Revitalized Varina American Legion serves veterans, community
Patriotism, community and service have driven veterans to rebuild the American Legion Post 233 on Recreation Drive in Varina.
The post was founded more than 100 years ago, after World War I, with the mission to support and advocate for veterans and active-duty personnel as well as mentor youth and strengthen communities.
The white two-room building that it calls home was constructed in 1940, when the post had a few dozen members.
Kennith Harvey, who retired from active U.S. Army service in 1999 with a traumatic brain injury, took over the struggling post in 2021. Harvey has successfully grown it to about 360 members.
On this Veterans Day, he wants people to think about the purpose of the holiday.
“I want people to realize that the United States of America needs united support. What we do here lends good sense for all countries. Let's work together. Let's stop fighting each other. We need to work as a team both internally and over the ocean,” he said.
Harvey has applied those ideas to increasing services and visibility within the community to ensure veterans do not feel forgotten while boosting AL Post 233.
The American Legion is distinct from the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization because it serves veterans from all eras and branches. While the VFW focuses on those who served in foreign wars, the American Legion provides a broader support system for families and domestic veterans.
The American Legion is described as one of the largest veteran service organizations, supporting various groups including disabled veterans. There are a total 157 American Legion posts in Virginia, including a half a dozen posts scattered throughout Henrico County.
There are more than 650,000 veterans who live in the state according to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services; about 17% are women. The U.S. Census estimates 15,200 veterans live in Henrico County.
Strong participation and community involvement
Key to that Post 233’s energy and expanded role in the community is a strong management team.
As “adjutant,” Dr. Vaneada “Vee” S. Harvey serves as business manager of Post 233 and a veteran service officer, like her husband, Kennith. A VSO assists veterans in getting their benefits.
Vee Harvey ended her her military career in the U.S. Army as a colonel. She did not take kindly to being told she could only be in the AL auxiliary as a female and takes her mission seriously to help veterans access benefits and build community with and outside the building.
“One of the biggest challenges we have right now is for our Vietnam veterans is that they were exposed to, for example, Agent Orange, which is a toxin,” she said. “Some of our Korean vets were exposed to Agent Orange and asbestos and napalm; because they were exposed to this by virtue of their years that they served, they're supposed to get what's called presumptive conditions. Some of our Gulf War veterans like like ourselves were exposed to other toxins, be they chemical or those toxins that were there in the foreign countries. So we're supposed to get compensated for being exposed to those chemicals.”
The veteran service officer can assist those veterans into applying for those benefits based on their location of service, whether it's Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Vietnam or Korea.
VSPs assist veterans in applying for those illnesses and benefits because some of those illnesses don't manifest until a decade or two later. Some Vietnam veterans have ischemic heart disease or high blood pressure. Some of the children born to Vietnam veterans have spina bifida, and they are entitled to benefits as well.
VSOs assist with complex claims involving toxins like Agent Orange or chemical exposures from various conflict zones. The leadership emphasizes that timely filing of benefits is essential to prevent veterans from becoming disenfranchised after leaving the military.
The post has implemented a training program for "VSOs in training" to ensure they can eventually become accredited through legal channels.
“We help these veterans apply for their benefits, and then God forbid if one of the Vietnam veterans passes away, now their dependents and family members are entitled to apply for benefits because their service member passed away from a disease that was service connected, so the Veteran Service Officer has a really important job in helping the veteran or the veteran family member understand what conditions were in fact service connected,” Vee Harvey said.
'They give up a lot so that we can enjoy those freedoms'
The Harveys encounter many older veterans who have for one reason, or another never applied for medical benefits.
On Veterans Day Dr. Vee wanted to remind people that veterans give up more than just their lives and liberties.
“They give up families. They give up birthdays. They give up a lot so that we can enjoy those freedoms. Let's not just remember those that have fallen. Let's remember those that are still here. Let's give them more than just a thank you for their service. Let's give those of us that are still here the dignity and respect that they deserve,” Vee Harvey said.
Lisa Cummings retired from the Army after working in petroleum supply for more than a decade. After her retirement, she trained as a nurse and worked at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. At Post 233 she serves as assistant adjutant, supporting organizational structure and recruitment efforts.
“Coming from a military treatment facility with veterans and active duty, health is important,” Cummings said. “A lot of times, veterans or active duty or even nurses don't take care of themselves. You put your job and everything else before your health, and by the time that you retire or become closer to retirement, your body is starting to fail in some form or manner. Don't put your health to the side, because sometimes it's a little too late.”
She sees her involvement in the AL Post 233 as an impactful way to give back to veterans and the community.
This Veterans Day, Lisa wants Americans to reflect on the concept of patriotism especially after the recent election.
“I think that a lot of people misuse the word patriotism,” Lisa said. “People like to say they're patriotic, or you're not patriotic, and you don't even know who you're talking to. Patriotism comes from serving your country for everybody, making sure that this country stays safe. And just because it comes out your mouth doesn't make you a patriot. They misuse that word, there’s a lot of us out here that are patriots. We love this country just as much as anybody else, and I think sometimes people tend to forget that, especially in politics.”
Post 233 engages heavily with local youth and community organizations to foster future leadership and provide essential resources to the neighboring community organizations that are in walking distance to the post, including the Varina Ruritan Club, scouts, Varina Episcopal Church and the Varina Athletic Association.
The post's leaders expressed a commitment to continued growth, community presence, and providing dignity to all veterans regardless of their disability level. They recruit veterans to join the American Legion by sharing information with veterans in their network.
Community engagement and partnership include support to local scouts, providing meeting spaces and supplies for various troops at their facility. They collaborate with local entities and organizations, including Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas, schools and businesses to host events like job fairs and school supply drives. The post also participates in nursing home visits to support elderly veterans who may feel forgotten.
The American Legion motorcycle riding group program is designed to build community and provide service opportunities like Meals on Wheels to support local residents.
A recent Trunk or Treat event with a Sandston American Legion post brought fun to area kids in a safe venue. The annual Sneaker Ball honoring crucial community members and organizations, raised more than $2,000 for Veteran Administration hospital supplies, an increase from previous years.
Post 233 members also will participate in an upcoming Big Toy Parade and Pancake Breakfast, scheduled for Dec. 12 in Varina.
“This Veterans Day, I want people to take an opportunity to find a veteran, say hello to a veteran, speak to a veteran, and get a sense of what that veteran is going through," said Post 233 Assistant Rider Director Kevin M. Cummings Sr., who had a 26-year Army career, culminating with his role as first sergeant. "You may learn a lot from a veteran about togetherness and teamwork. We are actually one family, and it doesn't have anything to do with our political persuasions. It has to do with our country. If you are a veteran, then you served. There's no draft in this country. Everyone that has served nowadays are volunteers, and so we saw a higher calling in our life to serve."
Dina Weinstein is the Citizen’s community vitality reporter and a Report for America corps member, covering housing, health and transportation. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.
