- Members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 have volunteered to conduct bingo at Floyd E. 'Tut' Fann State Veterans Home. Madison Legionnaires in the photo include Stacy Harring, walking at left; Lisa Hughes, at right, calling Bingo numbers; and Ralph Cobb, background at right, assisting residents during a game. CONTRIBUTED
Madison Legionnaires accept new role at Tut Fann
Published 10:18 pm Monday, September 9, 2019
MADISON, HUNTSVILLE – Members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 have stepped up to take an even more active role in outreach for residents at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home, a Veterans Administration facility in Huntsville.
Madison Legionnaires “approached Tut Fann asking if there was a way to contribute to the well-being of their senior veterans staying at the home. We got a resounding, ‘Yes,'” Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said.
Post 229 members will set up and host bingo games for residents on the third Saturday of each month. “The residents of Tut Fann cherish visits from the community organizations,” Vannoy said.
“Running the monthly bingo games not only gives a fun outlet to the residents but also gives our post veterans and sponsored youth organizations a time to enjoy and give back to our veterans,” he said.
“I believe we get as much out of the visits as the residents do,” Vannoy said.
Full-size candy bars are the favorite bingo prizes for the residents. “I don’t even think about giving the miniature candies like ones that are handed out on Halloween,” Vannoy said.
In addition, Post 229 is coordinating the rotation for responsibilities for future bingo games. Volunteers will help from Junior ROTC programs in local high schools, along with other veteran organizations.
Bob Jones Air Force JROTC already has agreed to help run the games.
Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home provides comprehensive services, including 24-hour nursing coverage; physician on call 24 hours; physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy on-site; pharmacy services on-site; activities program on-site; dietary services; and social services.
Organizations that are interested in this outreach can participate by calling 256-258-8534 or visiting the post’s website, americanlegionpost229.org. Individuals can reach the Commander or the Adjutant by emailing Commander@americanlegionpost229.org or Adjutant@americanlegionpost229.org.
Post 229 holds their regular membership meetings on the second Thursday each month at 7 p.m. at Lunar Lodge, 740 Eastview Drive in Madison. All former members of the Armed Forces interested in the American Legion are invited, Vannoy said.
