We’re blessed with the best military in the world, whose members routinely put their lives in peril for the promise of safety back home.

One sometimes overlooked benefit our military provides is the continued sense of community service each member exhibits long after his or her official deployment or career ends.

This is most evident with American Legion Post 383 in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Not long ago a post of a few dozen members, Commander Dave Gatt said today the organization operates with more than 350 people.

Outside of providing camaraderie through shared experiences to each of its members, the group actively supports veterans, their families and the community. Its work is especially strong with area youth programs. Legion members sponsor Boy Scouts, organize American Legion baseball and fund students to attend Boys State and Girls State, a youth-government effort

Still, their work to keep members and the community informed on the services available to veterans is essential, their next event set in two weeks.

A briefing is planned at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at St. John Parish Community Center to update interested parities on the construction of the new veterans hospital in New Orleans.

All are invited, and the event is free to attend.

A question and answer session is planned, as well as a slide presentation conducted with commentary by Dr. Stephanie Repasky, hospital assistant director, and Chief Legacy Project Director Liz Fialla.

The outreach certainly doesn’t end there.

Post 383 Chaplain Gene Franques recently told L’OBSERVATEUR the post’s purchase of a professional-sized barbecue pit has made it possible for a partnership with Supreme Ford in LaPlace to blossom for cookouts that benefit the organization.

The next cookout is scheduled Jan. 31.

With a growing and committed membership, American Legion Post 383 deserves our support.

Those that stop by for a cookout know anything they contribute to the Post will surely benefit our community in the long run.