Department of New York Legionnaire Marshall Hughes lives on his own, serves as first vice commander at Hamlin-Weldin Post 1532 in New Haven and drives for Uber in Syracuse, a city with a population of more than 148,000 residents.

Department of New York Legionnaire Marshall Hughes lives on his own, serves as first vice commander at Hamlin-Weldin Post 1532 in New Haven and drives for Uber in Syracuse, a city with a population of more than 148,000 residents. Post 1532 Adjutant Shawn Mills said he’s amazed by Hughes’ spirit, dedication to The American Legion and overall demeanor. So when Mills learned that a fire had burned down Hughes’ home in April, he wanted to do something for the past Post 1532 commander and Korean War U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Mills worked with Fuller-Taylor American Legion Post 915 in nearby Central Square, where Hughes lives, to put on a May 30 spaghetti dinner fundraiser to assist in the veteran’s rebuilding effort. “It just came to me that he’s dedicated all these years to our post,” Mills said. “And at 92 … he just lost everything. His whole life, basically. I’m 47, so I can start over again and gain back some stuff. I won’t be able to get back some things, but I could pick back up and get back to almost where I was again. At 92 years old, it’s kind of hard to get back all that.” Post 1532 currently owns two buildings, but renovations are under way at both facilities that wouldn’t allow it to host an event. So Mills reached out to Post 915 in nearby Central Square – a post he’s previously worked with – about hosting the fundraiser. “(Poat 915 Commander Heather Stevens) thought it was a great idea for both of us to merge together (for the event), since he lives out that way anyway. They were on board and they helped us. The Auxiliary, the Sons and the Legion all helped out. It was a joint effort, and that’s what it’s all about.” In addition to the dinner, the event included raffles and a 50-50 drawing. Mills’ friend Jim Rose, owner of Wired for Sound DJ & Karaoke Service, donated his time to provide music at the event. The effort also received local media coverage. The effort raised more than $2,500, while another organization, Island Harvest’s Operation: HOPE, donated $1,500 to the fundraiser. Other organizations and individuals already have said they are donating as well. Mills said the support Hughes received at the event made the veteran emotional. “He started crying and tearing up,” Mills said. “And when we presented him the money, he just couldn’t believe it.” Throughout the night, though, Hughes had a smile on his face. That’s just who he is. “He doesn’t act like anything’s wrong,” Mills said. “He just amazes me. But that’s just the way he is. It’s just like another day for him. If that was me, I don’t know what I would do.” But Mills, who started and is a member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1532, knew immediately what he wanted to do for Hughes, out of a sense of duty and obligation. “If we’re not doing something like this, we shouldn’t be (an organization),” he said. “That’s why we’re here. I was in Army. We all stuck together. Did the job. That’s what it’s all about.” Hughes currently is living with a friend while he waits for his property to be cleared. Once it is, he’s getting a new doublewide mobile home. And he continues to go on like he did before, showing little signs of someone who lost their home. “Something’s still making him happy,” Mills said. “And that’s all that matters.” The American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Updates, resources, and special offers for veterans and their families.