Oak Harbor American Legion to host comedy fundraiser

Press Contributing Writer
news@presspublications.com

It’s all about coming together.
The American Legion Post 114, located in Oak Harbor, is hosting its annual spaghetti dinner, which will feature a comedian, on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 5:30 p.m.
Doors open at 4 p.m., and the comedian’s act starts at 7:30 p.m.. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets are available by calling 419-898-5888.
Oak Harbor native Ben Knauss, the post’s commander, wants to bring more veterans, like himself, to the legion.
Knauss, a 2006 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, talked about the non-profit organization.
“The money goes towards helping other veterans,” he said. “It goes out to the community during Thanksgiving and Christmas, for example. It’s everything we do.”
Because he’s a veteran, Knauss can sympathize with the struggles veterans can deal with after they’re done serving.
“We’re always here for them — it’s a no-judgment zone,” he said. “We’ve all been through it together. It’s easier for them to open up. All these fundraisers go (towards helping) veterans, especially if they’re struggling. It’s a safe place for veterans to talk.
“You never know, they might become a member and start helping other veterans, and that circle of trust gets bigger and they can start helping out more people,” Knauss said.
Knauss is working hard to get the word out.
“We are putting together a pamphlet or brochure about what we do. For example, we put out over 1,200 flags to the veteran’s gravesites. I think we do 800 flags at Union Cemetery in Oak Harbor,” he said. “The Friday before Memorial Day, a lot of people come out (to plant the flags) and it’s a big thing for the community. What they mean and the history behind ‘TAPS.’”
The Oak Harbor Legion is also planning to honor local students signing up to serve in the armed forces in May, at a date to be announced.
“March 11 is the signing date at the high school to join the military,” Knauss said. “I met with a VFW commander and another officer for lunch, and basically we want to have a send-off dinner for the high-school seniors who are going to the military. And we are here when they return.”