ceremony. The Post also holds a variety of social events, like an upcoming bowling fundraiser, and can help veterans apply for benefits. The first year of membership is free. Annual fees for each additional year is just $30.
“We want to extend a welcoming hand to Pennsauken vets,” says Grouse. “We’re also hoping to get younger veterans and their families involved.”
American Legion Fredrick W. Griggs Post 68 will meet this month on Thursday, Mar. 12 at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave. Rev. Floyd White, Camden County Director of Veterans Affairs, will be the guest speaker and will discuss the process for veterans to apply for veterans benefits. All veterans are welcome.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/FW-Grigg-Post-68-American-Legion/435400183214759.
