American Legion in Medina planning events for vets this month

MEDINA – The Butts-Clark American Legion Post is planning two events this month in support of veterans.

The first is a Veterans’ Appreciation scheduled from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the post, 305 North Main St.

Veterans will receive a free drink and appetizers will be available. All veterans are welcome to attend.

The second event is operation SAVE, a suicide prevention training program from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28. The reason for this training is due to the high rate of suicide among veterans, said Jim Wells, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post.

Plans for this training were developed as the result of a conversation when Sara Andrew with the Veterans Administration in Batavia stopped at the Orleans County American Legions’ booth at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Wells, his wife Valerie and Kathy Kage from the Lyndonville American Legion Post coordinated the training. They had tried to have it in October, which is “Buddy Month,” but no date was available.

“Buddy Month” is a program of the National American Legion urging people to check on their veteran buddies.

“The idea is to ‘be the one who reports a veteran’s illness or suicidal thoughts,’” Jim Wells said.

SAVE stands for Signs of suicide; Asking about suicide; Validating feelings; Encouraging help and expediting treatment.

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to Valerie Wells by texting (585) 339-8500 or e-mailing medinaaux204@gmail.com.