Walt Mares File Photo/Gila Herald: The AmericanLegion post 28 Color Guard participates in a 2016 ceremony at Veterans Park in Clifton. The guard participates, when requested, at functions such as veterans’ funerals and education programs at schools. The Legion is presently selling hamburgers every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Legion Hall in Clifton. The sales will help pay for monthly bills to keep the Legion Hall open.
Burgers are sold every Tuesday as a major fundraiser
By Walt Mares
CLIFTON – Folks will not only have their appetites whetted, but they will also be contributing to the community. They can do so by buying hamburgers at the American Legion Hall in Clifton. Morenci-Clifton Post #28 is selling hamburgers every Tuesday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Legion Hall, located off U.S. Highway 191 at the corner of Frisco Ave. and Zorilla St.
“We feel it’s a pretty good deal for only $7,” said Legionnaire R.T. Jackson. “You get a good-sized burger, french fries and your choice of soda pop. The fries, along with the burgers, are pretty darn good.”
There is also the option of having green chile added to the burger. The addition of the chile is quite popular, Jackson said. The money is used to help keep the Legion afloat. Vice-commander John Freida pointed out that of the annual membership fees paid, the local Legion is allowed to keep only $1 of each fee. The rest of the money goes to the Legion’s national organization.
“We have to pay some basic bills to stay open, such as rent and utilities,” Freida said. The hall is rented from Freeport McMoran, Inc., the local copper mining company, which owns the property. Utility costs, water, and electricity are paid to Morenci Water & Electric.
“Besides keeping the lights on, it costs us to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer,” Freida said.
The hall is one of the largest gathering places not only in Clifton and Morenci but also in Greenlee County. It is often used for community functions, such as wedding parties, funeral memorial services, dances, and other community events. Freida said rental of the hall is inexpensive for those who have events there and those functions are not enough to continue paying the hall’s monthly bills.
“The bottom line is selling hamburgers is a big help in paying the bills,” the vice-commander said. He added, “We very much appreciate people stopping by to have a burger. I believe they get their money’s worth and help the Legion which in turn is a plus for the overall community.”
When requested, the Legion also provides honor guards for veterans’ funerals. Freida said that is done at no cost as a tribute to veterans and their families.
“It means a lot to families and friends,” he said. “It’s a very special moment when the American flag that drapes the veteran’s casket is reverently folded and presented to the family. The flag is no doubt cherished. Presentation of the flag is definitely a moment to remember.”
In addition, the Legion provides an honor guard at school activities and provides a means by which to emphasize patriotism to students, love of country, and respect for the American flag.
“The Legion is a big part of not only honoring veterans but also reminding us of what being an American is all about and all of the freedoms we enjoy,” Freida said. The vice-commander can be contacted at (928) 792-3253 or jfreida504@yahoo.com. Text messages are preferred.
