Ellington

In an effort to raise funds and gain members for American Legion Post 107 in Soddy-Daisy, veterans invite the public to a free fish fry inside Soddy-Daisy Veterans Park Oct. 1 from 3-6 p.m. Donations will be accepted.

“It’s our first fish fry and membership drive,” said American Legion Post 107 Board of Directors member W.V. Roberson. “We had a free meal for veterans at First Baptist Church of Soddy-Daisy last November that was successful. We hope to see 400 people at the fish fry event.”

Those who attend will line up to be served fish, corn on the cob, slaw, rolls, desserts, tea and soft drinks. Donations raised will be used to help local veterans in need of financial support.

“When we find needy veterans, we want to help them,” said Post Cmdr. Lonnie Temples. “We help our veterans in the nursing homes too. We buy Christmas presents and walkers for them.”

Temples said veterans are getting older in the area and the American Legion is starting to lose members to illness or death.

“Most of our veteran members are past middle age,” he said. “We would like young veterans to join.”

Post 107 has 144 members on the books, but not all are able to attend meetings. Post meetings are held at Jim King Post 107 at 207 Depot St. in Soddy-Daisy. Meetings are the third Tuesday night of each month at 6:30 p.m.

“All veterans are welcome to attend meetings,” said Temples. “The American Legion started in 1919. It’s the largest veterans’ organization. It’s $35 to join Post 107 for a year. We serve meals at every meeting.”

Each meeting hosts a speaker. For example, a recent guest speaker, a 96-year-old veteran, told members of the audience about how he delivered the detonator for the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

“We want to have interesting programs,” said Temples. “We want folks to come.”

• Soddy-Daisy Veterans Park is at the 9000 block of Dayton Pike. To learn more, call W.V. Roberson at 240-1413.