CHESAPEAKE - The men of American Legion Post 640 of Chesapeake all have one thing in common: A love of country and community.

&#8220We're in there to do things for the community and help the community out,” Commander Larry Sumpter said.

The service of the organization mostly pertains to helping out their fellow veterans by working on projects that include giving gifts to veterans in nursing homes and offering Memorial Day services.

The Legion also gives the men a place to come together and watch television and play games.

&#8220We have different things we get out of it,” Sumpter said. &#8220It's a place for us to congregate.”

Along with helping out fellow soldiers, the American Legion Post also helps out the community. Currently, the group is preparing to have bell ringers at Wal-Mart to collect donations for the holiday season.

Sumpter said when a need in the community arises, if the funds are available, they will try to help out. He said they all work together and take up donations to help the needy in the community.

Recently, two members of the American Legion Post, Proctorville resident Donald L. Hayes and Chesapeake resident Dan Russell, were awarded a plaque and a 50-year pin in appreciation for their half century years of service in the American Legion.

Dan Russell said the American Legion has progressed a long way since he joined in the 1950s. Russell said he is very proud to have been a member of the organization for that long.

Russell said the Legion does a lot for the veterans in the hospitals in Huntington such as sending Christmas gifts and service awards for veterans. Although it is not a large post, Russell said it is one that does a lot for veterans and it has for years.

&#8220It is always nice to receive some type of award, I didn't expect it,” Russell said. &#8220I am very proud to have been a member that long.”

Donald L. Hayes said he joined the American Legion in 1955 to be in the State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, which the American Legion sponsored.

&#8220It was nice. I enjoyed it,” he said. &#8220I learned a lot of stuff.”

The auxiliary rode with the State Highway Patrol one to two nights per month, according to Hayes and they received classes in areas that included first-aid and traffic direction.

Hayes was on the auxiliary force until the 1970s. He said the legion is made up of a &#8220fine group of fellas,” and he was honored to have been recognized.

&#8220It was a honor to receive that,” he said. &#8220I felt honored they recognized me.”

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