American Legion

WE MAY NOT KNOW THEM ALL, BUT WE OWE THEM ALL

Veterans’ Resource Center being established in Alabaster

When you think about a stereotypical veteran, you may picture an older man with decades of service to the country. Someone like Paul Gonthier or Jim Billings. Both gentlemen gave 30 and 33 years, respectively, to the U.S. Army and retired as Lieutenant Colonels.

However, as they pointed out, the United States has been at war since 2001, so there are young men and women – some in their late 20s and younger – who are also veterans. Many of these individuals of all ages have struggles that sadly come from their military experiences. “Some are without arms or legs, psychological issues, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD… It’s not just about the old veterans anymore. It’s about every veteran out there that needs help,” Jim said.

Paul agreed, pointing out that suicide also continues to be a problem, to the tune of 22 veteran lives lost a day. “A lot of veterans come out of the military – not just ones that put in over 30 years, like us, but even just three or four years – and they come back and just feel lost. They feel like they’re in a community that doesn’t understand what they’ve been through. They don’t know how to function in a civilian society – it’s not the same as when they left. They aren’t sure where to go or what to do. So, we want to be here for them. We felt we had to do something.”

So that is exactly what they are doing.

Along with an executive board and a team of support personnel, the Veterans’ Resource Center is now under development in the upper floor of the Municipal Annex building.

Initially, the duo strived to utilize the location where American Legion Post 138 previously met. However, after over eighteen months of unsuccessfully attempting to fix up that facility, they decided they needed a change of venue.

“There was always something going wrong with that building – and the upkeep and insurance was so expensive – it prevented us from actually doing things for the veterans in the community. After we closed that building, we were allowed to meet in the council chambers a few times. But we were looking for our own place to hang our flags and call our home.”

The Municipal Annex building has become such a place for them.

“We went to the mayor, the city council, and administration and shared our vision with them. Their support was overwhelming! It was approved by the City Council on July 6th for us to move into this building and that has relieved a lot of stress,” Jim said.

“I just have to believe that if we do our job, the city will be happy to keep us here in this location long-term,” Paul added.

Doing that job will be no small feat, though.

There are approximately 3,700 veterans in Alabaster. Shelby County has about 14,000. In the state of Alabama, there are over 400,000 veterans!

Paul shared, “Currently if you are a veteran and you need assistance from Veterans Services, you must go all the way to Columbiana, which isn’t very accessible to a lot of people. But this

place here in Alabaster is an excellent location that is going to be able to serve not just Alabaster veterans but the surrounding area, as well.”

The goal of the new organization is to connect veterans to the resources that are currently available to them, through either the Federal Department of Veteran Affairs or the State Department of Veteran Affairs. This could include such services as getting access to medical benefits, filing for VA claims, seeking jobs and employment, finding housing for homeless veterans, and more.

Initially, November 7th was their target date for opening. With the delays and restrictions in place with Coronavirus, they have decided to wait to do their official facility grand opening in 2021. But that is not going to stop them from getting up and running!

“We applied for and were just awarded a $15,000 grant from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, since we were unable to fundraise this year. Those funds are allocated for tables and chairs to replace the pews currently in place. We’ll also need a few desks, computer equipment, a copy machine, communications, file cabinets, office supplies, audio/visual equipment, and eventually some new flooring. It will be a work in progress, and we’ll need more funds. But all that we purchase and all that we do will all be geared towards helping veterans,” they explained. “We need to help the veterans who are in our community. It’s a worthwhile endeavor and the city has seen it as a worthwhile use of this space. We’re very grateful for the support of the city.”

The organization is currently in the process of becoming incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit, so in the meantime, all support and funding is being funneled through the established Post 138. The board members, support staff, and founders are working hard to establish the necessary infrastructure to allow them to start offering services and appointments by the end of the year.

“There are services like education benefits, the GI Bill benefits, medical benefits, disability compensation, translating veteran experiences to apply for a civilian job... Veterans have earned the right to have these resources and we owe them. But getting these to the veteran is often a problem. Either they don’t know it’s out there, or don’t know how to get them!” explained Jim.

It can be overwhelming for a veteran to navigate alone. The Veterans Resource Center will have experts available to help. Some veterans have basic life needs that they need help with – meals, assistance for rent and mortgages, utilities. The Veterans Resource Center is working with area groups that want to provide those necessities to veterans.

“It’s a very patriotic community here in Alabaster," said Paul. "People see what we’re doing here, and they appreciate the new facility, but it’s what we’ll be doing inside the facility that will really matter. That’s what will make all the difference.” AC

Jon Kelton

Financial Advisor 6919 Hwy 119 Suite 300 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-621-0888

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