The American Legion Waggoner-Trimble Post 12 of the Department of Oklahoma has established Veterans for Country and Service, Inc., a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to strengthen and expand the Post’s mission of serving veterans, families, and the community through charitable giving and partnership programs.
This new charitable foundation enables Post 12 to receive tax-deductible donations and grants that directly support initiatives rooted in The American Legion’s Four Pillars Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
“The creation of Veterans for Country and Service, Inc. is a major milestone for Post 12 and the Bethany-Warr Acres community,” said Brett Martin current Finance Officer of Post 12. “It allows us to expand our outreach and ensure every donated dollar helps where it’s needed most whether it’s aiding veterans in crisis, supporting youth leadership through Oklahoma Boys State, a program of the Oklahoma American Legion and Girls State, a program of American Legion Auxiliary, Scouting America, or strengthening our neighborhoods through fellowship and service. This embodies the spirit of For God, Country, and Service.”
Through Veterans for Country and Service, Inc., Post 12 will focus on initiatives that include:
• Assisting veterans and families in need through its community food pantry and emergency relief efforts.
• Hosting regular American Red Cross blood drives that give back directly to the community.
• Supporting youth development through Boys State, Girls State, and partnerships with the Boy Scouts of America.
• Coordinating the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony in conjunction with Robert Keyes, honoring our nation’s symbol with dignity and respect.
• Promoting patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity through year-round community programs.
Veterans for Country and Service, Inc. will serve as the charitable arm of American Legion Post 12, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and expanded capacity to serve the needs of local veterans and citizens for generations to come.
The American Legion Waggoner-Trimble Post 12, located in Bethany-Warr Acres, is part of the Department of Oklahoma’s American Legion Family. Post 12 is dedicated to serving veterans, military families, and the broader community through programs inspired by the Four Pillars of The American Legion: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
Martin said the new 501(c)(3) will help Post 12 better reach their goal of sending more students to Boys State and Girls State.
“Last year we sent 22 boys and 11 girls,” he said. “Our goal this year is to send 30+ boys and 15+ girls. Each boy we send to Boys State costs $350 and the girls we send to Girls State cost $335 each. It adds up quickly.”
Martin said Post 12 also uses social media to highlight their programs and needs.
“We got our first donation check and the other day off the social media post I put up from the Mcanally Foundation, LLC.,” he said. “They want to sponsor one girl and one boy at Boys and Girls State. You must be careful how you use it, but social media works.”
For more information about Post 12 and its services call (405) 818-1607. • story by Van Mitchell, staff writer
