DARKE COUNTY – Three American Legions in the county — Ansonia, Greenville and Osgood — have combined forces to raise money to donate to the American Legion Post 26 in Mayfield, Ky., which was heavily damaged and nearly destroyed by the recent tornadoes.
“We are sending our Legion brothers and sisters a check for $3,500 to help with rebuilding,” said Jennifer Anthony, commander of the Ansonia Post 353. “American Legion Posts continually give money back to the community.”
Anthony said last year, alone, in Darke County, American Legion Posts gave tens of thousands of dollars in donations to schools, athletic boosters, school bands, police, fire, rescue units, Boy and Girl Scout organizations, and, of course, veteran organizations and charities.”
According to Anthony, Mayfield’s Legion will make the best use of these funds by turning them back into their community.
“Most likely the police, fire and rescue have been stretched to the limit and may need assistance,” she said. “People still need help as well, and the American Legion is always there to serve for God, country, and community. We are proud to be a part of the Legion in Darke County. Our citizens are kind, generous, and good. We hope to make a difference, even a small one.”
The commanders of the other two posts involved locally are Ted Bruner of Greenville Post 140 and Jean Wilson of Osgood Post 588.
The decision to make this contribution was decided at a recent county council meeting of the American Legion.
“I think we all had the idea, but someone mentioned it first,” Anthony said.
According to one source, the violent, long-tracked tornado moved across western Kentucky producing severe to catastrophic damage in numerous towns, including Mayfield, Princeton, Dawson Springs, and Bremen.
Crossing through 11 counties of the Jackson Purchase and Western Coal Field regions during its lifespan, the tornado traveled 165.7 miles while at times becoming wrapped in rain.
“It was the deadliest and longest-tracked tornado in an outbreak that produced numerous strong tornadoes in several states,” the report stated. “Fifty eight fatalities were confirmed in the tornado.”
