American Legion picnic at Music Fest to help veterans, youth

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The American Legion is hosting a picnic at Saturday’s Maricopa Music Festival at Copper Sky Regional Park to raise awareness for the organization, money for veterans in need and opportunities for youth.

American Legion District 4, which encompasses 10 posts throughout Pinal County, will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni salad, chips and dessert for guests through the duration of the noon to 7 p.m. event. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to veterans, families of veterans and disadvantaged youth.

“Veterans helping veterans and children,” District 4 Commander Roy White said of the impetus behind the effort. “Veterans are coming back as we speak coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan – approximately 4,000 – who are going to need help.”

White, a Maricopa resident, said the Legion helps veterans in need pay utility bills, fix their vehicles so they can get to work and helps prepare them to get a job.

The Legion enlisted volunteers from the scouts to Maricopa High School’s Junior ROTC program to help, and members are donating tickets to disadvantaged youth.

“The purpose is there is comingling of cultures,” White said. “You can solve interpersonal problems simply by being nice yourself.”

White said approximately 200 tickets have been donated by local businesses and individuals so far, and he welcomes more.

In addition to lunch – or dinner if you prefer – tickets also provide entry into a raffle, which includes a $450