Donations sought for veterans' gala

"Give a Soldier a Night off."

By John Canalis

LONG BEACH – Southern California is home to the largest population of U.S. veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many, who are citizen soldiers serving in the National Guard, are coming home to layoffs and a tough civilian job market.

For those reasons, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Association of the United States Army, a non-profit advocacy organization, argues that it’s time to "Give a Soldier a Night off."

The organization is planning a formal gala featuring Miss America Katie Stamm to honor veterans and active soldiers May 29 at The Westin Long Beach. Association members say the organization relies on donations, "I need the public to help."

Because there is not an active Army base in Los Angeles County, veterans are often returning from overseas without a support network, she added.

There is a long waiting list of soldiers who would like to attend and each time enough money comes in another one can be given a to cover the $285 ticket, Campbell said.

 "Young soldiers really cannot afford it," said Felicia Campbell, vice president of programs for the association.

Campbell is not a veteran, but her niece and nephew have been deployed in the Mideast conflicts.

"I know what these kids go through," she said.

Though there is an Army focus at the event, members of each branch of the military, active or inactive, are expected to attend.

With about 150 chapters nationwide, the Association of the United States Army sponsors veterans’ events nationwide and lobbies in Washington, D.C.

"We’ve done this not only so we can welcome even more soldiers to the ball, but also to provide a tangible way for the local community to say thank you to its local heroes," Campbell said.

"Give a Soldier A Night Off" is part of Army Birthday Ball events nationwide.

The Long Beach event will include traditional military ceremonies, cabaret-style entertainment, a live band and dancing. Last year, 150 soldiers attended.

Members of the public can make tax-deductible donations of $25, $50, $100 or more to sponsor enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers and junior officers.

Donations can be made online via PayPal at http://ausa.org/glac.

For more information, visit the site or call Campbell at 714.220.3897.

[email protected], 562-499-1273