Young guns are on their mark at Post 178

After experiencing two years of restrictions, mandates, misinformation, confusion, frustration and now steadily increasing inflation, it was refreshing to rejoin the company of friends at the Millerton American Legion Post 178 Sunday breakfast functions this winter, hosted by the American Legion and the 4-H Dutchess County Long Rifles shooting team.

Breakfasts have been served on the first Sunday of each month throughout what has seemed like a long winter. The sit-down or take-out meals are generous and reasonably priced.

It’s been a relief to sit with friends gathered around tables and stand with them waiting in line and  hear them happily chatting and laughing.

Young 4-H members meanwhile, always seem to keep things moving as they stay busy taking orders and delivering meals. They are always pleasant, with a smile on their faces and a polite greeting for those they serve the tasty breakfasts to.

These young men and women are learning important life lessons while working the breakfast shift: of responsibility, ethics, respect, motivation, safety, self-confidence, teamwork and patriotism.

Their parents and mentors are rightfully very proud of them, as am I, a veteran and Legionnaire.

More than half of the 4-H shooting team members are girls, and sorry guys, most of the best marksmen are girls.

It is also worth mentioning that the Legion Post 178 and the Sons of the American Legion (SALS) alternate great weekday take-out meals, as advertised on the Post’s outdoor billboard on Route 44.

Please think about attending a delicious pancake breakfast at the Legion Hall in Millerton — the next morning meal will be on Sunday, April 3 — or grab a weekday take-out meal there. You won’t be disappointed. Your support will help the 4-H shooting team and American Legion Post 178 and its local community programs.

Our youth are today’s national treasures and tomorrow’s future leaders, deserving of our personal investment in their success.

God bless you, patriotic readers, and your families. Stay safe and healthy, and be on the look out for those needing a temporary helping hand. Please also pray for the brave people of Ukraine, now sustained only by their own patriotic tenacity and prayers from those around the world.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.