Meet Patrick Chance, firefighter!

He loves Spider-Man, pirates, science, his two dogs, and playing with his sisters, Madison (6) and Anna (2). Also, he's battling an enemy he can't see: cancer. These kinds of stories just tear me up. Before I get into the story of Patrick, I wanted to share with you the story of Evan Pertile, a little guy who only wants to be with soldiers. It's my favorite story from the milblogger realm, and for some reason everytime I read about it and see the films, dust gets in my eyes. Yeah, damn dust again. Well, Evan is doing well, and I will have more on him later. But yesterday I got an email from a man in New York City, a member of the Sons of The American Legion, who himself has two sons serving in the Armed Forces. He is Greg Tobin, and he is working with Saint Baldricks Foundation to raise money for treatement of Patrick and children like him. Patrick is an adorable little lad of 5. And this is his story.

In early May of 2006, Patrick woke up one morning and could not walk. He had been sick on and off for a month or so, but had been diagnosed with allergies and typical childhood illnesses. At the ER that afternoon, Patrick was diagnosed with an infection of his thigh muscle. After he did not improve over the next few days, he was readmitted to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a hip infection. He returned home, and awoke the next day unable to walk again. After several weeks of doctor visits, he underwent a bone marrow biopsy to determine if his problems with leg pain, fever, night sweats, and general malaise were related to a pediatric cancer or blood disorder. At this time, we learned that our precious three-year-old had cancer, although we had yet to learn the specific type.

Evan loves soldiers, and Patrick loves firemen. Go and read his story at the link above. It is heart-warming and sad at the same time. All around America in small villages, and in large cities, members of The American Legion Family spend countless hours and funds to help Children. Though we are known as a "Veterans Service Organization" it's perhaps more accurate to say we are a Community Organization, for with all the successes we have on the National level influencing legislation and helping veterans, most of our work is unheralded, and benefits those in need. Whether it be helping out in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina, or helping Children, the American Legion is there to lend a hand to those in need. We help with Naturalizing new Citizens of our country, we provide opportunities for kids to play baseball or to engage in scouting programs, we run Oratorical contests, we teach state and federal Gov't through Boys State and Boys Nation programs, we do the same for young women through Girls State and Girls Nation through the Auxiliary...In fact, we have an entire division devoted exclusively to Children and Youth.

The American Legion Children & Youth Commission provides guidance for this division, which is one of the four pillars of the organization. The division has three main objectives: to strengthen families; to support quality organizations that provide services to young people; and to maintain a well-rounded program that meets the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of young people. The commission works with a number of major partners, including Children’s Miracle Network, Ronald McDonald House and Operation: Military Kids. The commission also supports many other non-profit organizations, businesses and grass-roots efforts to help young people become successful, healthy American citizens. Internally managed programs in Children & Youth include the Family Support Network and Temporary Financial Assistance, which provide relief for military families with minor children who are struggling with the challenges of being without a deployed parent. Other programs handled by National Headquarters staff are Youth Suicide Prevention and Halloween Safety.

We have so much to offer; and offer it we do. Where we fail I think, is sometimes making note of our successes, both big and small. But I want to use this forum, The Burn Pit, to draw attention to these victories we have, to the things we do on a daily basis. Go and read Patrick's story, and know that your fellow Family Members of The American Legion are busy right now ensuring that our society and our way of life is preserved through our many charitable acts. It makes me proud to be a Legionnaire, and I hope his story has the same effect on you. My sincere thanks to Mr. Tobin and all the men and women of the Nanuet Fire Company for making the world a better place for Patrick and others. Somewhat unrelated to this, I did want to draw attention to the new award that The American Legion will be offering this year:

Starting in 2010, The American Legion will give a National Firefighter of the Year Award to a firefighter who has exceeded the requirements expected of his or her position and has shown a distinct pattern of community service and professional achievement. The award, which takes into account heroic acts, will be given annually at the Legion's national convention. Fire departments are encouraged to submit nominations to their state's American Legion department adjutant. Applications must be received by Feb. 1. Departments may only submit one nomination per year. Only department winners are eligible for the award, which will be accepted at the national convention. Nominees must be active firefighters and U.S. citizens. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are eligible only if they are certified firefighters. Posthumous awards will be acceptable only if the nominee's death occurs after the department's selection. Nominees must also reside and be assigned within their nominating department's state. The American Legion will provide the award winner and spouse with travel, hotel and other reasonable expenses for a round trip to the national convention city.

Click here for an application and further information.