Meet essay winner Dax Elder! The future is bright for Veteran support.

Dax is a 3rd grade student from Murphysboro, IL. He is the son of a disabled combat Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His father receives his care at the Marion VA Health Care System, and his mother also serves Veterans as an employee of the Marion VA as well. You could say serving the country and serving those who served is a family affair.  As part of the America 250 celebrations going on all across our great nation, American Legion Paul Stout Post 127 hosted a youth essay contest. The subject of the essay was “How can we support families who provide care to their Veterans?”

 Here is the 1st place essay that this young patriot submitted. 

“How can we support families who provide care to their Veterans” by Dax Elder

“I am 9 years old and I don’t know much about laws or rules for Veterans, but I do know how to be kind. If I say other kids whose dads are Veterans like mine, I would tell them how brave their parent is. My dad is a Veteran. He was hurt when he was in the Army during war before I was born and I’m happy I did not have to live with him gone in the Army. I know some families have to be home while their Veteran is away. So, if I could, I would tell each family member it will be  and that Veterans are the reason we are able to sleep safe at home. My town helps support families who care for Veterans. I know because my family is one and my family helps other families. The American Legion donated their building when my grandpa went to heaven. This helped my family in a sad time. My town takes Veterans fishing and hunting sometimes. This makes Veterans and their families happy, and I hope not feel alone. My family donates items to Veterans in nursing homes. To me this helps Veterans not have to pay for so much. I also help my dad and the VFW put flags on Veterans Graves. This shows respect to the Veteran and their families who visit the grave. I think the easiest way everyone can support Veterans’ families is by standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.” – Dax Elder