• American Legion Post 13 offers support to vulnerable veterans.
• They advocate on behalf of their neighbors to connect veterans with resources and facilities in the community.
• Watch the video to find out why they want to help you and how you can access this service.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:

The Post notes that more and more veterans are finding themselves in need, but many are unaware of the help available to them.

That's why we're exploring how veterans in northwest Tallahassee can find an advocate to help them get food, shelter, and other essential resources. Here's how it works.

“We are simply a group of dedicated people whose sole goal is to help you, the veterans in our community,” said Rodney Keener of American Legion Post 13.

Help – in the form of food, shelter, emotional support and more – is just a call away with the team at American Legion Post 13.

They support veterans in need.

Post members like Keener connect veterans with agencies that can provide them with resources.

“A one-stop shop to point a veteran in the right direction to the agency where they can get help,” Keener said.

Help that was life-saving for veteran Dove McClain. She had no place to stay.

“Not being able to live anywhere in the country you served is one of the most depressing things that can happen to you,” McClain said.

Keener at this position helped her.

“He guides me to the places I need to go through phone calls and contact with resources,” McClain said.

Within 72 hours, Keener had found her accommodation.

Keener's support has opened her eyes to all the veteran resources available in the city.

However, McClain says it is not always easy to ask for help when you are alone and having problems.

“Something like a crisis can trigger a downward spiral that puts people in a very dark position from which they can't get out,” McClain said.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, there are 17.5 suicides among veterans each day across the country.

Keener said his top priority is reducing that number.

“[Our] Our main goal is to help veterans in any way we can, and it doesn't cost the veterans a dime,” Keener said.

As the newest member of the post, McClain accompanies him on this mission.

“I want to be a similar difference to the one I was shown,” McClain said.

If veterans are looking for resources in our county, they can get one-on-one help at the upcoming Stand Down event, which will feature various organizations supporting veterans in need. The event will take place on July 12 and 13 at the FAMU Lawson Center.