American Legion hosts flea market to benefit local veterans

American Legion representatives gather with the mothers of active military personnel recently honored by Collegedale's Desmond T. Doss Post 257, which included Sharon Erickson, Sarah Fisher, Ruth Ann Gilmore, Barbara Granada, Janice Lyons, Laurie Minner and Catherine Smith.
Contributed Photo — American Legion representatives gather with the mothers of active military personnel recently honored by Collegedale's Desmond T. Doss Post 257, which included Sharon Erickson, Sarah Fisher, Ruth Ann Gilmore, Barbara Granada, Janice Lyons, Laurie Minner and Catherine Smith. Contributed Photo

By Gabrielle Chevalier August 24, 2016 2 min read

In April, the Collegedale American Legion Post 257 welcomed more than 400 shoppers to its biannual flea market. On Sept. 11, organizers hope to see even more.

The Post is looking for more vendors to help appeal to the wide tastes of the community. Those interested can call Post Commander Dennis Smith at 505-5335.

All the funds from the event go to help support veterans in need within the Ooltewah and Collegedale area.

Smith said such funds have helped support a Marine in need of a new liver as he underwent the lengthy process and recovery period, and a disabled veteran and his disabled wife repair their only working vehicle.

“And that man had a Silver Star and a Purple Heart,” Smith said, referencing the disabled veteran who earned both the third-highest military decoration for valor and an award for the wounds he suffered in combat. ” Those are the kinds of people who we help – who need our help. He never wants to talk about how he’s a hero, but he is.”