July 15 ‘Taste of Post 488’ promises to be a fun family outing while supporting veteran’s causes

MONROE — Looking to build on last year’s success, American Legion Post 488 will host the second annual “Taste of Post 488 in memory of Bob Martell” on Sunday, July 15, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the post’s campus on Lakes Road.

More than 40 local eateries and organizations will be providing a “taste” of some of their most popular menu items or foods they are known for in an all-day eating festival intended to raise money to support the causes important to Martell.

It’s among the biggest fund-raising events the Post 488 undertakes and is a joint effort with the Post 488 Ladies Auxiliary and the Sons of Post 488.

“It’s important in that it keeps the memory of Bob Martell alive, first and foremost,” said Post 488 Commander Martin Currid. “Bob did wonderful things with veteran’s causes and scouting activities. The funds allow us to continue those good works. That includes cell phones, meals to Castle Point vets, scouting and packages to troops overseas.”

Good man, good causes Martell was never happy to be in the spotlight and always glad to quietly organize and implement the work to support these causes without fanfare. But he always quickly and publicly praised everyone who supported his efforts.

“Bob was a not a man for notoriety and would be totally embarrassed by this,” Currid said. “I feel in the ‘hereafter,’ I'm going to have to atone for this. But if this helps (his causes), Bob would suck it up.”

Martell, the former second vice commander of Post 488 who passed away in May 2011, was a well-known face in the Monroe area community for his efforts and achievements in supporting Cell Phones for Soldiers. He collected tens of thousands of unwanted or unused cell phones for the Massachusetts-based organization which recycles those phones and issues free 60 minute calling cards for each phone to be used by soldiers overseas so they can call home for free.

Martell also led the effort, through the generosity of local restaurants, to provide special meals to hospitalized vets at Castle Point, so they could have a taste of non-hospital meals every so often.

He also remained a staunch advocate of remembering the work of active duty military personnel in their efforts to protect the nation, leading an effort to provide packages of sundry items to them to let them know their work was appreciated.

Martell also gladly supported the efforts of others to do the same thing, such as the work of Monroe resident Kathy Aldinger, who is the local coordinator for www.anysoldier.com.

Scouts as well as veterans Unknown to most people, Martell often silently paid for many of those meals or even the mailing of packages to military personnel himself because he believed so much in the need to remember vets and active duty personnel.

“Bob, having been a veteran himself, appreciated the services of the young men and young women serving today and had fond memories of the men and women he served with when they were in the service,” said Currid. “He wanted to keep the appreciation for their service alive.”

Martell was also a supporter of boy and girl scouts, and was the post’s liaison with Boy Scout Troop 440 and Girl Scout Troop 388, offering them lessons in civics, patriotism and veteran’s awareness. One of the last things he coordinated for both groups was in March 2011, when he arranged for a visit from the West Point Military Academy Color Guard to give both troops a lesson in flag etiquette. He was too ill to attend the event himself.

Community Currid hoped community remembers would see the afternoon as a way to have a nice family outing while getting a good sampling of an eclectic mix of foods, with more than enough to make a meal out of their participation.

“It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon,” he added. “Mommy doesn’t have to cook; daddy doesn’t have to barbecue. There will be music, activities for the kids and a bouncy house. And, you have to eat sometime.”

The number of participating restaurants and groups has grown from last year, reinforcing to Currid the importance of community involvement and helping others.

“When just as it seems that people don’t care, all of these organizations are stepping up and it renews my faith in the American people and the local community,” he added. “I would ask everyone to please support those who have supported us in this effort.”

Essential information Tickets are $15 for adults, and children under 12 are free. Those who bring their obsolete cell phones to be donated to the Cell Phones for Soldiers cause will get a $5 discount off their admission (one phone per each admission).

To learn more, call Post 488 at 783-3965.

By Nancy Kriz