7th District Commander Jerry Parker, left, presents a $1,000 donation to Georgia Commander Dale Barnett on behalf of Rockmart's Post 12. (Photo: Lowell Vickers)

American Legion Post 12, Rockmart, on Sunday presented a $1,000 donation to help pay for unfunded needs at Veterans Administration hospitals.

Accepting the Post's donation were Jerry Parker, of Rome, the commander of the Legion's 7th District; and Dale Barnett, Legion commander for the state of Georgia.

Parker said the American Legion has set a goal this year of $100,000. The money pays for a variety of unfunded equipment and supplies that make the lives of recovering and ill veterans easier.

"We give the money to VA hospital in Georgia and other hospitals elsewhere that service veterans from Georgia," Barnett said. "In the past this has included such things as voice-activated televisions in spinal rehabilitation (wards) ... and comfort items such as popcorn machines and snow cone machines."

The Rockmart Legion post hosted a 7th District meeting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

The post is located at 1 Veterans Circle, off West Elm Street in Rockmart.

The welcome mat was spread for about 135 people, representing 20 posts and 51,000 veterans.

Guest speakers, representing U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's office, were Linda Liles, service academy director and constituent service representative; and John O'Keefe, deputy director.

The Congressman's representatives provided an overview of pending legislation of interest to veterans and their families.

Barnett and Commander Mike Powell spoke in the afternoon session.

Seventh district officers include Parker, Senior Vice Commander Marcellus Yancy, Junior Vice Commanders Charlie Bryant, Bobby Allen, Bill Dempsey, Tom Shell; Adjutant George Shelton, Finance Officer Dean Jarman, Chaplain Parker, Sgt.-At-Arms Tom Hash, Judge Advocate Paul Sleep, Service Officer Larry Hester and Historian Ken Temples.

American Legion Post 12, Rockmart, will host a seventh district meeting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

"Our strategy is how to help, aid and assist our disabled veterans and ways and means to increase the image of youth programs," said Post 12 Commander Ernest Rutledge.

He said the welcome mat will be spread for an anticipated 135 people or more, representing 20 posts and 51,000 veterans.

Guest speaker will be Mrs. Linda Liles, service academy director and constituent service representative and John O'Keefe, deputy director for U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey.

"We wanted Mrs. Liles as one of our speakers because we believe that she works hard in supporting efforts to help our veterans," Rutledge said.

Speaking during the afternoon session will be Commander Dale Barnett and Commander Mike Powell.

The session will be opened with a call to order by Seventh District Commander Jerry Parker followed by comments from Rutledge.

Jolayne Eley, seventh district president, will introduce Legion Auxiliary guests and remarks will be given by Harrison Parker, chaplain.

Following lunch, the afternoon meeting will be held with the session expected to end around 3 o'clock.

Seventh district officers include Parker, Senior Vice Commander Marcellus Yancy, Junior Vice Commanders Charlie Bryant, Bobby Allen, Bill Dempsey, Tom Shell; Adjutant George Shelton, Finance Officer Dean Jarman, Chaplain Parker, Sgt.-At-Arms Tom Hash, Judge Advocate Paul Sleep, Service Officer Larry Hester and Historian Ken Temples.

Lisa Johnson, sixth grade teacher at Rockmart Middle School, talks with Commander Ernest Rutledge, American Legion Post 12, during a class trip to the Rockmart Veterans Memorial, downtown. Rutledge spoke to the group about veterans and their part in World War I, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and others. He said that, during WWII, a large, wooden cross was placed near the Senior Citizens Center. Each week, the names of those missing in action, wounded or killed would be posted. Several years ago, a project was launched to remember the fallen and the memorial was erected. Dennis Wright and Bobby Renshaw, RMS teachers and veterans, also spoke to the kids.

Some 225 children are expected to be provided a merrier Christmas through the efforts of the local American Legion, aided by an area car club. American Legion Brown-Wright Post 12 will launch its major fund-raising efforts next weekend for the annual Empty Stocking Fund. “Last year we raised over $9,000,” Post 12 Commander Ernie Rutledge said. “That’s our goal again this year.”

Money to buy toys for area children comes largely from donations collected from shoppers at Rockmart grocery stores. Legionnaires will be in front of the Ingle’s and Triangle stores on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; and a collection at the Rockmart Wal-Mart store is planned for Dec. 8. A major contribution was also made to the fund last week by the North Georgia Cruisers car club. As in past years, the club designated a large share of it’s own fund-raising efforts toward the Empty Stocking Fund. The club presented the Legion with a $5,000 check to aid this year’s toy purchases.

Rutledge said in an effort to provide for as many children as possible, special efforts are being made to prevent “double dipping” into the charitable efforts. Applications will be closely screened to weed out multiple requests for the same children. “Sometimes there might be an aunt, the mom and a grandmother making applications for the same kids,” Rutledge said. “Only one application per family will be accepted. “We keep a close eye out for that.” Rutledge said efforts also are made to check the list of approved applications against the lists of children being helped by the other Christmas charities in the area. It’s unfair for one child to get two sets of presents from different agencies, and for other children in need to go without, he said.

Applications were distributed Tuesday to local elementary schools (Goodyear, Eastside and Euharlee) and they also are available at the Rockmart Public Library. The deadline for completed applications is Tuesday, Dec. 4. No late applications will be accepted. Applications must also be complete, neat and legible, Rutledge said. Applications will be reviewed by the Legion, and those applicants who qualify will be notified by mail. This letter also serves as proof of qualification.

Toys will be distributed at the Legion building at Veteran’s Circle, Rockmart, on Saturday, Dec. 22. Qualified applicants must show the letter they receive from the Legion in order to receive toys.