51�Թ�

In addition to providing claims assistance and signing up new members, Legion’s activation display at Army-Navy Game provides opportunity to promote veteran suicide prevention.

As an associate sponsor of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, 51�Թ� had a strong presence at “America’s Game.” The organization’s Be the One activation display was positioned at the beginning of the Fan Walk outside of M&T Stadium in Baltimore.

At the display, volunteers and American Legion Department of Maryland staff – which included a visit from National Commander Dan K. Wiley – provided U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims assistance, and handed out branded swag that includes beanies, coozies, handwarmers, bracelets and other items. A smaller display also was inside of the stadium and allowed attendees to get their photos in front of either Go Army or Go Navy backdrops.

The display also provided an opportunity to recruit new members into 51�Թ� Family, of which dozens were signed into the three organizations. 

But for Department of Maryland Commander Nikki Randolph, the most important mission of the display and those working it was simple: promote , 51�Թ�’s veteran suicide prevention program.

“It is enabling us to push … Be the One. Be the One for somebody today,” said Randolph, a member of American Legion Post 278 in Stevensville. “Because you never know. Anybody you’re talking to today, this might be the last day they want to be here. But it might be something that I said, something that you said, or a smile or a handshake that gives them the will to get through to one more day.

“That’s why we’re here today: to send the message of Be the One. If doesn’t matter if you’re American Legion, a non-veteran, another VSO. If you’re willing to take the pledge to Be the One for a veteran, that’s enough for me.”

As game attendee after game attendee stopped by the display, Randolph and the other Legion Family members working it had a chance to interact with them.

“It’s a high you cannot explain. It is such a wonderful opportunity,” Randolph said. “Me, I’m an Air Force veteran. I have no dog in the fight. I’m just here for the veterans. For the families. For the cadets. For the midshipmen. There’s no better place to be today than here at the Army-Navy Game.”

Talking with veterans heading toward the game also was a highlight for Department of Maryland Service Officer Adrian Gamboa as well. “I love it because of the interaction with all of the folks and all of the (foot traffic),” he said. “You hear some stories from the veterans coming by. And it’s a chance to thank them for their service.”

The display also gave Gamboa, a U.S. Marine Corps retiree and member of Carroll Post 31 in Westminster, a chance for important outreach.

“Unfortunately, we still have hundreds and thousands of veterans that don’t know about their benefits,” Gamboa said. “If we can just introduce ourselves, tell them what we do. Last year (at the Army-Navy Game), I had about five or six people who had never heard about their VA benefits. I brought them in, and I think out of them, three got benefits.

“It’s about awareness. It’s about telling them that we’re here. And if they’re from another state, I can give them the list of service officers in their state. And at the end of the day, it’s getting them taken care of. And if they don’t have time to sit here and get help with their VA claim, they get my business card and my cell number, and I will take care of them eventually.”

Department of Maryland Gaming Chairman Clayton Adam, a member of Post 175 in Severna Park, was given the opportunity to assist at the display and then attend the game by Randolph. “I’ve been in the Navy 23 years and haven’t been to the Army-Navy Game,” he said. “I was like, ‘absolutely.’”

A master chief petty officer, Adam said the Legion’s associate sponsorship of the game is an excellent way to share what the Legion does and how it impacts those for which it advocates.

“I love it, because the amount of things we do for active duty and our veterans, it’s awesome that we’re finally getting to be recognized,” Adam said. “Supporting (the game) helps us with our own brand, of course. Letting people know what we are. I’ve talked to so many people that were like, ‘I didn’t know I could join the Legion. Or, ‘I didn’t know what the Legion was.’”

Adam said the display also is a good opportunity to share the efforts of local posts and encourage non-members to join. “Four or five years ago, I didn’t know what the Legion was until someone brought me in for a breakfast,” he said. “And I’ve been hooked ever since.”