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American Legion posts opened up their doors to the community to watch ‘America’s Game’ while also promoting American Legion programs - including its veteran suicide prevention focus.

On Dec. 13, more than 200 people showed up at American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls, Idaho, to watch the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. It was the second year that 91Ӱ���ƽ�� had served as an associate sponsor of the game.

But Post 143 Commander Tim Shaw wanted the watch party to be about more than the two service academies engaging in another classic battle. It also was about what Shaw says is the Legion’s most important mission: .

“We set the table long before that this wasn’t just a football game we were going to be watching,” Shaw said. “We were also launching (Be the One) at this post. It’s something that matters. We’ve wanted to get this fired up and get it going. It’s good stuff.”

The watch party itself, which was attended by American Legion Department of Idaho Commander Dee Sasse, went well. Post 143 used social media and its website to heavily promote the event, which resulted in media coverage both prior to and after the game.

And during the event, Shaw said he gave an eight-minute presentation on Be the One and why it’s important. He emphasized that suicide prevention is something not confined to the post-military community.

“Trauma comes in all forms. It’s not just a veteran issue. It’s a life issue,” he said. “As far as suicide and depression and mental health, this is a problem that’s growing in our society by leaps and bounds right now. And we’re trying to make sure the community’s involved with this as well. 

“If you don’t say to yourself, ‘We’ve got to do something’, there’s something wrong. It’s just something that we’ve got to do.”

The post’s Be the One effort will continue to grow. Shaw said Post 143 has formed a Be the One committee and created a direct phone line to the post for veterans who may be in crisis and want to talk to someone. The post also will offer Columbia Protocol training. 

“And we’re firing up Buddy Checks,” Shaw said. “Buddy Checks are a little different for us because of the size of this post. We’ve got 800 of them to make. So, we’re going to do them year-long. The minute we finish them we’re going to start over. We’re painting the Golden Gate Bridge.”

The following are examples of how American Legion Family members shared the organization’s associate sponsorship of “America’s Game” in their communities through watch parties. Please share your watch party stories and photos at legiontown.org.

Connecticut

In Bristol, American Legion Post 2 hosted a watch party for the second year in a row, showing the game on a large screen in the hall and on every TV throughout the post. The Southington Mission BBQ donated all the food to the post for the game. The post noted on Facebook that plans are underway for next year's game.

Florida

In Bradenton, Kirby Pelot Stewart Post 24 hosted a community-wide watch party that included two squads of cheerleaders. 

Illinois

·       In South Elmhurst, T.H.B. Post 187 invited the community to its watch party, providing complimentary food for attendees. The post also used the event to collect donations for the nonprofit “K9s for Veterans”, which helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder transition back to civilian life with the help of trained service dogs. 

·       In Rockton, American Legion Post 332’s watch party doubled as the post’s annual chili cookoff. A total of 16 different chilis were available to sample by the 105 people who attended. Many of the people in attendance wore their Army and Navy colors to the post. 

Maryland

In Chesapeake Beach, Stallings-Williams Post 206 hosted a group of men and women from the local Army and Marine recruiting station at its watch party. The recruits will join the military before high school graduation or before. 

Massachusetts

In Cherry Valley, American Legion Post 443 hosted a watch party that was open to the public and drew around 40 attendees. Supporters for both academies wore their team colors and engaged in friendly trash talk. 

The event featured a potluck table that included chili, cakes, and freshly made wings and fries. Also included was a military staple: SOS. 

“This watch party was exactly what the American Legion is about,” Post 443 Public Relations Chair Sue Sears said. “People showed up, shared a table, and enjoyed each other’s company. Cherry Valley Post 443 was proud to host the event as part of 91Ӱ���ƽ��’s sponsorship of the Army–Navy Game presented by USAA and to bring veterans, members and the community together for a great day.”

Michigan

In Brighton, Sons of 91Ӱ���ƽ�� Squadron 235 hosted a watch party at Post 235. Green Lantern Pizza provided pizzas, while the day also consisted of games and the recruiting of six new members into the post’s Legion Family. 

Missouri

In Sunrise Beach, American Legion Post 624 served up chili, chicken, hot dogs and more, provided by Auxiliary Unit 624 and free to attendees. 

Nebraska

On Facebook, American Legion Post 353 in Louisville said its watch party “went great.” The day included a potluck, raffles and Army-Navy bingo. 

New Hampshire

In Tilton, American Legion Post 49 decorated the post for the game and then served wings, sandwiches and dips, along with homemade beef stew. The post gave away 35 door prizes during the course of the event. 

“Can't wait until next year!!!” the post shared on Facebook. 

New Jersey

In Florham Park, Frank Patterson Post 43 invited area high schoolers who are seeking military academy appointments to attend their Army-Navy watch party. Chatham High School senior Alexandra Donoghue, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 2030, attended the watch party with her father, Mark Donoghue. 

The post provided free food and sodas to all area active-duty miliary, veterans and their families. The family friendly event included contests and prizes.

New York

On Facebook, Oneida Post 169 Legion Family member Penni Jennings Conley shared, “We had a great time for our 2nd Annual watch party! Food, raffles, prizes, and football!”

Pennsylvania

In East Stroudsburg, American Legion Post 346 hosted a watch party and chili cookoff that included special guest judges. The post also conducted raffles that raised money to assist veterans during the holiday season.

The post also used the event to share that Legion is available to veterans – including those in crisis – by sharing on Facebook, “As we gather for a day of fun to cheer on our favorite team, take note that the American Legion Oganization is an associate sponsor of "America's Game" with a mission to raise awareness of all the Veterans programs we offer. If you are a veteran or know a veteran who may be struggling, it is OK to ask for help. Veteran Crisis Line is always open by calling 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255. In person at the Post, any board or staff member can provide information and resources as well and are always available even if it's just to have a friendly conversation.”