Letter to Editor:
Ely American Legion Post 248 members have agreed to purchase a food trailer. It will be used to prepare and sell brats, burgers, chicken wings and other foods, while events, such as the Farmers Market, July Fourth Parade, Blueberry Arts Festival, Walleye Whamma, Fun Run, the Marathon and Rock the Park are held in Ely, Babbitt, Tower, Soudan and other nearby communities.
American Legion Post 248, Lozar-Mrace-Loushin, is a 501(c)(19) veteran’s organization based in Ely. It was organized and has been in existence since October 6, 1919. Our membership today is about 105. Steve Saari serves as the Commander, Gerald M. Tyler serves as the Post Adjutant and Eric Mayranen serves as the Vice Commander and Chaplain. Its members meet monthly in its meeting room in the Ely City Hall.
American Legion Post 248 is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Ely, Babbitt, Tower and Soudan area veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Post 248 members are currently fundraising with the goal of purchasing a fully equipped 18-foot-long food trailer that will be utilized to generate more revenue in meeting our Mission goals, promote membership growth, camaraderie, and carrying out unselfish activities for our community.
Thousands of Ely American Legion Post 248 members have proudly carried out the Mission since its inception on October 6, 1919. The impact, generosity, and dedicated service of Ely Legionnaires supported by local businesses and the public for over a century is immeasurable. Hundreds of young people have played American Legion baseball over the last five decades alone.
Post 248 donates money to veterans in need of help and to many organizations and causes, including the Ely High School Grad Party; the Ely High School Merit Scholarship Fund; the Marine Corps Birthday Party; United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Family Retreat; the Ely School Patrol Week in Legionville; donations to the Ely Elementary School; donations to pay the expenses to conduct the Memorial Day Ceremony; donations to purchase candy to distribute to the children attending the July 4th Parade in Ely; donations to the American Legion Baseball Association; and still others such as to Vets on the Lake Resort.
Ely American Legion Post 248 is in need of financial support Post 248 members presently pay annual dues of $45. The dues are shared with the American Legion National and State Chapter and the Legion Hospital and the Minnesota 8th District dues. From the $45, $42.50 is retained by the State Chapter leaving Post 248 with $2.50 per member, which does not even cover the Post’s administrative expenses.
The cost of purchasing a new food trailer is expected to be approximately $54,000. We intend to use $10,000 of the Post’s funds on deposit to apply to the purchase price. We have applied to the IRRRB for a matching grant of $27,000. If the grant from the IRRRB is forthcoming, and assuming a purchase price of $54,000, Post 248 will need to raise $17,000.
American Legion Post members have commenced a fund drive and begun to raise funds from members of the community. Donations received from individuals and organizations are 100% tax deductible. Anyone who wishes to contribute may mail their tax deductible donation to Ely American Legion Post 248, PO Box 508, Ely, MN 55731.
Thank you,
Gerald M. Tyler,
Adjutant Ely American Legion Post 248
