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Post 169 in Cambridge City, Ind., has been providing free meals and serving as a supply distribution center for those impacted by a devastating flood that damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings.

Cambridge City is known among Indiana residents as a must-see for antique enthusiasts. But after storms dropped more than 11 inches of rain in some areas of the state, the town located around 20 miles from the Ohio border and nestled along historic U.S. 40 became known nationally for something else.

The rain caused historic flooding in the White River, wreaking the communities in which it travels. Cambridge City was one of those, and the results were devastating: four buildings completely destroyed, 174 with major damage and another 71 with minor damage.

American Legion Post 169 was among those buildings that were impacted, which included a loss of power and damage that what one post officer said was “major”. Eight feet of water was in the basement, while the main level saw the water level reaching doorknobs. But that hasn’t stopped the post from stepping up for its community.

On Aug. 13 – while parts of the town were still underwater and residents were trying to put their lives back together – Post 169’s American Legion Family began serving daily community meals on its patio. That effort has continued and has grown into a supply distribution center for those affected by the flood.

“A handful of Legionnaires said, ‘We need to do more. We need to do this for the community,’” said Post 169 Finance Officer David Siggers, who is coordinating the effort. “So while they concentrate on cleaning up their properties, let’s fix food for them. We asked for donations, and there has been an amazing outpouring of support from the community and others. We had people coming in from Union City (Ind.) bringing in stuff. Columbus, Ind., brought stuff.

“We went over to Dayton (Ohio) and picked stuff up. It’s been amazing.”

Post 169 starts the day serving a full breakfast that includes biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, bacon and fruit. Pulled pork, hamburgers and hot dogs are available for lunch and dinner. “We stay open until 6:30 or so, clean up and do it again the next morning,” said Siggers. “The Auxiliary has been amazing, and it’s been manned by the Sons and Legionnaires. It’s been a complete team effort.”

In addition to the food service, the outside of Post 169 has served as a hub for much-needed supplies. Items that have been made available to area residents include cleaning supplies, trash bags, gloves, toilet paper and personal hygiene products.

“And there’s supposed to be more coming,” Siggers said. “We’ve been putting the word out that the stuff’s here and people can come get it.”

Siggers said the flooding might be the worst thing that’s ever happened to the town. But seeing how the community has rallied to support the post’s efforts and assist others is a silver lining.

“We’re a big part of this community,” he said. “We help out all we can do. And it feels amazing that we’re able to do this. We feel very fortunate to be able to do this.”

Support from the District. Indiana’s 10^th District is coordinating cleanup and recovery efforts for Legion posts impacted by the flooding, including Post 169. The efforts were scheduled for Aug. 20-21 and could continue into the weekend, if necessary.

The effort is being coordinated by Yorktown Post 321 Commander Mark Logan, who requested the following items:

·       Dehumidifiers

·       Fans and blowers

·       Wet/dry shop vacs

·       Dri‑Rite/Dry Right absorbent products

·       Rubber gloves

·       Disinfectants and cleaning supplies

·       Contractor‑grade trash bags

·       Bottled water and volunteer snacks

Volunteer tasks will include water removal, debris cleanup, disinfecting and sanitation, and dry‑out operations.

Assistance Available. Through �鶹��ƵAV’s National Emergency Fund (NEF), grants of up to $3,000 for Legionnaires and SAL members, and $10,000 for Legion posts impacted by the flooding and tornadoes are available. Individuals must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage from a declared natural disaster. Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster causing damage to the post building and restricting use of the facility for programs.

NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that is not covered. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. If the home is rented, renters insurance paperwork should be provided, if any. 

For American Legion posts, the only things covered are for post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the four pillars of �鶹��ƵAV. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached.

NEF grants are not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet the most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster. They also do not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.

To request NEF assistance, click here. To donate to the National Emergency Fund, click .