Veteran seeks to start American Legion post in Pace

PACE — The American Legion is a 99-year-old veterans’ organization dedicated to increasing quality of life for service members, assisting veterans with benefits claims, supporting American youths and instilling patriotism in all.

East Milton resident Carl Scheel, who spent 24 years in the Air Force, seeks to start a Legion post in Pace.

Milton has American Post 78 but Scheel says a lot of veterans in Pace don’t want to make the drive every time for meetings.

"We’re meeting currently at the fire department in Pace," Scheel said. "The annual dues I cut as cheap as I can, $40. If I could get donations, too, I would be happy."

Scheel said some veterans in Pace would like a post with a bar or a restaurant.

"The current one is surrounded by churches," he said. "We want one in the Pace area so we can get a liquor license. We would be happier to go to the post (and) have a beer and share stories."

Scheel’s Air Force career took him to the Korean War and Vietnam.

"I always like to say I did such a good job in Korea they sent me to Vietnam," he said.

Carl’s daughter, Carla, is also helping with the effort.

Contact either at 626-7625 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Veteran seeks to start American Legion post in Pace