![\"Working](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Hall.jpg\")
<\/a>\u201cThe proposed renovation to the next-door property is not new,\u201d said Chief Master Sgt. John \u201cJack\u201d Porath, USAF (Ret.) who is the commander of La Mesa American Legion Post 282 and the ship\u2019s captain of the VFW O.K. Ingram Ship Post 1774. \u201cThere was the 2014 Park Station Project when we were virtually ignored by the developer, and in only one of their drawings was the American Legion facility pictured or named. Eventually, we withdrew our support [for Park Station] and the La Mesa City Council defeated the plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the current project, we have been contacted several times and the communication lines are wide open. The membership, realizing development will occur, has embraced this project,\u201d Porath continued. \u201cThe developer has agreed to assist with our needed repair issues when the sewer pumping station is relocated and do major work on our parking lots that are steadily deteriorating. We will be allowed to market our organizations to the occupants and hopefully, those that are eligible (estimated to be about 90% of U.S. citizens) will join us and use what we have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lots of history<\/strong><\/p>\n The VFW Osmond Kelly Ship #1774 was formed in San Diego and charted on Jan. 14, 1930, by service members serving in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The VFW O.K. Ingram Ship was named after Gunner\u2019s Mate First Class Osmond K. Ingram who was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War I for \u201chis bravery that saved the lives of all members of the ship, except himself,\u201d according to the VFW La Mesa website. There are two other VFW Posts that share the name \u201cShip\u201d and are in Port Jervis, New York and Ridgecrest, California.<\/p>\n In 1985, the post moved to 7298 University Ave. in La Mesa after selling its Downtown San Diego building. Then on Jan. 27, 2011, the ship\u2019s charter moved to the American Legion Building at 8118 University Ave. in La Mesa. The reason cited was \u201cbecause of major damage at the 7298 University Ave. building after a rockslide on Dec. 21, 2010.\u201d<\/p>\n O.K. Ingram Ship 1774 was awarded the \u201cAll-American\u201d status for 2012-13 and 2016-17. An \u201cAll-American\u201d status given to a post is the highest honor awarded by the VFW national headquarters. It is given to the top 35 posts of each membership division, worldwide.<\/p>\n As a result of the designations, there is a \u201cpermanent streamer attached to the post\u2019s flag and the wearing of insignia on the caps and uniforms.\u201d<\/p>\n Other fun facts as cited by VFWlamesa.org:<\/p>\n Disability payments in 1930 were $40 per month for 100% disability and $12 per month for 25% disability. The VFW led efforts to raise the amounts.<\/p>\n On March 22, 1930, the ship\u2019s auxiliary had its first annual inaugural dance and tickets were 50 cents each.<\/p>\n On Oct 25, 1930, the ship was awarded the Domain of Neptunus Rex Certificate at the Neptune Ball and Court.<\/p>\n By 1934, O.K. Ingram Ship #1774 Drum and Bugle Corps won \u201cHonorable Mention\u201d at the Coronado Flower Show.<\/p>\n By July 10, 1950, VFW Ship #1774 hosted a bathing beauty contest; the proceeds went to the Relief Fund. Bathing suits were part of the awards.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Members needed<\/strong><\/p>\n Over the years, membership at VFW La Mesa has declined and the group is always looking for new vets to join.<\/p>\n \u201cOur membership seems to be declining with the loss of our older members, and the youth are not yet ready or able to participate in the activities of a veteran\u2019s organization for various reasons,\u201d Porath said.<\/p>\n Some are struggling with jobs, the cost of living in San Diego, and state legislative relief to equally and fully recognize state nonprofit status vs. federal did not occur (some posts are closing because they can no longer afford California property tax assessments) and other costs of doing business, he added.<\/p>\n Besides being a social place to hang out, have a meal, and get some of the needed support a veteran family requires, Porath said there\u2019s much more to what the La Mesa Veterans Club does. For example, the organizations of the La Mesa Veterans Club sponsor Boys and Girls State, a program that sends boys and girls to Sacramento for one week where they learn government.<\/p>\n The VFW also sponsors one of 21 American Legion baseball teams; assists veterans with their filing of claims; assists with various personal issues of the veteran and\/or family; sponsors Christmas for some children who have one or more parents deployed; provides low-cost meals and entertainment for eligible persons; provides scholarship programs for school grades eight to 12; provides awards to JROTC cadets; provides some school education programs; participates in parades and patriotic events; assists with Stand-Down in San Diego and the North County; maintains a Vietnam memorial; and overall maintains a veterans facility to operate within the city of La Mesa that serves the needs of veterans and their families.<\/p>\n In other words, it does a lot and is happy to do so. New members are always welcome, Porath stressed.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>