The History of Stanley-Pack Unit 499
The name for our Unit was arrived at in a unique way by the Post. They placed the names of the area deceased veterans from World War I in one hat and the names of the deceased from World War II in another hat and drew from each hat. John Stanley was from World War I and Roger Pack was from World War II - hence the hyphenated name of Stanley-Pack.
Our Post and Auxiliary have always been known for their close working relationship. Maybe it was because at one time the Post was in need and the Auxiliary sold Hamburgers and Hotdogs at the home High School games to help keep the rent paid, and each year we donate to the Post an item we think will help with our operation. We have had some real unusual fund raisers, from selling bird houses to needle threaders, cookbooks, hand made crafts, raffles and country stores.
Our Community Service programs have covered a lot of different projects. We started the first kindergarten in Blue Springs and furnished the teacher. Then sponsored it for 4 - 5 years in different churches until the School District took over. The teacher was one of our members.
We helped with a Halloween street dance for many years and served the entire community free hot dogs and cokes, even in 20 degree weather. Our members have helped pour concrete tables, put up paneling, build a walk-in cooler and even bought tank cars to fill in a ditch. (our parking lot used to have a big ditch).
We made the first contribution to the Parade of Flags at the cemetery and every season change the flowers at the veterans monument. Each year we help distribute flags to the schools in the Blue Springs area. One year we put over $850 toward the purchase of these flags.
In years past for our Children and Youth project we held a Cystic Fibrosis dance and all proceeds went for the equipment needed for Cystic children. Even the band donated their fees. Each year we give 2 and sometimes as many a 4 scholarships, plus $300 to a V.A. scholarship, and $240 for the Freedom Foundation. Our Little League team has sent three boys on to college on baseball scholarships. We contribute to baseball, football and soccer.
Our membership usually is around 300 to 325. We have had four District Presidents from our Unit and have endorsed one current member to be President for the 1999-2000 year.
We furnish a birthday cake and food each year for the Legion Birthday party in the month of March.
Unit 499 is fortunate to have a good relationship with our Post and consider ourselves lucky.......but of course we know they are lucky to have us.
This History is courtesy of Dorothy Hummer
