Windham veterans provide for brothers in arms by Colby Willis

A year and a half ago Henry “Chuck” Whynot was visiting the Portland Veterans Center to donate some goods to those veterans who were in need. When he arrived however, he came to find that the pantry, a vital source of food for the homeless and financially struggling veterans of the Greater Portland Area, was empty. Chuck couldn’t let that stand. So, he went down to American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham, where he is a service officer, to see what could be done.

Since that moment one and a half years ago, Chuck and the other veterans of Windham’s Legion Post have been gathering donations from within and around the Greater Windham Community. However, the fight to help struggling veterans has been an uphill battle.

The contributions they are able to provide have a meaningful impact on the food situation of thirty families or homeless veterans a month. However, they would like to do more.

Each Wednesday morning, the veterans of Post 148 gather for a coffee social, giving an opportunity for the country’s best to chat, drink coffee and eat donuts. Not only do they spend time together, but they donate food and money to help those who also served that aren’t quite as fortunate.

I was lucky enough to visit during one of these events. The atmosphere was lively and busy, the walls adorned with the Legion Post of the Year banners, five years running - something those at the Post seemed quite proud of. Chuck and Adjutant Finance Officer, Dave Tanguay, gathered donations from those who were in attendance that wished to contribute.

However, there is only so much that the veterans of Windham can provide, and Chuck would like to extend a call to arms. Anyone who wants to donate is more than welcome to stop by the Post every Wednesday from 9:00 to11:00 a.m. at 35 Veterans Memorial Drive, tucked away behind the Hannaford. There they collect donations of non-perishable foods, as well as money which they use to buy a variety of goods for those struggling veterans of the Greater Portland Area.

This is a marathon, not a sprint, and donations are always appreciated as every little bit counts. If you cannot make it on Wednesday mornings but still wish to donate, contact Chuck Whynot at (207)-749-1944.